All articles tagged with #left tackle
With under two weeks to the 2026 NFL Draft, 62 of 66 mock drafts project the Detroit Lions will pick an offensive tackle in the first round, with targets including Francis Mauigoa, Spencer Fano, Blake Freeling, Kadyn Proctor, Caleb Lomu and Vega Ioane; some mocks also float edge options like Keldric Faulk and Akheem Mesidor, underscoring a persistent OT-vs-edge debate and occasional guard fits.
Rasheed Walker, the Panthers’ left tackle, failed to land the big free-agent deal analysts expected as the NFL’s left-tackle market cooled this cycle. Projections had him around four years, $82 million, but the actual deal came in at about $10 million APY—roughly 12% of Dan Moore Jr.’s total package and 49% of Moore’s APY—marking the biggest surprise of the free-agency period. The outcome also affects Green Bay’s compensatory-pick outlook: Moore’s deal would have nudged Walker toward a third-round pick, whereas Walker’s deal leaves Green Bay with a sixth-round (potentially fifth with playing time) outcome.
The Panthers signed offensive tackle Rasheed Walker to a one-year deal to bolster left tackle depth while Ikem Ekwonu recovers from a torn patellar tendon; Walker, 26, is a former Packers' seventh-round pick who started at least 15 games in each of the last three seasons, and he played 94% of Green Bay's offensive snaps in 2025, earning a spot on PFT's top 100 free agents of 2026.
Detroit could address its left-tackle gap after releasing Taylor Decker by pursuing Rasheed Walker on a one-year, cap-friendly deal. Walker’s recent Packers season was rocky, but a short contract could motivate him and give the Lions time to evaluate longer-term options, including the draft. The move hinges on market price and cap space, with Detroit carrying about $35 million after restructuring Jared Goff’s deal, a figure likely to shrink once new signings are finalized.
Taylor Decker, the Lions' longest-tenured player, has requested a release after 10 seasons, citing unresolved contract talks and a requested pay cut on his $14.9 million base salary; releasing him would free about $15 million in cap space for Detroit. Decker had suggested a potential return in 2026 but opted for an amicable end as Detroit figures out its left tackle and interior-line needs in free agency.
Jacksonville will play Buffalo in the AFC Wild Card Game without starting left tackle Cole Van Lanen, who is out with a knee injury. Walker Little is expected to start at left tackle after lining up at left guard recently, and he previously started at left tackle in 12 games earlier this season.
Tyler Smith, who has played both guard and tackle for the Dallas Cowboys, is seeking clarity on whether he will be moved to a full-time left tackle position in the upcoming season, as he discusses his future role with head coach Brian Schottenheimer, emphasizing the importance of comfort and team success.
Tyler Smith, a key player for the Cowboys, has been moved from left guard to left tackle for the rest of the season, though he prefers to stay at guard long-term. Despite the position change, he was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl, highlighting his skill. Smith emphasizes his strength and experience at guard but is adapting to tackle, focusing on technical nuances. He expresses a strong desire to win a Super Bowl, reflecting the team's urgency after 30 years without a championship.
The Dallas Cowboys have decided to start Tyler Smith at left tackle for the rest of the 2025 season, praising his performance and versatility, while he emphasizes maintaining high standards regardless of position. Smith, who signed a significant extension earlier in the year, has shown he can adapt to different roles on the line, with team and quarterback Dak Prescott expressing confidence in his abilities.
Panthers' left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is doubtful for Sunday's game after an appendectomy, with his status still uncertain. If out, Yosh Nijman or Brady Christensen will fill in. Cornerback Damarri Mathis suffered a season-ending torn ACL. Coach Dave Canales has expressed respect for fellow coach Liam Coen, highlighting their similar career paths and offensive philosophies.
The Chicago Bears are still deciding who will be their starting left tackle for the season, with multiple players competing for the spot and the team waiting for someone to clearly establish themselves as the best choice, potentially influenced by the upcoming game against the Bills.
The Rams are assessing their options at left tackle due to Alaric Jackson's absence caused by blood clots, with D.J. Humphries, Warren McClendon, and David Quesenberry as potential replacements, and Humphries being the most likely starter if Jackson cannot play in Week One.
The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater, who has been a key protector for quarterback Justin Herbert since being drafted in 2021, earning multiple accolades including Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro status.
The New England Patriots have clear needs for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, including a quarterback, left tackle, and outside receiver. There is debate on whether the Patriots should stay at the No. 3 pick, and Mark Daniels has put together a 7-round mock draft addressing these needs.
The Philadelphia Eagles have reached a three-year contract extension with left tackle Jordan Mailata, keeping him with the team through the 2028 season. The $66 million deal includes $48 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus, making Mailata the fourth-highest paid left tackle in the NFL. Known for his consistency and potential, Mailata joins Jalen Hurts, Landon Dickerson, and Jake Elliott as Eagles players signed through 2028, forming a strong foundation for the team's future.