Baltimore Ravens Free Agency Focus: Offensive Tackle
By Patrick Conn
Dec 29, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Michael Oher (74) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Bengals defeated the Ravens 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Today at 4 pm the free agency period begins. It is undeniable that the offensive line should be a huge focus with the possibility of the Ravens losing both of their starting right tackles in Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher. Monroe is the top offensive tackle available per Rotoworld.com. With Oher coming in at number six on that list as well. The next best option at the tackle position would have been Branden Albert, however he has a greed to a deal with the Miami Dolphins to make $10 million per season according to CBS Sports. Jared Veldheer is also atop that list but he is expecting to sign with the Cardinals.
The best scenario is that Monroe remains a Baltimore Raven and general manager would only have to replace one tackle in Oher, should he be allowed to walk. The right tackle position is a bit easier to find a replacement than your blindside protector on the left side. There is also the option of moving Oher over to the left side but that experiment didn’t bode so well the last time. Which makes that scenario more unlikely. However, using him as a stopgap may not be such a bad idea.
Offensive Tackle Options:
Eugene Monroe
Michael Oher
These are the two best options. Teams don’t have huge success when going after big name free agents and locking up your own will always be the right thing to do, provided you aren’t overpaying them.
Bryant McKinnie (Miami):
McKinnie is familiar with the Ravens but his age is a bit of a concern. He will be 35 this upcoming season and the tackles from a season ago are both under 30.
Branden Albert (Kansas City):
He is expected to sign with Miami
Jared Veldheer (Oakland):
Veldheer is expected to sign with Arizona
Anthony Collins (Cincinnati):
Collins seems to have a durability issue and many don’t foresee him getting away from the Bengals.