Brandon Scherff rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency
Washington Football guard Brandon Scherff will likely be among the most coveted players at his position when NFL free agency begins
Brandon Scherff has consistently been among the most dominant offensive guards in the NFL, ever since he was chosen No. 5 overall by the Washington Football Team during the 2015 NFL Draft.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Scherff was named a First-Team All-Pro selection for the first time in his career in 2020, after one of his finest seasons. Pro Football Focus lists Scherff as the No. 4 ranked offensive guard in the NFL, with an 86.3 overall grade, 82.5 pass-protection grade, and an 82.6 run-block mark in 929 total snaps.
“He’s a Pro Bowl-caliber player,” veteran offensive line coach Paul Alexander tells FanSided. “One of the top three or four guards in the entire NFL. He’s easily the best offensive guard hitting free agency. There’s no question in my mind he sees a robust market.”
For the second consecutive offseason, there is a chance that Scherff will sign elsewhere, after Washington used the franchise tag to retain the 29-year-old in 2020. This year, Washington has plenty of cap space to find a way to sign him long-term. But, if Scherff becomes an unrestricted free agency, he’ll undoubtedly be met with a robust market as he is capable of starting for all 32 teams immediately.
Here’s a look at five teams that would be wise to pull out all the stops and try to sign Brandon Scherff:
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. AFC. North. Cincinnati Bengals. 5. player. 56
The Cincinnati Bengals learned first hand in 2020 the importance of consistent offensive line play.
Joe Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick in last April’s NFL Draft, was off to a terrific start to the season, when he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee, after spending the first three months of his NFL career running for his life escaping rapidly collapsing pockets.
Nothing is more vital to the Bengals’ future than keeping Burrow upright and healthy upon his return, and that starts with investing significant resources along the offensive line this offseason.
A case can be made that Scherff, after allowing just three sacks and two quarterback hits in 538 pass-protection snaps in 2020 should be the Bengals’ top free agent target in 2021.
If Scherff and Washington are unable to come to terms on a long-term contract, don’t be surprised if the Bengals, with $37.65 million in cap space, are among the first teams to pick up the phone and call.