Who is going to sign guard Kelechi Osemele in NFL free agency?
The Baltimore Ravens are trying to get back to the playoffs after missing the postseason in 2015. Getting back a host of injured players will help, but one concern for general manager Ozzie Newsome has to be losing guard Kelechi Osemele in free agency. Osemele will be testing free agency for the first time in his career, and he stands to get a major payday.
Vitals
Age: 26
Notable stat: 51 career games
Pro Bowls: 0
All-Pro Teams: 0
Contract comparison
Osemele has no Pro Bowls or All-Pro teams under his belt, but he’s widely considered one of the best guards in football. Considering he is only 26 years old, Osemele is going to get paid in a significant way. The Ravens have to fear that a team will go out and make a huge push to sign Osemele, who could be one of the most sought-after free agents in 2016.
Look at Mike Iupati as a nice comparison. Iupati played out his rookie deal with the San Francisco 49ers and then inked a five-year, $40 million deal including $22.5 million guaranteed with the Arizona Cardinals. Now, factor inflation into the mix, and you have a good idea of what to expect.
Estimate: 6 years/$50 million/$26 million guaranteed
Will he stay?
No. Baltimore has $8 million in cap space, and that doesn’t begin to cover a few restricted free agents and the incoming draft class. The Ravens are going to lose Osemele, and the franchise has to be kicking itself for some bad deals that have put it in a tough spot, including contracts to Dennis Pitta and Lardarius Webb.
If he leaves…
The suitors will be plenty. The Cleveland Browns might be looking for offensive line help with the potential of losing Mitchell Schwartz and Alex Mack. Another option could be the Chicago Bears, who are seemingly always trying to get better up front.