2021 NFL Free Agency Position Preview: Center

Analysis

NFL Free Agency preview continues with centers. Let’s start front and center with this position look.

Center

Top TIER

Corey Linsley

He was the top center in 2020 per PFF and has been really good most years for Green Bay. The Packers might not have the cap space for him and have all purpose man Elgton Jenkins who could man the middle.  Linsley is 30 years old but could command 10 million per year.

Nick Martin

The Texans cut Nick Martin who was only 29th ranked center. He has had some injuries but is a good player with potential as a former 2nd rounder. This is the year of cap casualties though with a lower cap. Look for Martin to garner a nice deal still.

Alex Mack

Mack is a veteran 36 year old center that could play another year or two. He was still solid for the Falcons but they are in the middle of a rebuild. I could see Mack being cheaper than expected and going to a really good team. 16th ranked per PFF

Austin Reiter 30

Above average starter for the Chiefs that could command a nice deal even at 30 years old. 12th ranked per PFF in 2020

Second TIER

David Andrews 29

The former Patriot is a solid player with plenty of experience. 14th ranked per PFF of 36 graded centers.

Ted Karras 28

Former Patriot and Dolphin that could be a low-end starter. 17th ranked per PFF in 2020 with Miami.

Tyler Shatley 30

14th ranked per PFF given a chance with Jacksonville. 30 years old and could get another starting gig somewhere.

Joe Looney 31

Career backup that got chances to play for Dallas with their Travis Frederick health scare. Looney can play some guard too and would be nice depth signing. 33rd ranked out of 36 so still a backup.

Lower TIER

AQ Shipley, Hronnis Grasu, Tyler Larsen, Daniel Kilgore, Matt Skura, James Ferentz, Brett Jones, Ben Garland are the super cheap backup options. Garland best of the bunch here but Shipley had a big injury. Pouncey twins retired so that opens up some holes for teams needing a new center as well in LA and Pittsburgh.