NFL Free Agency: Where Will Matt Light End Up?
Matt Light, one of the New England Patriots' best offensive linemen of the past decade, will be up for free agency after the playoffs conclude.
Light has one of the most important jobs in the NFL. He's responsible for protecting Tom Brady's blindside.
With the job he's done throughout his career, it's safe to say he's one of the best left tackles in the NFL.
But, we all know the Patriots and how they operate. They aren't going to give huge money to a free agent. Bill Belichick believes that if Light leaves, he'll find a cheaper guy who can do just as good of a job.
So, while the Pats are in the mix of teams to sign Light, here are the 10 teams with the biggest need to sign the Pro Bowl tackle.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
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Carson Palmer has been under pressure a lot this year, and the Bengals' offense hasn't been as powerful as it should be.
On paper, this team should be putting up 30 points per game. But, that's not happening, in large part because of poor offensive line play.
Light might help Palmer get his career back on track.
9. Green Bay Packers
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Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson simply hates signing free agents.
But, when one as good as Light hits the market, he should at least seriously consider the prospect of signing him.
Light would be a major upgrade at one of Green Bay's weakest positions.
Maybe, just once, Thompson should open up the checkbook and spend some money on a free agent.
8. San Francisco 49ers
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If Joe Staley can't stay healthy, the 49ers will need to bring in someone to shore up their offensive line.
Light could be that guy.
But, don't expect the 49ers to give up on Staley just yet, as he's been a very solid lineman for several years.
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7. Washington Redskins
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If there's a high-priced free agent on the market, expect Dan Snyder and the Redskins to throw a truckload of money at him.
Of course, this wouldn't be the worst free agent decision the Redskins have ever made.
Light would actually help them at a position of need.
6. New York Giants
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The Giants have a good offensive line.
The problem is that their line is aging.
So, while Light would be an upgrade, he's no spring chicken himself.
Therefore, if the Giants sign a free agent to the offensive line, expect him to be a younger guy.
5. Dallas Cowboys
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The Cowboys' offensive line allowed both Tony Romo and Jon Kitna to get hurt this year.
One of the problems lies at left tackle, where Doug Free simply isn't getting the job done.
Bringing in Light would give the Cowboys some veteran leadership on their offense.
4. Buffalo Bills
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Everyone thinks the Bills need a quarterback.
While that may be true, what they need first is a better offensive line.
Until they get a decent line, their quarterback won't have any time to throw.
Getting Light from an opponent in their division would be a smart move.
3. Indianapolis Colts
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The Colts' offensive line needs some remodeling.
Peyton Manning has been getting hit way too much this year.
So, since the Colts are nothing without Manning, it makes sense that they would spend a little money to protect him.
2. New England Patriots
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Maybe, just maybe, the Patriots will finally cough up some money to keep a player not named Tom Brady.
Brady has a vested interest in keeping Light around, as he is the anchor of the offensive line.
Brady would probably be more comfortable with Light as his left tackle than with anyone else protecting his blind side.
1. Chicago Bears
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The Bears allowed 56 sacks during the regular season, the most in the NFL.
Their offensive line is old and not good anymore.
Bringing in Light would make sense, as he's younger than most of their line and better than everyone on their line.
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