Daily Norseman
Will any of the top guards actually hit the open market?
There was good news yesterday. The league announced the cap would fall between 277.5M and 281.5M. This gives the Vikings more cap space to try and sign free agents. Which free agents though? Obviously interior offensive line and defensive tackle are areas most want to see them address first. But cornerback and possibly safety are also in need of new additions.
Which guards do you think will actually be available?
Trey Smith may be available on the open market but the Chiefs really need him. I think he stays in KC deflating the dreams of many goobers (er., fans) ...
According to a recent report from The Athletic’s Nate Taylor, the Chiefs are not expected to use the franchise or transition tag on Smith (or any pending free agent). This isn’t terribly surprising news because of the restrictive nature of having all that salary cap money ($25M for franchise and $21M for transition) tied up while working toward a long-term deal. It doesn’t allow flexibility to make moves in free agency or otherwise.
However, this doesn’t mean the Chiefs will give up on retaining the former 2021 sixth-round pick and four-year starter at right guard. What could a potential long-term deal for Smith look like? We’ll explore that below.
.
Will Fries sure sounds like he wants to stay in Indy and they do have the cap space ...
“This place is special,” Fries said. “... From coming in here as a rookie with guys having my back when I didn’t play much and then getting an opportunity to start and then being able to start the year after that. There’s so many good people here.
“All I want to do is repay them with how hard I can work, playing the best I possibly can for those who believe in me and for my family and for myself. That’s what it’s meant to me to be here.”
.
Tevin Jenkins looks like he will hit the open market ...
Chicago Bears impending free agent guard Teven Jenkins will likely draw interest across the league this offseason. According to several reports, the Bears will likely part ways with Jenkins even though he was one the better pass protectors in the 2024 campaign.
In four seasons, Jenkins has never played a full year, missing 21 games due to injuries. The Packers can’t afford to spend big on a player who can’t stay on the field.
And that’s exactly what Jenkins is looking for—a big contract. He’ll likely aim for something in the range of Sam Cosmi’s four-year, $74 million extension with Washington. That’s an expensive gamble on a player with a long injury history.
Note: Jenkins is a significant risk.
.
Mekhi Becton might become available but the Eagles fans sure want him to take a discount to return which is a possibility ...
*Now, Becton again faces free agency, this time as one of the best available offensive linemen...
