He also proved he could stay healthy, in a year where most of our offensive linemen could not.
Honestly, I'd rather us consider signing him to a cheap extension and committing to the idea that he's the RT of the future while his stock remains low but up trending. He was not a great pass protector, but he has upside and wasn't a complete liability either. Remember in 2009 when Bushrod got taken to town by the Cowboys and Ware? I don't recall a game this season where Penning got whipped that badly, and Bushrod turned out to be a key piece for us.