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Nwaneri

Nwaneri and C Brad Meester have the stalwarts up front, paving the way for Maurice Jones-Drew’s 854 rushing yards -- good for fourth in the NFL. Nwaneri is ranked sixth among right guards through 10 weeks, per Pro Football Focus.

Dr. James Andrews performed the routine arthroscopy, and two weeks later Nwaneri had stem cells removed from his hip and injected into the knee. Nwaneri played through a meniscus tear and torn cartilage in the knee last season. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has filed a lawsuit against the stem-cell procedure (called “Regenexx”) and contends it’s a public health risk.

Nwaneri didn’t disclose the exact nature of his surgery, but he battled knee issues for much of the year and his procedure was performed by Dr. James Andrews. It may have been some kind of clean-out. He should be fine to pencil in as an asset as the Jags’ starting right guard in 2013.

Nwaneri, 29, started 15 games last season, but he missed the finale with the injury. He then underwent surgery with Dr. James Andrews in January. The exact nature of the surgery was not disclosed, but it was likely a clean-out procedure. Pro Football Focus graded Nwaneri out as its No. 35 overall guard in 2012.

A career guard, Nwaneri is working to get more comfortable at the center spot. The Jaguars will give him every chance to beat out veteran incumbent Brad Meester, while moving Vince Manuwai to right guard and Kynan Forney to left guard. The shuffle is an effort to improve the Jags’ run-blocking.

Nwaneri, 30 later this month, started all 16 games last season and graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 16 right guard. He’s spent his entire seven-year career with the Jaguars since being a fifth-round pick in 2007 and has started 92 games. His release saves the Jaguars $3.705 million, leaving Jacksonville with over $60 million in cap space. The Jaguars now need a starting right guard, left guard, and center. Left tackle Luke Joeckel is their only locked-in starter.

The Cowboys add depth to a unit that is already one of the best in the league. Nwaneri, 30, was cut by the Jags in March despite starting all 16 games last season and grading out as an average guard according to Pro Football Focus. He can compete with Ronald Leary and Mackenzy Bernadeau for snaps at left guard. First-round pick Zack Martin is locked in at right guard.

Nwaneri, 30, was cut by the Jaguars in March. He’s flirted with the Titans and Bengals since. In Dallas, Nwaneri would simply compete for a roster spot on what appears to be one of the better offensive lines in the league. Nwaneri brings plenty of experience, having started 92 games since 2007.

Nwaneri was released by the Jaguars Tuesday. Players that are cut from teams are free to sign with another club at any time and don’t have to wait until March 11. Most of these players like to take advantage and agree to terms before the market is flooded. Nwaneri is part of a weak free-agent guard class.

Fellow free agent guard Garrett Reynolds is also in Nashville for a visit as the Titans look for depth behind Andy Levitre and Chance Warmack. Nwaneri is a far superior option and shouldn’t be too much more expensive.