Sebastian Vollmer, offensive tackle
There is a tremendous void around the league when it comes to top-notch pass-protecting offensive tackles. This will be even more keenly felt this offseason, as the upcoming draft isn’t exactly loaded with talent at this key position and the free-agency market is equally as barren.
Enter Vollmer, who missed the entire 2016 due to a nagging hip injury and is now entering free agency as a likely New England cast-off.
It won’t be surprising to see a team like the Carolina Panthers, who have plenty of cap space and a dire need to protect Cam Newton, offer a nice sum of guaranteed cash on a short-term deal to land Vollmer. This, of course, is contingent upon him passing a physical.
He was a tremendous player for the Patriots before his injury last year, starting 80 games in seven seasons. The Germany native also has 10 starts in the playoffs, including a tremendous showing in Super Bowl XLIX protecting Tom Brady against the Seattle Seahawks.
That said, there was some chatter that Vollmer could potentially retire this past season as his hip injury kept him from playing. When the season starts in September, he’ll be 33, and at this point it’s anyone’s guess if he can get back to the height of his powers again.