After a failed trade attempt, the Baltimore Ravens released OT Eugene Monroe, instantly making him the best offensive lineman on the market. While Monroe is far from a perfect tackle at this stage in his career, he should find a new landing spot soon enough. With that in mind, we've compiled some of the more likely landing spots and destinations below.
Monroe is just 29 years old, but he's battled injuries in recent seasons. He hasn't played in all 16 games since the 2012 season. Monroe also believes his support of marijuana helped push him out of Baltimore. But when healthy, the former No. 8 overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars is a quality left tackle. While he could switch over to right tackle at his next stop, he should start wherever he lands. There's plenty of risk involved, but with many teams needing tackle help, it's worth the risk. Here are five teams that could try to land Eugene Monroe.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have yet to be linked to Monroe, but it makes sense. They signed Ryan Harris to help replace Kelvin Beachum this offseason, but only after trying and failing to sign Russell Okung. The Steelers should be set at right tackle with Marcus Gilbert, but starting either Alejandro Villanueva or Harris at RT is a risky move. Ben Roethlisberger has taken a beating in recent years and provided Monroe is healthy, he'd be an upgrade. Still, it'd be a surprise at this point to see the Steelers add Monroe, especially since they have less than $2 million in cap space. Monroe might enjoy playing against the Ravens twice a year.
4. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are in the same boat as the Steelers. They haven't been linked to Monroe, but it makes sense. The team seems comfortable starting Michael Oher and Mike Remmers at the tackle spots, but Monroe would be an upgrade over either of them. Remmers in particular could be upgraded. The Panthers have plenty of cap space (thanks Josh Norman), and although they're trying to save it for extensions, spending some of it on Monroe would be a smart move.
3. San Diego Chargers
This is the first of three teams Adam Schefter floated as possibilities and it's the least likely of the three. The Chargers had their pick of tackles in the NFL Draft (including Ronnie Stanley, who the Ravens took to replace Monroe), but passed on all of them. While the Chargers took two offensive linemen, neither was a tackle. It seems the Chargers are comfortable starting King Dunlap and Joe Barksdale this year.
2. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks were also linked by Schefter and that shouldn't be a surprise. There might not be a team in the NFL that needs Monroe more than the Seahawks. They have spent the least money of any team on their OTs, at just $11.7 million. Monroe is a scheme fit for Seattle and would instantly be the team's best lineman. The Seahawks are on the verge of starting J'Marcus Webb and Garry Gilliam at the tackle spots. They need to try to land Monroe, even if they have less than $10 million in cap space.
1. New York Giants
The Giants have tried and failed this offseason to upgrade at tackle. They couldn't sign Russell Okung and weren't able to land Jack Conklin in the draft. They were the team that nearly traded for Monroe before the Ravens cut him too. The Giants can't afford to lose out on Monroe because starting Marshall Newhouse at right tackle again is a terrible idea. Ereck Flowers might need to move to right tackle for the time being if the Giants add Monroe, but he's an upgrade they badly need. The Giants, given their attempt at trading for Monroe, should be considered the favorites.