Could Brown replace Clary?

We're nine days away from the start of free agency, and many of us are waiting anxiously to see who will be available as soon as March 13 arrives. One player who hasn't been mentioned much is Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Levi Brown. Perhaps that's because he's still under contract with the Cardinals, but there's speculation he will be released soon.

It continues to look increasingly likely that Cardinals LT Levi Brown will become a free agent and hit the open market, according to a league source.

Brown has one year left on his deal but will count for $17 million against the Cardinals’ salary cap. Efforts to re-negotiate his contract haven’t proved fruitful, and the team would release Brown without a new deal.

Brown has started 75 games during his five-year career in Arizona. He was the fifth overall pick in the 2007 draft, and although he didn't live up to the expectations, he's improved in recent years and is still considered an ascending talent at the age of 27.

Most San Diego Chargers fans, like myself, would like to see general manager A.J. Smith re-sign Jared Gaither to play left tackle. After that, the hope is Jeromey Clary's days as the starting right tackle are finally over. Brown could be the perfect player to sign as Clary's replacement. At 6-6, 324 pounds, Brown certainly has the size to excel as a powerful run-blocker on the right side. He also possesses the pass-protecting skills that would really help quarterback Philip Rivers, who has fallen victim far too often from Clary missing blocks during passing situations.

Signing Brown would also help Smith in the draft, as one glaring need would be taken care of. With Brown on the roster, Smith wouldn't have to select an offensive tackle such as Ohio State's Mike Adams in the first round. Smith could then instead focus on finding a pass-rusher or maybe select Stanford offensive guard David DeCastro if he were to fall to pick #18.