NFL free agent offensive line rankings: Ronnie Stanley, Drew Dalman lead best available
The start of the new league year in March sees one of the biggest events on the calendar: free agency. Beginning March 10, teams can negotiate with players for contracts next season and bolster their roster at different positions.
Last year, plenty of high-profile names changed teams. Quarterback Kirk Cousins went from Minnesota to Atlanta; Saquon Barkley went from the Giants to the Eagles (and won a Super Bowl ring); Derrick Henry left Tennessee for Baltimore.
There were plenty of big names who changed teams and had an impact on defense with stars like edge rusher Danielle Hunter (Minnesota to Houston) and safety Xavier McKinney (Giants to Packers) improving their new squads.
But those big deals didn't come up much for offensive linemen. Guard Robert Hunt got the biggest deal with a five-year, $100 million deal to join the Panthers.
That won't be the case this time around. Multiple Pro Bowlers and lots of plus starters on the offensive line are available come March 10, especially on the interior.
It's hard to properly quantify offensive line play as you can with skill positions or defenders. We're including data from Pro Football Focus' offensive grades and Sports Information Solution (SIS) data to help our top 10 ranking.
NFL free agency rankings: Offensive lineman
1. T Ronnie Stanley
- Previous team: Baltimore Ravens
- 2024 stats: PFF: 70.7 offensive grade, 37th among tackles; SISdata: 3.3% blown block rate, 14 penalties
Stanley was a first-team All-Pro left tackle in 2019 but hadn't played a full season since entering 2024. He went out and had his best season since then and made his second Pro Bowl again.
Stanley will be 31 at the start of the 2025 season but could likely play another five seasons. Top tackles don't often make it to free agency and he'll likely be too expensive for the Ravens to retain.
March 8 update: Stanley has reportedly signed a three-year deal to remain with the Ravens.
2. C Drew Dalman
- Previous team: Atlanta Falcons
- 2024 stats: PFF: 78.8 offensive grade, 4th among centers; SISdata: 1.3% blown block rate, three penalties
Dalman's started at center for the Falcons since 2022 and looked to be headed for a career-best year in 2024 before an ankle injury derailed that. He's an excellent run blocker with room to grow in pass protection. There aren't many good centers in the class and given the influx of young quarterbacks in the NFL over the last few years, he could be a long-term answer at the position as he'll turn 27 next season.
3. G Will Fries
- Previous team: Indianapolis Colts
- 2024 stats: PFF: 86.9 offensive grade (did not qualify); SISdata: 1.6% blown block rate, one penalty
Like Dalman, Fries was on pace for a career season before a fractured right tibia ended his season in Week 5. Had he kept that rate of play going, he would've been a top-three guard in the league per PFF. Fries should be cleared medically and will be a solid second-best option on the guard market behind Smith.
4. T Cam Robinson
- Previous team: Minnesota Vikings
- 2024 stats: PFF: 63.2 offensive grade, 53rd among tackles; SISdata: 4.4% blown block rate, two penalties
Robinson came to the Vikings mid-season from the Jaguars and did a solid job in place of the injured Christian Darrisaw. Robinson turns 30 next season and offers a good skill set in pass protection. His run blocking is a bit behind but his starting experience at left tackle will get him interest from many teams.
5. G Mekhi Becton
- Previous team: Philadelphia Eagles
- 2024 stats: PFF: 70.7 offensive grade, 20th among guards; SISdata: 2.5% blown block rate, five penalties
Becton signed with the Eagles on a one-year deal and moved to guard. That may have saved the former first-round pick's career. He's always excelled in run blocking but took a step forward in pass protection with Philadelphia. Becton will be 26 at the start of the 2025 season, making him one of the youngest free agents on the offensive line and a potential long-term answer at the position.
6. C Josh Myers
- Previous team: Green Bay Packers
- 2024 stats: PFF: 54.2 offensive grade, 38th among centers; SISdata: 1.8% blown block rate, three penalties
Myers has started all but one game in the last three years in Green Bay and 2024 was his best season. He improved in pass blocking to round out his skill set as a solid run blocker. Like Dalman, he'll be 27 next season and, in a shallow center market, could be a better option than a draft pick at the position for teams looking for an upgrade.
7. G Teven Jenkins
- Previous team: Chicago Bears
- 2024 stats: PFF: 75.4 offensive grade, 13th among guards; SISdata: 2.3% blown block rate, four penalties
Jenkins moved from tackle to guard and made the most of the change with a strong year in 2024. He'll be 27 next season with the youth and foundational skills teams look for in guards. He has missed time with injuries every year since 2022 which could impact his market, though.
8. T Dan Moore Jr.
- Previous team: Pittsburgh Steelers
- 2024 stats: PFF: 67.2 offensive grade, 42nd among tackles; SISdata: 4.0% blown block rate, three penalties
Moore Jr. entered 2024 in a backup role but ended up starting after injuries along the Steelers' offensive line. He performed well, especially in pass protection when put in that position and has 66 career starts entering his age-27 season. He won't get the numbers Stanley or Jackson will likely command, but he offers teams high upside and youth at a key position.
9. G James Daniels
- Previous team: Pittsburgh Steelers
- 2024 stats: PFF: 92.9 offensive grade, second among guards; SISdata: 3.1% blown block rate, zero penalties
Daniels played in just four games for the Steelers in 2024 before tearing his Achilles. He was on pace for a great year ahead of that and will turn 28 this September. That kind of injury may be less impactful for an interior offensive lineman but will still depress his market. If he regains his pre-injury form, he could be a steal for a team in 2025.
10. G/T Patrick Mekari
- Previous team: Baltimore Ravens
- 2024 stats: PFF: 60.0 offensive grade, 74th among guards; SISdata: 2.2% blown block rate, 12 penalties
Mekari played all over the line for the Ravens in 2024 but settled in mostly at left guard. He's logged time at both tackle spots for Baltimore and offers versatility for a future team entering his age-28 season. If teams are looking for a low-cost swing tackle option or a steady hand at guard, Mekari has value.