Building the Trenches: How Key Offensive Line Acquisitions are Shaping NFL Offenses

The game of football is often won and lost in the trenches. While quarterbacks and wide receivers frequently steal the headlines, the performance of an offensive line is the bedrock upon which successful offenses are built. The 2024 NFL season saw several teams making significant investments in their offensive lines, and these acquisitions are already beginning to reshape the landscape of the league. The Philadelphia Eagles, even after losing legendary center Jason Kelce to retirement, continued to dominate, rushing for a club-record 3,048 yards. This article explores how these key acquisitions are impacting NFL offenses, highlighting specific player movements and their potential to transform team performance.

The Linchpin: Center Acquisitions

The center position is often considered the quarterback of the offensive line, responsible for making pre-snap reads, adjusting protections, and ensuring smooth snaps. Several teams recognized the importance of this role and made notable acquisitions at center.

The Chicago Bears, under new head coach Ben Johnson, have made a concerted effort to bolster their offensive line, and the signing of Drew Dalman is a prime example. Dalman, formerly with the Atlanta Falcons, has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears. This move is particularly significant because Dalman’s skill set aligns perfectly with Johnson’s outside-zone scheme. Over the past three seasons, Dalman has excelled in this system, earning a 93.0 run-blocking grade in outside-zone concepts, tying for second among all centers, trailing only Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow. The Bears also traded for All-Pro guard Joe Thuney and former Lions guard Jonah Jackson, creating a potentially dominant interior offensive line. According to PFF, if the deal is finalized, the Bears could boast a top-five offensive line in 2025.

Guarding the Edges: Impactful Guard Additions

While the center is crucial, the guards are equally important in providing interior protection and creating running lanes. Several teams have made strategic moves to strengthen their guard positions.

The Detroit Lions, consistently boasting one of the league’s top offensive lines, signed veteran Kevin Zeitler to replace Jonah Jackson. Zeitler, coming off his first Pro Bowl season, joins a unit already featuring Pro Bowlers Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker. Graham Glasgow, another key component of the Lions’ line, finished second in run block win rate. This addition further solidifies the Lions’ commitment to dominating the line of scrimmage.

Tackling the Problem: Offensive Tackle Overhauls

The tackle positions are paramount in pass protection, tasked with neutralizing edge rushers and providing quarterbacks with a clean pocket. Teams have addressed their tackle needs through free agency and trades.

The New York Jets, aiming to protect their quarterback, acquired Tyron Smith, a seasoned veteran with a proven track record. While Smith’s health remains a concern, his presence significantly upgrades the Jets’ pass protection capabilities. In 2023, Smith ranked third among left tackles with a 3.2% pressure rate allowed.

The Ripple Effect: How O-Line Improvements Impact Offenses

The impact of these offensive line acquisitions extends far beyond individual player performances. A strong offensive line can elevate the entire offense, leading to:

Improved Rushing Attack: A dominant offensive line creates consistent running lanes, allowing running backs to gain more yards and sustain drives. The Philadelphia Eagles’ record-breaking rushing performance in 2024 is a testament to this.
Enhanced Pass Protection: A reliable offensive line provides quarterbacks with more time and a cleaner pocket, leading to improved accuracy and decision-making. This is particularly crucial for teams with young or mobile quarterbacks.
Increased Offensive Efficiency: A well-rounded offensive line contributes to overall offensive efficiency, allowing teams to convert on third downs, score in the red zone, and control the clock.
Reduced Injuries: A strong and cohesive offensive line can help reduce the number of sacks and pressures allowed, minimizing the risk of injury to quarterbacks and other offensive players.

Top Performing Offensive Lines

Several teams have consistently demonstrated the value of a strong offensive line, earning recognition as top performers in the league.

Philadelphia Eagles: Despite the retirement of Jason Kelce, the Eagles’ offensive line remains a force to be reckoned with. Featuring All-Pros like Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, the Eagles continue to dominate in both run and pass blocking.
Detroit Lions: The Lions’ offensive line, bolstered by the addition of Kevin Zeitler, is widely regarded as one of the best in the NFL. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage has been instrumental in the Lions’ offensive success.
Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens’ offensive line has consistently ranked among the league’s best, excelling in both pass and run blocking. Their performance has been a key factor in the Ravens’ offensive firepower.
Denver Broncos: The Broncos’ offensive line was a driving force behind their success in 2024. Their pressure rate and sack numbers were excellent, despite Bo Nix averaging one of the highest times to throw.

The Ever-Evolving Landscape

The importance of offensive line play is constantly evolving in the NFL. As defenses become more sophisticated, the need for strong, athletic, and intelligent offensive linemen becomes even greater. Teams that prioritize building and maintaining a dominant offensive line are positioning themselves for sustained success. The acquisitions made during the 2024 offseason are a clear indication of this trend, and the impact of these moves will be felt throughout the league in the seasons to come.