Tyler Smith, the All-Pro guard for the Dallas Cowboys, signed a record-setting four-year extension worth up to $96 million, securing his future with the team through 2030 and reflecting his elite performance since entering the league in 2022.
Brandon Scherff, a highly decorated NFL offensive guard and former All-Pro, has announced his retirement, reducing the likelihood of the Seahawks signing him as a veteran option and increasing the chances that the starting right guard position is already on their roster, with Anthony Bradford as a leading candidate.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Trey Smith have agreed to a four-year, $94 million contract, making him the highest-paid guard in the league, securing his future with the team after he was previously franchise-tagged.
The Detroit Lions are set to sign veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to a one-year deal, following the departure of Jonah Jackson. Zeitler, who earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2023, is known for his strong pass blocking and is expected to bolster the Lions' offensive line. His addition will likely prompt a shift for re-signed right guard Graham Glasgow to the left side of the line, as the Lions seek a fifth starting lineman alongside Glasgow, center Frank Ragnow, and tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker. Zeitler's signing marks the 10th player the Ravens have lost in free agency, signaling a new-look offensive line for Baltimore in 2024.
Free agent offensive guard Damien Lewis has agreed to a four-year, $53 million deal with the Panthers, with $26.2 million fully guaranteed. The 26-year-old, who previously played for the Seahawks, is expected to bolster the Panthers' offensive line alongside another guard, Robert Hunt, as they aim to strengthen protection for quarterback Bryce Young.
Offensive guard Jon Runyan has agreed to a three-year deal with the Giants worth $30 million, with $17 million guaranteed at signing. The 26-year-old, who spent his first four seasons with the Packers, started 50 of the 51 games over the past three seasons, primarily at left guard. The Packers have groomed 2022 third-round pick Sean Rhyan to replace Runyan.
The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a 4-year contract extension with offensive guard Landon Dickerson, making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL with a $84 million base salary, $87 million max value, $50 million total guaranteed, and a $20 million signing bonus. Dickerson, who has made the Pro Bowl twice in his first three seasons and started 46 games since being drafted in 2021, has been a reliable presence on the field, with a high percentage of offensive snaps played and minimal penalties. With the retirement of Jason Kelce, locking up Dickerson to anchor the offensive line for the next four seasons is a significant move for the Eagles.
The Baltimore Ravens are unlikely to make big moves in free agency due to limited cap space, but they will need to address the offensive guard position. Potential targets include Dalton Risner, Damien Lewis, Nick Allegretti, Andrus Peat, and Laken Tomlinson, all of whom bring experience and varying price ranges to bolster the team's offensive line.
The Los Angeles Rams are re-signing guard Kevin Dotson to a three-year, $48 million deal with $32 million guaranteed, after he proved to be one of their best acquisitions in 2023. Dotson, who started 14 games for the Rams last season, was acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers during training camp. He ended the year as Pro Football Focus' second-ranked guard and has played in 53 regular-season games, including 44 starts, over four NFL seasons.
The New York Jets have agreed to terms with veteran offensive guard Rodger Saffold, signing him to their practice squad with the intention of promoting him to their active roster. Saffold, who played under Jets offensive line coach Keith Carter in Tennessee, earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl last season with the Bills. With a 13-year career that includes stints at left tackle and right guard, Saffold brings experience and versatility to the Jets' offensive line.
Dallas Cowboys right guard Zack Martin remains in a contract holdout, missing 12 training camp practices and accumulating $600,000 in fines. The team and Martin are at a stalemate, with no indication of his return and the Cowboys showing no intention to negotiate. Martin, who wants to be paid at the top of the market, is seeking more than his current $13.5 million salary. The Cowboys have been practicing without him, using other players to fill the right guard position.
Offensive guard Shaq Mason is finalizing a three-year, $36 million contract extension with the Houston Texans, including $22 million guaranteed. Mason was traded to the Texans from the Buccaneers in March and started all 17 games in his one season in Tampa. He was a fourth-round pick of the Patriots in 2015 and has appeared in 120 games, starting 115.
The Miami Dolphins are predicted to select a tight end, running back, and offensive guard with their first three picks in the 2023 NFL draft, according to a final mock draft using Pro Football Focus' simulator. The predicted picks are tight end Luke LaPorta, running back Cameron Spears, and offensive guard Cedric Gaines. The Dolphins have just four selections in the draft and will need to use them wisely to supplement their roster with talent.
The Detroit Lions may package some picks and move up in the draft as they don't have many glaring holes on the roster. They could potentially double up on offensive guard and defensive tackle in the draft to add depth to their roster. The Lions already have four of their starters locked in on the offensive line, but could add an OL early in the draft to potentially fight for the starting job and provide insurance for the future. On the defensive side, the Lions could easily double up on the interior defensive line and find some room for their rookies.
Offensive guard Wes Martin is set to sign with the Cleveland Browns, returning home to Ohio after spending time with the Washington Football Team and New York Giants. Martin will serve as a backup to Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller.