If the Ravens can't secure Eugene Monroe or Michael Oher to a long-term deal, they will have a few other talented options in free agency.
With Monroe and Oher set to become unrestricted free agents, the Ravens' current pure tackles on the roster are Rick Wagner and David Mims. Kelechi Osemele and Jah Reid could also play tackle, but worked at guard all of last year.
The Ravens didn't put the franchise tag on Monroe, meaning he could hit the open market. Baltimore could still re-sign him, but if not, here are some other options:
RT Zach Strief, New Orleans Saints
Unrestricted (9th season); 30 years old; 6-foot-7, 320 pounds
Strief is the highest-graded tackle set to hit the market, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Monroe was the top left tackle. Strief, who plays on the right side, has started the past three years for the Saints, who have done a solid job protecting quarterback Drew Brees. Strief makes his mark as a pass blocker much more than in the run game. He and the Saints reportedly have interest in remaining together.
LT Jared Veldheer, Oakland Raiders
Unrestricted (5th season); 26; 6-8, 321
Veldheer has been a starter for the Raiders since being drafted in the second round in 2010. The small-school prospect (Hillsdale) has matured into one of the better tackles in the AFC. He's also young, which will boost his free agency stock. Veldheer played in just five games last year due to a triceps injury. The Raiders have made re-signing him a top priority, but Veldheer has been reportedly frustrated with the slow pace of talks.
LT/RT Anthony Collins, Cincinnati Bengals
Unrestricted (7th season); 28; 6-5, 315
Collins was a career backup at both tackle positions in Cincinnati until an injury along the line forced him to step into the starting role at left tackle. He played well, ranking as the 24th best tackle in the NFL by PFF. Still, the former fourth-round pick doesn't have a long track record of success. And he could be looking for a big payday coming off his solid stretch run.
LT Branden Albert, Kansas City Chiefs
Unrestricted (7th season); 29; 6-5, 316
Albert has been a solid tackle and starter since he came into the league in 2008. The local product (Glen Burnie High School) was named to his first Pro Bowl last year after helping the Chiefs offense take off. He received the franchise tag last year, but did not get it again this offseason, making him set to hit the open market. Albert could command a high price tag, as several teams are reportedly interested.
LT Rodger Saffold, St. Louis Rams
Unrestricted (5th season); 25; 6-5, 332
The 33rd pick overall in 2010, Saffold immediately became a starter at left tackle and drew rave reviews for his rookie season. But he's had some trouble staying on the field since starting all 16 games that year. He has missed 17 games in three seasons since and was even bumped to right tackle and left guard last year after the Rams signed Jake Long. The Rams have said bringing back Saffold is a top priority this offseason, but Saffold was not happy moving positions.
