2012 NFL Free Agents: Finding a Home for the Top 5 Offensive Linemen

There could be some major movement in offensive linemen this coming week in the NFL.

The men in the trenches have some Pro Bowl-quality players who could make another team very happy on Tuesday or toward the end of the week.

Generally, when it comes to free agency, we think of the "sexy" choices of quarterbacks, receivers or even defensive ends who could make an impact on a new franchise. In all regards, it is the men who dig in and open holes for runners and block oncoming pass-rushers who deserve more credit than they receive.

Here is a look at the best of the lot of linemen in this year's free-agent pool.

Carl Nicks, New Orleans Saints

Some may say that, besides Peyton Manning, Carl Nicks may be the most important free agent on the current board.

You would not know it from all the activity with receivers re-signing with their current teams, but Nicks is a force who will draw some attention if he does not sign with the Saints before Tuesday. He is one of the major reasons why Brees is so effective with a short drop and has time in the pocket to make the last-second throw that beats the secondary by a step or two.

Could Nicks find a home in Denver or San Diego if he cannot sign with the Saints? Possibly.

Ben Grubbs, Baltimore Ravens

I think Grubbs is a good, solid player. I would love to see him in Jacksonville, but it probably won't happen.

If Nicks does not re-sign with the Saints, New Orleans could make a play for him. I could also see him making a trip to Kansas City and possibly San Diego, where each team's line is a mess and needs more stability.

Grubbs could be an anchor in San Diego.

Evan Mathis, Philadelphia Eagles

The journeyman is looking for his fifth team since 2005.

The Eagles had one of the better ground games in the NFL last year, and the line had a lot to do with it. Mathis signed a one-year deal with the Eagles last season and looks to find a home with just about anyone who could use help on the interior of the offensive line.

Mathis will find a home somewhere. Jacksonville could use him since Will Rackley is still raw and Jason Spitz was injured last season.

Jared Gaither, San Diego Chargers

To me, Jared Gaither is an enigma.

He joined the Chargers in the middle of the season and did an average job. At times, Gaither looked like the best tackle in the division, and at others, he looked like a problematic lineman who could not read assignments.

The Chargers need a solid line, and Gaither may or may not be signed by another team. He is a risk. A team needing backup help such as Jacksonville, Cincinnati or even Dallas could take a chance on him.

Chris Meyers, Houston Texans

The best center in free agency, Chris Meyers was one of the reasons Houston had such success with both Arian Foster and Ben Tate.

Meyers has plenty of zone-blocking experience, which makes him a possibility with only specific teams. I think he could re-sign with Houston, knowing how important he was to the success of their running game last season.