Free Agency Preview: Offensive Line

The Eagles have a dozen players along the offensive line under contract heading into free agency. One of the big pre-free agency moves made by the Eagles was the release of Todd Herremans, the longest-tenured player on the team's roster. Herremans missed the second half of the 2014 season with a torn biceps injury, one that he gutted through the win over Houston with before exiting due to an ankle injury.

Herremans has signed with Indianapolis, so the Eagles have to decide what to do at the right guard position. Matt Tobin, a 2013 rookie free agent, started two games before Andrew Gardner, an offseason addition last year, took over down the stretch.

The injuries along the offensive line last season to Herremans, center Jason Kelce and guard Evan Mathis allowed the Eagles to establish depth along the offensive line.

How will the Eagles address the offensive line, whether it’s in free agency or the upcoming draft? Age is something to consider with guard Evan Mathis and tackle Jason Peters both over the age of 30. The Eagles also welcome back another experienced veteran Allen Barbre, also over 30 years old in age, who fractured his ankle in last year’s season opener.

Of the current offensive linemen on the roster, Lane Johnson is the only draft pick acquired during head coach Chip Kelly's tenure. Three other players - Josh Andrews, Kevin Graf and Tobin - were signed by the Eagles as rookie free agents in the last two years. The veteran signings aided the depth, but will there be any signings this year to improve the youth or will the focus be on the draft?

NFL.com's Top Free Agent Offensive Linemen

1. G Mike Iupati, 49ers
2. T Bryan Bulaga, Packers
3. C Rodney Hudson, Chiefs
4. G Orlando Franklin, Broncos
5. C Stefen Wisniewski, Raiders
6. G Clint Boling, Bengals
7. T Joe Barksdale, Rams
8. G James Carpenter, Seahawks
9. G Justin Blalock, Falcons
10. T Jake Long, Rams

The Top Offensive Line Contracts From 2014 Free Agency

1. LT Branden Albert, Dolphins (5 years, $26M guaranteed, $47M total)
2. G Rodger Saffold, Rams (5 years, $19.5M guaranteed, $31.7M total)
3. LT Eugene Monroe, Ravens (5 years, $17.5M guaranteed, $37.5M total)
4. LT Jared Veldheer, Cardinals (5 years, $17M guaranteed, $35M total)
5. G Zane Beadles, Jaguars (5 years, $12.5M guaranteed, $30M total)
6. RT Austin Howard, Raiders (5 years, $9.9M guaranteed, $30M total)
7. RT Michael Oher, Titans (4 years, $9.35M guaranteed, $20M total)
8. LT Anthony Collins, Buccaneers (5 years, $9M guaranteed, $30M total)
9. RT Zach Strief, Saints (5 years, $8.4M guaranteed, $20M total)
10. Breno Giacomini, Jets (4 years, $7M guaranteed, $18M total)