Bradley Bozeman played left guard for the Baltimore Ravens for three seasons before switching to center in 2021. Baltimore drafted the versatile guard in the same 2018 NFL Draft as Lamar Jackson — in Ozzie Newsome’s final draft as the Ravens GM. He was selected in the sixth round out of Alabama. Following limited snaps in his rookie campaign, he featured as a starter on the Ravens’ offensive line for the following three years. Let’s make some potential landing spot predictions for the free agent big man up front.
Bradley Bozeman free agency predictions and landing spots
Bozeman will now enter the free agency market at 27 years old, with numerous teams in the market for his services.
As reported by PFN’s Aaron Wilson, “Bozeman is drawing interest from the New York Giants and Jets, the Bengals and the Panthers in free agency.” So, how would he fit into those franchises’ plans?
New York Giants
The Giants admitted during the offseason that they had failed Daniel Jones because of an inability to build a strong offensive line unit. As a result, they’re now working to rebuild that line with clear intent in the free agency market.
Thus far, the Giants inked former Buffalo Bills center Jon Feliciano and former Colts guard Mark Glowinski. The two signings leave a spot open at left guard, which could see Bozeman go back to the position following his one season at center in 2021.
Either way, the Giants are looking to build a wall this year to allow their weapons to flourish with Daniel Jones under center. Bozeman could be a piece of that wall.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are also showing serious commitment to their offensive line, which ultimately may have cost them a Super Bowl this past season. With cash to spend, the Bengals are looking to be right back in the mix in 2022, and they’ve already made multiple signings on the offensive line.
Guard Alex Cappa left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to sign long-term with Cincy, while center/guard Ted Karras comes in from the New England Patriots. Typically a center, Karras played largely at left guard for the Patriots in 2021.
Bozeman could take over as the starting center and would be an upgrade over Trey Hopkins, who has been the Bengals’ starter for the last three years. The Bengals’ line looks improved already from last year’s unit, and the addition of Bozeman would only add to that strength.
Carolina Panthers
One of the franchises in the sweepstakes for Deshaun Watson is the Carolina Panthers. It would make sense that if they’re going to give up a wealth of picks and talent to get Watson, they’d also want to protect him with further investment into their offensive line.
Carolina was disappointing last season and needs to rebound in 2022. Matt Paradis, who’s been with the Panthers for the past three seasons, missed the second half of 2021, forcing Pat Elflein to kick to center from left guard.
Paradis is now a free agent himself, meaning the Panthers have a gap to fill. They’ll be a front-runner for Bozeman’s services, especially with the center market diluting rather quickly.
Ryan Jensen, Brian Allen, and Ben Jones were all retained by their respective franchises.
Cleveland Browns
And finally, the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland released long-term starter JC Tretter this week after five years with the franchise. The reliable center started every game during his Cleveland tenure, barring one game last season (which he missed because of COVID).
Tretter will be another top name in the open market at the center position. But the Browns themselves now have a hole to fill. Nick Harris is next up on the depth chart and played well in the one game he covered for Tretter (vs. the Packers).
Is he the long-term solution, or could the Browns look at Bozeman as their man?