NFL Free Agency: Projected Offensive Linemen for 2026
The new league year is just about here, and with it, the start of NFL free agency for the 2026 season. Teams are busy strategizing for their rosters while keeping an eye on the available free agents.
Let’s dive into the projected free agent offensive linemen for the 2026 class and take a look at how they might be ranked by NFL teams.
C Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens
2025 stats: 17 games played (17 starts), 26 pressures allowed, 2 sacks allowed.
Linderbaum stands out as the top offensive lineman available, assuming the Ravens don’t manage to resign him. The former first-round pick from Iowa State, drafted in 2023, has made the Pro Bowl three times in a row and was ranked as the fifth-best center last season.
It’s surprising to think Linderbaum could hit the free agency market. However, after a head coaching change, the franchise might be evaluating all options under Jesse Minter as they think about their future.
Will Minter prioritize investing in defense instead of making Linderbaum the highest-paid center in the league? That’s a question worth pondering.
OT Rasheed Walker, Green Bay Packers
2025 stats: 17 games played (16 starts), 40 pressures allowed, 5 sacks allowed.
Walker has been a dependable offensive tackle for Jordan Love and the Packers since 2023. He excels more in pass protection than in run blocking, boasting a 70.0 pass block grade compared to a 55.4 run block grade from last season.
Interestingly, Walker has consistently scored a pass block grade of 70.0 or better each season while struggling to exceed 58.0 in run block grading. You might think this might hurt his prospects in free agency, but in today’s football, where quarterback protection is crucial, he’s sure to attract interest from several teams.
At just 25, he still has a lot of potential ahead, and he’ll likely be under 30 when his next contract kicks in, making him an appealing option.
OT Braden Smith, Indianapolis Colts
2025 stats: 13 games played (13 starts), 26 pressures, 1 sack.
Much like Walker, Smith has been a strong protector, though he’s also proven effective as a run blocker. Coming off a season where he earned a pass block grade of 71.9 and a run block grade of 58.0, his stats look decent, although he is four years older than Walker at 29.
If the Colts decide to let him go, a number of teams will likely be in the market for a tackle. The offense seemed promising early in the season before Daniel Jones was injured, leading Indy to potentially want to reinforce the same line that has benefited Jonathan Taylor.
OG David Edwards, Buffalo Bills
2025 stats: 17 games played (16 starts), 32 pressures, 4 sacks.
Edwards stands out as one of the more balanced free agents available, adept in both run and pass blocking. With an overall grade of 71.4 for 2025 from PFF, he ranks 19th among qualified guards. Specifically, he achieved 14th in pass blocking with a score of 73.0 and 23rd in run blocking at 69.0.
C Connor McGovern, Buffalo Bills
2025 stats: 16 games played (16 starts), 18 pressures, 0 sacks.
McGovern had his best season recently, as he went nearly the entire year without allowing a sack on star QB Josh Allen. His protection earned him a commendable pass blocking grade of 73.4, making him the sixth-best in the NFL this past season.
While Linderbaum is clearly the top center this year, McGovern still presents a strong option for teams not landing the former.
C Cade Mays, Carolina Panthers
2025 stats: 14 games played (12 starts), 13 pressures, 0 sacks.
Could Mays be the next emerging talent at center in the NFL?
Over 22 games as the starter, he has pressured the quarterback just 21 times, with no sacks—impressive numbers for such a limited sample size. Even if Linderbaum and McGovern rank above him, don’t be shocked if Mays secures a lucrative contract this offseason.
OG Isaac Seumalo, Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 stats: 14 games played (14 starts), 20 pressures, 4 sacks allowed.
Seumalo, at 32, continues to perform well, surrendering just six sacks over three seasons. His 12 pressures allowed last season were the lowest of his career, showing remarkable consistency since 2020.
According to PFF, he hasn’t finished below 60.0 for run or pass blocking since 2020, making him an appealing option for many teams.
OG Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns
2025 stats: 17 games played (17 starts), 31 pressures, 2 sacks allowed.
Bitonio once represented the gold standard for offensive guards. He had impressive PFF grades of 85.0 and above from 2020 to 2022, but his performance dipped below 68.0 in 2023 and 2024. Last year, however, he rebounded, improving both run and pass blocking stats compared to the previous two seasons.
OG Aaliyah Vera Tucker, New York Jets
2025 Stats: Injuries (missed entire season)
Vera-Tucker will turn 27 this summer and is recovering from a season-ending injury. If it weren’t for that, he would likely rank higher on this list due to his age and untapped potential. His 2024 season was his best according to PFF, but now his injury raises questions about his future.
OG Wyatt Teller, Cleveland Browns
2025 stats: 13 games played (13 starts), 24 pressures allowed, 3 sacks allowed.
Reflecting the inconsistency seen with his fellow Browns, Teller peaked in the 2020-2021 seasons. His grades have gradually slipped since then, with 2025 marking his lowest performance since 2019. Still, one could argue that a fresh start could do him some good. Perhaps a change of scenery is what he needs to revive his career.
