The 2026 NFL free agency period is just around the corner, and while the market is often a minefield of overpriced contracts, it’s also a goldmine for teams looking to make a smart, impactful addition. This year, the offensive line class is surprisingly deep with proven talent.
Instead of just listing the top names, let’s take a different approach. If a team had a blank checkbook and could cherry-pick the best available players at each position, what would that starting five look like? Here is a complete, starting offensive line built exclusively from the pool of impending free agents.
Left Tackle: Rasheed Walker
Once a seventh-round flier, Rasheed Walker has developed into a reliable starting left tackle in the NFL. While he may not be an elite, household name just yet, “reliable” is a highly valuable commodity. A solid left tackle who can protect a quarterback’s blindside is worth a premium, and Walker is in line for a massive payday—don’t be surprised if he commands a deal in the neighborhood of $20 million per season. For any franchise desperate for stability at the most important position on the line, Walker should be the first call they make.
Left Guard: David Edwards
David Edwards has quietly rebuilt his value over the past two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, establishing himself as an above-average starter. He’s no stranger to the big stage, having won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams back in 2021. At 6’6″, he brings excellent size to the interior, and at just 29 years old, he’s in the prime of his career. Edwards has played his way into a strong multi-year deal and will be one of the most sought-after guards on the market.
Center: Tyler Linderbaum
This is the no-brainer, superstar pick of the group. Tyler Linderbaum is arguably the best center in the entire NFL. A three-time Pro Bowler, he is the engine of an offensive line. The fact that he isn’t already locked up long-term by the Baltimore Ravens is a major storyline heading into the offseason. If Linderbaum actually hits the open market, it will cause a frenzy. He will shatter the current contract record for centers and have his pick of suitors. Whether it’s the Chargers or another team with cap space and a need, Linderbaum would instantly become a Pro Bowl fixture for the next decade.
Right Guard: Isaac Seumalo
A model of consistency, Isaac Seumalo has been a steady force on the interior for the past four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. His efforts were rewarded with a Pro Bowl selection in 2024. Versatility is a key part of his game, as he has logged significant snaps at both left and right guard. Seumalo is the kind of dependable, high-floor player that offenses are built around, and he is poised for another handsome payday this spring.
Right Tackle: Braden Smith
Braden Smith is one of the more under-the-radar solid performers in the league. An eight-year veteran, he has been a fixture on the right side, amassing 107 regular-season games of experience. While durability has been a slight concern—he has only played a full 17-game season once—his performance when healthy is undeniable. Smith is a classic “boring but good” player, the type of reliable tackle that allows an offense to function without drama. He might not make the headlines, but he’ll get a solid contract from a team that values stability.
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