Erik McCoy, despite playing only nine games, showcased his elite skills as the NFL's highest-graded center, leading in run-blocking with a 94.5 PFF grade. Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs has also been stellar, consistently ranking among the top centers since entering the league in 2021. Fellow centers Frank Ragnow and Tyler Linderbaum also delivered impressive performances, with Ragnow excelling in run-blocking for the Detroit Lions and Linderbaum maintaining a clean sack record since his rookie season.

Drew Dalman of the Atlanta Falcons, entering free agency after a solid year in pass protection, made strides in his performance following an injury. Newcomer Zach Frazier from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona's Hjalte Froholdt have both made significant impacts in their respective teams. The rising star Joe Tippmann of the New York Jets is also turning heads with his improvements.

The NFL offseason is heating up as teams begin to reassess their rosters ahead of the 2025 Draft. The Chicago Bears and New England Patriots are among the teams looking to bolster their offensive lines, with specific targets in free agency. The Bears, under new coach Ben Johnson, are eyeing free-agent guard Trey Smith, who offers durability and proven performance.

Meanwhile, the Patriots are expected to pursue left tackle Ronnie Stanley from the Baltimore Ravens, addressing their glaring offensive line deficiencies. The Chiefs, too, are considering options to strengthen their left tackle position.

The Chicago Bears are set to prioritize rebuilding their offensive line this offseason after a season characterized by their rookie quarterback Caleb Williams being sacked an astounding 68 times, the most in the NFL. General Manager Ryan Poles and Head Coach Ben Johnson are expected to closely assess the performance of their current linemen, with the exception of promising right tackle Darnell Wright, as all other starters have underperformed.

A critical decision awaits regarding Matt Pryor, the Bears' right guard, deemed by Pro Football Focus as a player the team cannot afford to lose. While his 2024 pass-blocking grade was commendable, his overall contributions raise questions about his reliability as a full-time starter. His return may depend on the Bears' success in targeting higher-profile free agents like Kansas City Chiefs' Trey Smith and Atlanta Falcons' Drew Dalman.

As the 2024-25 NFL season winds down, teams are gearing up for free agency, focusing on strengthening their rosters for the upcoming year. The landscape of free agency is becoming clearer, with standout centers set to hit the market in 2025. Among the highlights, Drew Dalman of the Atlanta Falcons is poised to be a top target, showcasing exceptional run-blocking skills while continuing to develop his pass protection. Teams employing an outside-zone scheme will likely pursue him.

Ryan Kelly of the Indianapolis Colts, despite considering retirement, remains a notable veteran presence, capable of mentoring younger quarterbacks and solidifying offensive lines, although recent knee surgery raises concerns. Coleman Shelton from the Chicago Bears also emerges as a key player, providing stability to rookie quarterbacks and demonstrating significant durability over the previous season. These free agents could reshape the dynamics of the offensive line in the NFL as teams position themselves for success.