3 NFL teams that should be ready to sign Mitchell Schwartz

Mitchell Schwartz has been one of the NFL’s best right tackles but, still a free agent as training camp approaches, which teams could sign him?

If anyone would’ve referred to Mitchell Schwartz as the best right tackle in the NFL heading into the 2020 season, not many people would’ve batted an eye. PFF (subscription required) graded him as the third-best tackle in the league in 2019 and the fourth-best the previous season. But things in this league can turn on a dime.

A back injury last year not only forced Schwartz to miss 10 games (including the Super Bowl) but it also led to the Chiefs releasing him this offseason. The 32-year-old veteran had surgery on his back in late February and still expects to return for the 2021 campaign. However, he remains unsigned.

Even if Schwartz loses a slight step, he could still be a high-end right tackle for any NFL team. So which teams should be looking to add him to the offensive line as training camp begins in less than a month? We have three options that make sense.

Signing Mitchell Schwartz would be a big win for these 3 NFL teams

3. New York Giants – After drafting Andrew Thomas in the first round last year, the Giants have to feel confident in their left tackle spot. But what gets overlooked is that they hopefully drafted their long-time right tackle in the third round with Matt Peart.

Having said that, Peart needed some serious development as he entered the NFL and signing Schwartz would give New York another year to work with Peart and allow him to become the best version of himself. Moreover, who better for the young tackle to learn from than one of the premier veterans at his position.

2. Los Angeles Chargers – Another team that just spent a first-round pick on an offensive tackle, the Chargers took Rashawn Slater this year at No. 13 overall. Moreover, they have veteran Bryan Bulaga at right tackle and signed Corey Linsley to play center on a massive contract. The guard spots, however, leave a bit to be desired.

Coming into the draft, Slater was touted for his inside-out versatility and they could work with that right away. Bringing in Schwartz and moving someone inside would allow them to upgrade at guard and, ultimately, accomplish the ultimate goal of keeping Justin Herbert upright and allowing him to continue to develop after a phenomenal rookie season.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers – Four of the five starters that Pittsburgh had on the offensive line last season are now gone and, in fact, the only returning player is Chukwuma Okorafor, who will move from right tackle to left tackle. And even with signing Trai Turner, this O-line group needs a substantial amount of help.

Rather than trotting out Zach Banner, a player who has produced less than stellar returns to this point, at right tackle, the Steelers could try and bring in Schwartz to pair with Okorafor. That would certainly give both Ben Roethlisberger and Najee Harris some peace of mind for the 2021 season.