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NFL free agency 2018: Best offensive lineman available

By Adam Strangis

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Andrew Norwell
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Andrew Norwell /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants gets some help from offensive guard Justin Pugh #67 while getting pressure from defensive end William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of an NFL football game on October 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants gets some help from offensive guard Justin Pugh #67 while getting pressure from defensive end William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of an NFL football game on October 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

3. Justin Pugh

Sacks given up – 34, 21st in NFL

Rush Yards per game – 96.8 yards, 26th in NFL

Pro Football Focus grade – 52.4, Poor rating

How teams view what Justin Pugh can contribute to their team is likely tied into what position they want him to play. He has seen more success as a guard as opposed to a tackle that he’s been playing for the New York Giants at some points. Like the two lineman before him on the list, Pugh is recovering from an injury of his own. He missed a large part of this past season due to a back injury but did not have surgery. One factor that Pugh is not being shy about is wanting to play for a winning team in 2018-

"“I want to win. I want to win now,” Pugh said to Giants reporters on Monday. “I’m excited for the first chance to choose where I play and the situation that I’m in. “I’ve been in five years. I only made the playoffs one time. Being in a good situation, being close to home was great for me. Being so close to my family. Always having them around. So, all those things go into it. I’m looking forward to getting to it and it’s an exciting time. This is the first time I’ll ever get to choose where I play and the situation that I’m in. Obviously, I’ve grown up in New York. I want to be in New York. But, we’ll see what happens."

Pugh will only be 28 this coming season but he has had his share of injuries. Every season in the league so far has been marred by some type of ailment with the exception of his rookie season in 2013. The Giants offensive line was poor this past season and there’s really no argument about that. However, Pugh has a history of being a high-end player in the NFL with draft pedigree. Some team will pay him and he can be a great fit at the guard position.

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