Mike Iupati may have the big name, but if you’re looking for real value at the left guard position in free agency, the name to watch has always been Clint Boling.
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Iupati is a run blocking road-grader at guard who also happens to be weak in pass protection. Nevertheless, some team is going to pay him top dollar. Multiple Pro Bowl appearances will do that.
Clint Boling has zero Pro Bowl appearances and will not receive top dollar as a free agent. And, truth be told, he’s not as great a run blocker as Iupati. But he is still a really good run blocker and, more importantly, a better-than-average pass blocker.
My point here? Fans should not be upset that the Vikings are reportedly pursuing Boling while Iupati seems certain to land elsewhere. They should be glad.
The 25-year-old Boling at the very least would represent a strong short-term answer at left guard. At best he would lock down that position for Minnesota for the next five-to-seven years.
Who would you rather have, the high-priced free agent who is arguably one-dimensional (even if he is dominating in that one dimension) or the mid-priced free agent who is solid all-around and still young enough that he could markedly improve?
Signing Boling would be a potential home run move by Rick Spielman. Even if the name doesn’t do much for some fans.
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