The guard class is going to have some nice players for teams in NFL free agency.
There are several starters in this year’s offensive guard class of free agents, whether you’re looking for a higher-end option or just a guy. The NFL Draft also has a few options that could go in the first round, so it’s an exciting time for teams who need interior linemen.
We polled a group of writers from around SB Nation to gather consensus rankings about the players. While there are no unanimous picks among the bunch as folks value different WR traits, our groups stands out into some defined tiers.
We will remove players from the list as they re-sign with their current teams all the way up to the opening of free agency in March.
Others receiving votes: Mekhi Benton, Aaron Banks, Will hernandez, Matt Pryor, Jon Feliciano, Brandon Scherff
One of the more famous names on the list, Martin has played 11 seasons for the Dallas Cowboys and as recently as 2023 was an All-Pro first-team member and Pro Bowler. At his age, it’s probably unlikely he gets another $18 million-per-year contract, but he can definitely be a plug-and-go starter for someone despite the ankle injury that ended his 2024 campaign.
The definition of a replacement-level starter, Van Roten has been on four teams in four years. He’s started every game for the Giants and Raiders in the last two seasons, but was the top reserve lineman for the Bills in 2022. He made $2 million in 2024, but was on the league minimum for the two years prior to that.
Fries suffered a fractured leg in Week 5 of 2024, but it shouldn’t impact his ability to be signed. He has 27 starts over the past three seasons for the Colts, who drafted him in the seventh round in 2020.
Daniels is coming off a torn Achilles which will no doubt lower the amount of money he earns in 2025. (He also missed a chunk of 2020 with a torn pectoral.) Still, he made $26.5 million in three seasons with the Steelers, so he’s a candidate for a short-term prove-it deal at age 27.
The biggest knock on Zeitler is his age as he turns 35 this coming March. He made a Pro Bowl in 2023 with the Ravens and just has a ton of experience. He’s been the starter for just under 200 NFL games. He made $6 million in 2024, so maybe he’s in line for that again?
A 2021 NFL Draft second-round pick, Jenkins has moved from tackle to guard in the NFL. He has 36 starts over the last three seasons since moving inside, and has dealt with several injuries during his time in Chicago.
Smith has been in the starting lineup for the Chiefs since being drafted in the sixth round of the 201 NFL Draft, when he was named to the All-Rookie Team. He’s missed just one game in four years. He made a cameo in the Hallmark Original Film Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. He is an instant plug-and-play starter but we can’t comment on his acting chops. He could command up to $20 million per season as the top lineman regardless of position.
