Eugene Monroe Faces Tough Call On Next NFL Home

Three teams have emerged as viable contenders for the services of free agent left tackle Eugene Monroe.  Which one he should choose is a tough question.

There is no doubt teams will be approaching him with some caution.  Though he’s had success in the past, he also hasn’t started a full season since 2012.  Each year it seems like another injury bedevils him.  Even so, when healthy he can be one of the better tackles in the league.  A tremendous athlete with the capability to offer consistent pass protection.  It would seem the Baltimore Ravens weren’t willing to pay the price of his old contract and continue to gamble on his good health.

That hasn’t stopped other teams from picking up the pursuit, understanding that good tackles almost never become available this late in the off-season.  Of the primary contenders for his services, it seems like they all have something positive to offer.

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Seattle Seahawks:  Contender

Having just lost Russell Okung to free agency, it could be argued the Seattle Seahawks have the biggest gaping hole at left tackle than any of the other teams involved in the Monroe pursuit.  Something else they have that would greatly interest him?  An aura of winning.  The Seahawks won the Super Bowl in 2013 and were in it again in 2014.  They have not missed the playoffs since 2011.  In his career Monroe has played in the postseason exactly one time.  He’s 29-years old and has to know his chances of getting a ring aren’t going to last much longer.  Seattle offers the best opportunity.

New York Giants:  Market

One thing the modern NFL player talks about more these days than in years past is building a brand.  This is in order to make more money and build for their future after their time in pro football comes to a close.  It’s often why they seek out cities with bigger markets, because they offer greater opportunities.  New York of course is right at the top of the list and the Giants are their flagship franchise.  They still have Eli Manning, fresh off his fourth Pro Bowl.  Protecting his blind side has proven quite fruitful in years past.

San Francisco 49ers:  Cap Space

Having the most money on hand to offer is always important for players who know their career life span is short.  Monroe understands this well given his recent injury history.  San Francisco has by far the most salary cap space to offer at over $49 million.  They could technically overpay to get him and still sit highest on the list from the next team which is Cleveland ($41 million).  With their right tackle spot being so bothersome, signing Monroe to play left tackle and moving Pro Bowler Joe Staley over there sounds like a legitimate plan worth exploring.

Much of how Eugene Monroe makes his decision will be framed by where his head is at.  If he’s spooked by the injury bug, chances are he’ll seek the best possible money opportunity.  On the other hand, if he feels confident enough that his body can hold out then expect him to go after a championship.