Green Bay Packers free-agent center Corey Linsley believes “all signs are pointing towards snapping the ball somewhere else.”
There’s no question about who should top the New York Jets‘ free-agent wishlist this offseason. Joe Thuney, a man who suddenly became unavailable a year ago, courtesy of a franchise tag, should be target No. 1.
But what about the free-agent depth at interior offensive line?
Oft-injured veteran guard Brandon Scherff is certainly an option. Although, the injuries have to be a concern. Another candidate is center Corey Linsley, who recently told the NFL world that he expects to be suiting up for a new employer in 2021.
“We’re not closing the door on anything,” Linsley said about his chances to re-sign with the Green Bay Packers, per SiriusXM NFL Radio. “We’d never do that, especially to the Packers. But yeah, it definitely feels weird [and] it looks like all signs point towards snapping the ball somewhere else next year. … If it doesn’t work out, I wish them the best.”
"We're not closing the door for anything…but yeah it definitley feels weird. Looks like all signs are pointing towards snapping the ball somewhere else next year."
Free Agent C @Linsley71 discusses free agency and the Packers
⬇️AUDIO⬇️ pic.twitter.com/dNh6eCbG3P
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) February 25, 2021
Linsley, 29, is coming a tremendous season. The seven-year veteran was named a first-team All-Pro for his work in 13 games with Green Bay.
Drafted in the fifth round out of Ohio State, Linsley has quietly carved out a terrific professional career in front of Aaron Rodgers. His 86.4 PFF grade ranked him No. 1 among all centers in 2020.
Play: 👉 the Jet X Offseason Simulator
While Thuney remains the preferred option for a variety of reasons, Linsley shouldn’t be ruled out due to position fit. It’s possible Connor McGovern could move to guard if Linsley were to make Florham Park, NJ his next professional home. (McGovern entered the league with the Denver Broncos as a guard.)
In any event, one of Joe Douglas‘s top tasks this March will be to upgrade the interior of his offensive line and Corey Linsley would certainly do just that.
Audio Version available to members only: Learn more here
I would rather have a big bad mauler type of RG than a ex-C finesse guy which is what CMG would be, tbh. I get we’re going to be a wide zone offense and movement skills will be a priority, but that doesn’t mean our guards can’t win the telephone booth cage matches. I’m not sold on McGovern moving over to G, and certainly haven’t heard any indication he is willing to do that. Would prefer to draft or sign a true G.
Excellent valid points, but the issue is that there is absolutely nothing after Thuney & Scherf. Feliciano ? Not for me. For the value conscious GM, how do you feel if the differential between a Thuney & Linsley gets over 5 million ? Love Thuney, but you can get priced out. Linsley looks like the third alternative. Very possible that we are drafting an OG at 23 or 34 if Linsley is signed
Yes I agree with all of that, but given our cap space, I do believe he can compete for and secure Thuney’s services. In fact, not many teams will be able to compete with us, and if he is so value-conscious that he won’t go above a certain number and loses Thuney because of $1-2M a year, he will actually be doing the team a disservice. “Value” is a word that will be doing a lot of work.
Money may not be the only factor, but if Douglas fails to land Thuney over 1-2 million differential than its an Idzik move. Consider, from a team building perspective, landing either Scherf or Thuney , allows you the flexibility to draft skill players at 23 & 34. This draft is deep in Offensive Lineman that fit LaFluers Offensive System, but most will require development time, and s year in pro level Strength & Conditioning
Agree all around. I think a few of these IOL they can find in early R2 could play from day 1, and would like to see them execute a “sign one/draft one” strategy with regard to OG. They can go to war with the T and C they have if they upgrade both G positions. Also, we never hear anything about Cam Clark, and no idea if it’s because he stinks or because they red-shirted him a year in the strength program. Maybe he’ll be in the 2021 plans.
We are in agreement. For clarity, Linsley is the third option. I think there is a question whether AVT, or Davis last until 23 but they would be plug and play from day one. The rest of the draft are Tackles that need to convert to OG, it’s a transition. Which may be the issue with Cam Clark, still have mad he for this guy. Players are now being cut for CAP purposes, Hope an alternative shakes loose. Next two weeks will be interesting.