One of the more interesting NFL free agents still available on the market is former Seattle Seahawks left tackle Duane Brown. After Seattle drafted Charles Cross with the ninth overall pick it seems unlikely that Brown would return to the Seahawks. It was not too long ago that Brown was a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle. At age 36 Brown could still start on the left side for a few NFL teams. Here are potential landing spots for Duane Brown.
Background
Duane Brown spent the past five seasons with the Seattle Seahawks after beginning his career with the Houston Texans. Brown spent a decade in Houston after they selected him in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He was traded to the Seahawks for veteran cornerback Jeremy Lane, a 2018 fifth-round pick, and a 2019 second-round pick.
Throughout his career, Brown has been one of the best-left tackles in the league. He was voted to five Pro Bowls during his career, including this past season. Brown was also named Second Team All-Pro twice and First Team All-Pro once in 2012. This past season Brown was given a 71.5 grade from Pro Football Focus.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts had an outstanding offseason after nailing free agency and the draft. They traded for Matt Ryan, traded for Yannick Ngakoue, and signed Stephon Gilmore. Indianapolis also had an excellent draft, despite having limited draft capital. One area of need on their roster is the left tackle position. The Colts drafted Central Michigan tackle Bernhard Raimann in the third round. He is expected to compete for the starting left tackle job.
Duane Brown would be the perfect veteran for Indianapolis to sign to address their need at left tackle. Brown is a proven commodity and would solidify this offensive line. He would also be the perfect player to start at left tackle until Rainmann is ready to potentially take that role over long-term in a year or two.
Projected Offensive Line: LT: Duane Brown, LG: Quenton Nelson, C: Ryan Kelly, RG: Matt Pryor/Danny Pinter, RT: Braden Smith
Chicago Bears
If the Chicago Bears are finished making additions to the offensive side of the ball, it is fair for people to be concerned for Justin Fields next season. It is very clear they have not done enough to help him take a leap in year two. Many would agree that the Bears have a bottom-three group of pass-catchers and starting offensive line. They were not very deep at those positions groups before last season. But after losing Allen Robinson and James Daniels, the Bears’ offensive depth chart is concerning.
As it currently stands 2021 fifth-round pick Larry Borom is expected to start at left tackle for Chicago. The Bears’ second-round pick from that draft Tevin Jenkins struggled to transition to the left side and will likely return to his natural position of right tackle. Borom could eventually develop into a potential long-term starter, but shouldn’t be given the starting left tackle job without earning it.
Chicago should take advantage of the fact that Duane Brown is still available in free agency and sign a guaranteed upgrade at left tackle in Brown. There are too many questions about this offensive line for the Bears not to bring in one or multiple players to upgrade what they have in place. Brown can’t fix all of Chicago’s offensive line woes. However, he could ensure that the blindside of Justin Fields is protected.
Projected Offensive Line: LT: Duane Brown, LG: Cody Whitehair, C: Lucas Patrick, RG: Sam Mustipher, RT: Tevin Jenkins
Pittsburgh Steelers
There aren’t a lot of voids on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster. Their success this upcoming season will hinge on their quarterback play. Mitch Trubisky and 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett are expected to compete for Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback job. They step into a situation where they have a Pro Bowl running back, Pro Bowl wide receiver, and multiple talented young pass-catchers at their disposal. Pittsburgh’s offensive line isn’t the most talented unit. However, they have some solid pieces on their line that are dependable and long-term pieces.
After letting Alejandro Villanueva walk in free agency last year, the Steelers started 2021 fourth-round pick Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle. Moore Jr. was solid last season, but still has room for improvement. Even though Moore was the Steelers’ starter last season, it doesn’t guarantee him the starting job this upcoming season.
Duane Brown would be a massive upgrade over what Moore was for Pittsburgh last season. The additions Pittsburgh made to their offensive line would look a lot better if they added Brown to their group of new starters which includes James Daniels and Mason Cole. This would ensure that whoever starts at quarterback for the Steelers next season has an excellent offense around him to help him succeed.
Potential Offensive Line: LT: Duane Brown, LG: Kevin Dotson, C: Mason Cole, RG: James Daniels, RT: Chukwuma Okorafor
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