Week 11 NFL Moneyline Underdogs
Mike Randle
The NFL offseason is now accelerating. The initial stage of free agency has ended, teams have addressed needs through the NFL Draft, and NFL rookie minicamps are officially underway. Over the next three months, teams will be taking stock of their rosters and determining the holes they still need filled after using their initial resources in free agency and the draft. There are still plenty of talented free agents available, especially along the offensive line.
This article will focus on the top remaining free agents (and the teams with the biggest need) before training camps officially start July 18.
Remaining Free Agent Offensive Linemen
Dalton Risner, G
Here we go again. Last year, Dalton Risner found himself as arguably the most talented interior offensive lineman left in free agency after the draft. Risner just finished one season as the starting left guard with the Vikings, which followed three seasons with the Broncos. Risner did not sign until Week 3 last year, and then allowed zero sacks with only three penalties across 745 snaps the remainder of the season per PFF. Risner recently expressed this frustration on X on March 12:
Risner is a solid pass blocker who would be a solid addition to any team searching for offensive line help.
Donovan Smith, T
There is always a market for a two-time Super Bowl champion offensive tackle. Donovan Smith played eight seasons with Tampa Bay before signing a one-year deal for $9 million with Kansas City almost exactly one year ago. He started 12 games for the Chiefs, and remains a free agent after the Chiefs traded up just one spot in the second round of the NFL Draft to select BYU offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia.
David Bakhtiari, T
Bakhtiari was released by Green Bay after 11 seasons, producing three Pro Bowl appearances and two first-team All Pro honors. There are health concerns, but assuming he gets cleared, Bakhtiari can make an immediate impact for any team. At 32-years-old, he can absolutely play a critical role for a playoff team at left tackle. Would he consider a backup role to be reunited with Aaron Rodgers on the Jets?
D.J. Humphries, T
Arizona made the difficult decision to release four-time captain D.J. Humphries, who tore his ACL against the Eagles on New Year’s Eve. There is still doubt that Humphries will be ready for the start of the regular season, which makes him an ideal in-season acquisition. He is a strong veteran presence who made one Pro Bowl in 2021.
Andrus Peat, T
Peat played nine years with New Orleans, but failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension in early March. Still just 30 years old, there is a chance Peat could return to New Orleans to finish his career but is one of the most valuable offensive line free agents on the market. Peat is a three-time Pro Bowler from 2018-2020.
Connor Williams, C
Connor Williams is one of the most accomplished offensive linemen available, but his situation is complicated. Williams suffered a significant knee injury Dec. 11 against the Titans, and his agent Drew Rosenhaus said there is no timetable yet on his return. He is still only 28 years old and has started 77 of his 83 games played with both Dallas and Miami. Unless he decides to retire, Williams will be a highly coveted free agent during the season.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai, T
Vaitai signed a five-year, $45 million deal with Detroit in 2020. He has battled health issues the past few seasons, including a back injury that forced him to miss the entire 2022 season. Last season, he won the right guard job from Graham Glasgow entering Week 1. Vaitai had a foot injury in Week 3 and then another back injury in Week 7 that effectively ended this season. He is a solid player and good veteran presence but is more likely a mid-season addition to address an injury.
