2012 NFL Free Agents: Offensive Linemen Who Could Make an Impact on a New Team

The 2012 NFL free-agency class isn't loaded with solid offensive linemen, but there are a few trenchmen who could make an impact with a new team in 2012. 

Let's take a look at three guys who could leave their current team to test the open market. 

Demetrius Bell, OT, Buffalo Bills 

Bell is the son of NBA legend Karl Malone, and has certainly displayed great athleticism in his time as the Bills' blindside protector. 

He was a seven-round pick in 2008 and slowly progressed into the starting lineup. 

The one knock on Bell is his durability. He's battled a slew of injuries in each year with Buffalo, and was sidelined a good portion of the 2011 season with a separated shoulder. 

When he returned in December, he hurt his leg. 

There's a chance the Bills will let him walk if they've lost faith in him in terms of being able to stay on the field. 

He'd make a great addition in any roster in the league as a left tackle entering his prime. 

Carl Nicks, OG, New Orleans Saints 

Drew Brees had a memorable 2011 season, and it all started with the remarkable protection he was provided by New Orleans' offensive line. 

The Saints have quite the offseason ahead of them. 

Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Tracy Porter and Carl Nicks are all free agents. 

While there's a good shot Nicks is offered a new contract, he'll likely have to come to terms at a home-town discount in order for the Saints to have enough money to lock up other players. 

If that's the case, he may be tempted by more money elsewhere and could certainly bring his interior-line dominance to a new club in 2012. 

Kareem McKenzie, OT, New York Giants 

Although McKenzie is 32, he's still playing good football and is a viable right tackle option. With the Giants possibly targeting a younger, more athletic offensive tackle in the draft, McKenzie could be done with New York after the Super Bowl. 

He fought through a knee injury late in the season and has been respectable during the postseason. 

If he team is looking for veteran depth at their right tackle spot, the 6'6'', 320-pound ultra aggressive McKenzie is a fine option.

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