Quarterback is the most important position in the game of football, so it stands to reason that the guys protecting said quarterback are some of the most valuable in the sport. With top programs producing more and more talented pass rushers, players like Andrus Peat who can play multiple positions at a solid level should receive interest on the free agent market. Instead, the 30-year-old former first-round pick has yet to sign a new deal and does not seem to be high on anyone’s list of priorities. While he’s no superstar, it’s hard to see why he’s still looking for a job.
After making three straight Pro Bowls from 2018 to 2020, Andrus Peat became a free agent after boosting his value in 2023. The Stanford product spent his entire career at guard before moving to tackle following Trevor Penning’s struggles. Peat rose to the challenge, finishing the year with a respectable 60.2 PFF grade while playing out of position.
Tackles are more valuable than guards, as it’s a harder position to play and requires facing off with better pass rushers. Perhaps teams still view Andrus Peat as a guard, but even if they do, his ability to play tackle in a pinch should boost his free agent value.
Andrus Peat Struggles To Find Free Agent Home Despite Valuable Skillset
Given his slow market, there is always the chance the New Orleans Saints re-sign Andrus Peat as a free agent. The team still needs a left tackle and a left guard, so the longtime Saint could return to his former team.
However, there is a chance that Andrus Peat is simply waiting for the market to recognize his free agent value. Trent Brown is the last starting-caliber tackle, so there is a chance a few teams are waiting to see where he signs. Once he’s off the board, teams will have to turn to a player like Peat to be their short-term answer at tackle.
Possible Team Fits
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are in serious trouble along the offensive line. The team already lost John Simpson and Morgan Moses to the New York Jets, and they have yet to re-sign Kevin Zeitler. Andrus Peat is only one player, but the free agent could fill the void at right tackle or either guard spot, depending on what else the Ravens do with their limited cap space.
Kansas City Chiefs
Four of Kansas City’s five offensive line spots are set in stone. Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith form the best interior offensive line in football, and Jawaan Taylor’s contract ensures he isn’t going anywhere. Donovan Smith did not play well during his lone season in Kansas City, and Andrus Peat would probably be an upgrade as a free agent. If nothing else, his versatility makes him a more desirable player than Smith.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wants to build a hard-nosed, tough football team that wins games by pounding the rock. Whether that’s a smart strategy in the year 2024 is a different debate, but the fact remains that this is the philosophy Harbaugh is using while building this team. If you want to run the ball well, you need somebody better than Trey Pipkins at right tackle. Andrus Peat spent the 2023 season at left tackle, but he should be able to switch sides without too much difficulty.
Main Photo: Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
