Rex

Hadnot

Seth McKinney, the team’s starter in the middle last season before sustaining a knee injury, is currently at right guard.

The Cardinals released Hadnot in March due to his hefty salary and underwhelming play. A 16-game starter in 2011, the versatile Hadnot will provide the Chargers with depth at all three positions on the interior line and will push Tyronne Green for the starting left guard job.

The Titans will host Dan Koppen for a free agent visit Thursday, and he appears to be the club’s first choice. Jackson is going on age 32 and couldn’t beat out undersized rookie Jason Kelce for the Eagles’ starting job last season. Hadnot, 30, would be a more versatile option with the ability to play guard.

Hadnot was set to make just $1.5 million, but was one of the league’s poorer guards during his age-29 campaign in 2011. Last season was the first time since 2008 Hadnot had started more than six games. Although most of the top guards are already off the market in free agency, Hadnot will likely have trouble landing a starting gig.

“He will be in the mix for the open left guard spot,” said Smith. “That’s heavy competition right there.” Hadnot graded out as one of the league’s poorer guards by Pro Football Focus in Arizona last season, but did rate better than Green, who made only eight starts. It will be a battle to watch in Bolts camp.

It’s Hadnot’s first visit of free agency, and Caldwell’s fourth. Hadnot, 31, started three games for the Chargers in 2012, but he has started 96 career games in his nine-year career. Both players can play all along the interior.

He played the new position in college. Hadnot is entering a contract season and should be a hot commodity on the free agent market a year from now.

The sides are not close to a deal. Last year’s explosion on the free agent market at guard could lead to some strange situations this offseason. Hadnot, who can also play center, is likely to garner interest as a starter.

The Dolphins would have to find a solution on the blind side then, possibly involving a free agent signing or Michigan OT Jake Long. The team will consider cutting RT L.J. Shelton, who is due $3 million in 2008. Both of Miami’s starting guards, Rex Hadnot and Chris Liwienski, will be free agents this offseason.