Still yet to receive a long-term extension, Baltimore Ravens guard Kelechi Osemele is expected to hit the open market when free agency begins March 9, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

The Ravens would certainly still have a chance to re-sign the standout lineman, but other teams making their bids would significantly impact their chances of finalizing a deal.

Osemele, long having established himself as one of the league's best interior linemen, is thought to be pursuing an opportunity as a blindside protector going forward.

While head coach John Harbaugh indicated last week that Baltimore has made him an aggressive contract offer for such a role, the lack of a long-term deal would suggest there's still a considerable gap in negotiations.

Regardless of position, the Iowa State product is set to be one of the most highly sought-after players in the coming weeks.

Osemele was quick to emerge as a dominant force after joining the Ravens as a second-round pick in 2012, and he'll be just 27 when the 2016 season gets underway next fall.