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Now, after a trip to Buffalo and Kansas City as well, it would appear as though Runyan is set to join a team on Monday. That team could be the Philadelphia Eagles, although it would likely only be as a backup -- a position Runyan may not exactly embrace.
With starting right tackle Shawn Andrews returning to practice last week after missing all of training camp, it looked as though he'd be ready to come in and start Week 1 against the Panthers in Carolina. However, he suffered a setback Thursday and missed practice Friday. After missing practice Friday, Andrews has been ruled out for Sunday's game.
In for Andrews is former second-round pick Winston Justice, who is best remembered for a disastrious debut during his rookie year while filling in for Tra Thomas at left tackle against Osi Umenyiora and the New York Giants.
Even if Justice were to play well, the Eagles may want to bring Runyan in as a backup, depending on the health of Shawn Andrews. However, that may not be a situation Runyan wants to enter. He still feels as though he's a starter, and would want to go to a team where he could get that opportunity.
In fact, Justice playing poorly is what Runyan should be hoping for, as his first choice would be Philadelphia so he could avoid uprooting his family for what is most likely going to be a one-year deal anywhere he goes.
He's not going to get that deal any time before Monday, as any veteran on the roster for Week 1 has his salary guaranteed for the year. So for the first time since 1996, Runyan will be sitting on his couch this Sunday watching the three teams (Kansas City, Buffalo, and Philadelphia) and monitoring their offensive line situation.
Runyan wants to start, so his signing will indicate that one of the starters along that line is not safe. Philadelphia makes sense only because that's where he played before, and Andrews' injury opens the door for his return. Kansas City and Buffalo would make more sense because Ikechuku Nduke and Brad Butler are not exactly top-tier starters.
Another team not to count out is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Runyan wouldn't have to go far, they're Super Bowl contenders (obviously), and really could use an identity on the offensive line. Even if Runyan only has a year left in him, he could certainly fill that role.
It's all speculation at this point, but a veteran starter like Runyan is a hot commodity and will not be on the market for long now that he's healthy.
He won't be unemployed past Monday, and likely will get offers from all four teams mentioned.
