If there’s any position that I think the Falcons should address in free agency, the offensive line is one of the top two choices next to edge rusher. The Falcons have devoted a lot of draft picks to the position, and results have been mixed. Matt Gono and the Falcons have agreed to part ways after Gono missed 2021 due to injury, so swing tackle, along with an upgrade over Jalen Mayfield, should be in play for Atlanta.
Regardless, let’s look at some choices because there are plenty. I will focus on quality over quantity here, which isn’t necessarily the case with other positions. Previous editions are linked below:
- Free Agent Big Board for the Falcons: Quarterbacks
- Free Agent Big Board for the Falcons: Running Backs
- Free Agent Big Board for the Falcons: Wide Receiver
- Free Agent Big Board for the Falcons: Tight Ends
12. OT Tyrell Crosby — Detroit Lions
Crosby is a solid athlete with plenty of experience in the NFL, and his versatility could allow him to play multiple positions across the offensive line in a pinch. At worst, he’s a cheap backup right tackle on a team with poor depth.
11. OT Mike Remmers — Kansas City Chiefs
Remmers was displaced in Kansas City, but if you recall, Von Miller absolutely terrorized him in Super Bowl 50 when Remmers was with Carolina. He’d make a decent veteran backup swing tackle for the right price.
10. OT Germain Ifedi — Chicago Bears
Ifedi had been a disappointment for a big part of his career in Seattle, but he played pretty well for the Bears at guard and tackle over the past two seasons. He’d be a solid pickup considering his versatility.
9. IOL Andrew Norwell — Jacksonville Jaguars
While he never lived up to the massive contract he was given in Jacksonville, Norwell was one of the best guards in the NFL for multiple years in Carolina. If possible, I would love the value of a prove-it deal in Atlanta, as Norwell is still very good in pass protection.
8. OT Joseph Noteboom — Los Angeles Rams
Noteboom has played well at times in Andrew Whitworth’s absence in LA, most notably in the playoffs against Tampa Bay, where he really held his own. He’s probably my top option available for the swing tackle opening, especially at 26 years old.
7. IOL Trai Turner — Pittsburgh Steelers
Although he has had an up and down career, Turner played pretty well for the Steelers in 2021. He has some positional flexibility as well, and a cheap deal should be in play for Atlanta.
6. IOL Mark Glowinski — Indianapolis Colts
Glowinski played well at times at both guard spots for the Colts, and while Quenton Nelson overshadowed him, he opened up a lot of gaps for Jonathan Taylor. If the Falcons aren’t looking to spend big at guard, Glowinski would be an ideal plug-and-play starter at left guard.
5. IOL Austin Corbett — Los Angeles Rams
Corbett was not very good after the Browns took him in the first round back in 2015, but he has been rock solid for the Rams and has made himself some money this season. At 26 years old, he can be a piece now and in the future for the Falcons.
4. IOL Ben Jones — Tennessee Titans
A guy who has a ton of experience with Arthur Smith, Jones has had a lot of success at center and guard in his long career with the Titans. I doubt the Titans let Jones slip away, but if the Falcons want to move on from Matt Hennessy, pushing for a reunion with Smith and Jones makes a ton of sense.
3. IOL Laken Tomlinson — San Francisco 49ers
Like Corbett, Tomlinson’s career got off to a pretty rough start after the Lions drafted him in the first round. However, he has been fantastic in Kyle Shanahan’s system, and he would be a day one starter in Atlanta at left guard.
2. IOL Connor Williams — Dallas Cowboys
Williams makes a strong case for the top spot, and he has been incredible for the Cowboys after being drafted in 2018. He’s very strong in pass protection, and at 24 years old, the Falcons can pick up a guard to serve as Chris Lindstrom’s running mate for years to come. Williams makes a ton of sense if the Falcons can scrounge up the cash to pay him.
1. IOL James Daniels — Chicago Bears
If you’re factoring in cost, then Williams or Tomlinson may be a better option for the Falcons. However, I think in terms of what you’re actually getting, Daniels is hard to pass up. He can play all across the offensive line, and he’ll be 24 years old when the NFL season kicks off in 2022. He’s the Joe Thuney of this class, and although the Falcons didn’t spend big on Thuney, Daniels is younger and just as talented. He’s very balanced as a strong run blocker and rock-solid pass protector. If the Falcons can make the money work, Daniels would be an immediate impact player on the offensive line.
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