Walker's One-Year Deal Keeps Left Tackle Questions Alive

0:00On March 16th, the NFL has an unwritten rule about avoiding big free agency deals for left tackles, since the best ones are usually homegrown and locked up early. This off-season that played out with Rashid Walker, a top offensive lineman who ended up signing a one-year $10 million-dollar-prooved deal with, the Carolina Panthers. Walker's market cooled fast compared to other linemen, like Center Tyler Linderbaum's three-year $81 million-dollar-packed with the Las Vegas, Raiders, or Guard Zion Johnson's three-year $49.5 million-dollar contract with the Cleveland Browns. Browns fans were left scratching their heads, wondering why General Manager Andrew Berry passed on what looked like a steal, especially with projections putting Walker at around $20 million a year. The team did add upgrades like Elton Jenkins and Titus Howard, but they still have a gap at left tackle. Green Bay Packers expert Freddie Boston shed light on it, noting Walker's steady play with just eight sacks allowed over two seasons according to pro.

1:02Football focus, making him reliable without the big mistakes. While the Browns stuck to their strategy, Walker's move keeps the left tackle questions alive across the league as teams build for next year.