Ranking the Top 10 NFL free agents in 2015
By Brad Rowland
9) Mike Iupati, G San Francisco 49ers
Iupati is, by far, the least “sexy” name on this list, but offensive guards have commanded top dollar on the free agent market in recent seasons, and this is no exception. The 27-year-old is hitting free agency in the sweet spot from an age perspective, and while his play tapered off a bit in 2014 (along with the rest of the 49ers roster), the raw tools for his 6-foot-5, 330-pound frame are undeniable.
With his selection this season, Iupati is now a three-time pro bowler (though this year’s choice was dubious), and he could reasonably receive the highest contract number of any guard in the league. At the same time, there will be teams lined up for his services to shore up the interior line, and at his peak (and when fully healthy), there is no one more dominant that Iupati at the guard position.
San Francisco does not appear to be the front-runner, given their stockpile of talent at virtually every position coupled with salary cap rigidity, and Iupati seems to be very available.
Next: Greg Hardy