Guard Free Agent Rankings

[NOTE:  Click the links to see our free agency rankings for quarterbacksrunning backsfullbacks, tight ends, and centers.  We’ll continue our way through all of the positions this week.]

With neither Charlie Johnson or Brandon Fusco leaving an overly great impression as starters last season, the Vikings would be foolish to not explore options that might exist to upgrade either the left or right side of the offensive line.

Or both.

In fact, after pouring through offensive free agent rankings that are unlikely to be real relevant to the Vikings, we have finally found a position that could be of interest.  The Vikings could obviously do better than what they have and this group of free agents has some really solid options to consider.

Johnson and Fusco are still under contract next season, and the Vikings gave Troy Kropog a raise to keep him on their roster and will be a restricted free agent, but none of these guys are above being unseated.

Top Tier

1.  Andy Levitre, BUF

Poor Bills.  They just never seem to get any better, and this year they stand to lose some serious young talent to free agency.  With only one franchise tag at their disposal, it seems highly unlikely that both Levitre and safety Jairus Byrd stay put.  If Levitre hits the market he will command some big money, but that shouldn’t deter the Vikings from giving his agent a call to set up a visit.

2.  Louis Vasquez, SD

Unlike Levitre, I don’t really see Vasquez making it to the free agent market.  The Chargers are still wincing as a result of letting Vincent Jackson get away, and they can’t afford any more downgrades on offense.  At only 26 years old, the Chargers need to be willing to pay the man, because plenty others won’t hesitate.

3.  Brandon Moore, NYJ

At age 33, it would be surprise to see the Vikings chase a guy like Moore, but there is no denying he has been playing at a very high level in New York.  Adding a run blocking machine like Moore to the lineup, however, would make Adrian Peterson that much more dangerous in 2013.

4.  Donald Thomas, NE

There are a few players that could become free agents this year that interest me because they appear to be really talented, but are stuck behind expensive veterans that they couldn’t quite dethrone.  Thomas is one of those players.  Behind Logan Mankins and Dan Connolly, Thomas hasn’t been given much playing time, but I see him moving on to another team and placing himself into Pro Bowl consideration.

Second Tier

5.  Kevin Boothe, NYG

6.  Ryan Lilja, KC

7.  Geoff Schwartz, MIN

8.  Chad Rinehart, BUF

9.  Matt Slauson, NYJ

10.  Ramon Foster, PIT

11.  Stephen Peterman, DET

Third Tier

12.  Garrett Reynolds, ATL

13.  Cooper Carlisle, OAK

14.  Tyronne Green, SD

15.  Robert Turner, STL

16.  Deuce Lutui, TEN

17.  Chris Spencer, CHI

18.  Kory Litchensteiger, WAS

The Rest

19.  Mike Pollak, CAR

20.  Pat McQuistan, ARI

21.  Russ Hochstein, KC

22.  Tony Hills, IND

23.  Lance Louis, CHI

24.  Reggie Wells, PHI

25.  Chris Williams, STL

26.  Jake Scott, PHI

27.  Leonard Davis, SF

28.  Leroy Harris, TEN

29.  Derrick Dockery, DAL

30.  Antoine Caldwell, HOU

31.  Eben Britton, JAC

32.  Chilo Rachal, CHI

33.  Rex Hadnot, SD

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