In 2016 NFL free agency, who decides to break the bank and sign left tackle Cordy Glenn?
A second-round selection out of Georgia in 2012, Cordy Glenn has developed into a solid starting left tackle for the Buffalo Bills. Approaching free agency, the Bills now have a decision to make in regards to re-signing their blind side protector.
Vitals
Age: 26
Notable stat: 61 career starts
Pro Bowls: 0
All-Pro Teams: 0
Contract comparison
Ranked as the top offensive lineman in free agency by many NFL experts, Glenn is about to get paid handsomely. The issue for the Bills is whether or not they allow him to test the market. The salary cap is an issue as Buffalo is toeing the line currently. However, the cap is a fluid thing and there are ways around a tight budget for a franchise that really wants to keep their best players.
The franchise tag is always an option, but a long-term deal would be the most desired result. Just before the 2015 season, the Houston Texans were able to reach a long-term deal with their left tackle Duane Brown on a six-year deal worth a total of $53.4 million. The guaranteed money for Brown was reportedly $22.08 million.
The Dallas Cowboys also recently re-did a deal for their left tackle, Tyron Smith. The USC product was given an extra eight years on his deal and had $40 million guaranteed. His total deal ended up covering 10 seasons and will pay him $114 million.
Smith may be closer to the same age as Glenn (25) but talent-wise Glenn is closer to the same category as Brown. With Brown being four years older than Glenn, it’s not crazy to think he could find a contract that comes in just over the contract Houston paid out.
Estimate: 6 years/$58.5 million/$30 million guaranteed
Will he stay?
If Buffalo wants to keep him, it will most likely need to use the franchise tag and then work out a long-term deal. In the end, that will most likely be the outcome as the team understands how hard it is to replace a left tackle. The Bills have experience with this situation, having had to do it after trading Jason Peters away a few years ago.
If he leaves…
Failing to use the tag may lead to someone throwing a lot of money at Glenn and forcing Buffalo to watch him leave. If Glenn hits the open market look for a team like the Carolina Panthers to see if they can lure him in. After spending the entire Super Bowl watching defensive lineman hit Cam Newton run for his life, the Panthers could be willing to max out their cap to keep the reigning MVP on his feet.