The official NFL league year is set to begin on March 14th, and we are currently looking at what could be an unprecedented off season. Not only do a number of teams need a quarterback…or at least a new quarterback, but this free agent class not only consists of guys that can certainly start for a NFL teams, but it also consists of a 30 year old in his prime and could be a franchise quarterback for someone for the next 8-10 years. We also shouldn’t forget that the NFL draft will quickly be upon us after free agency, and that too, has a number of potential prospects that the team’s drafting them hope could be a franchise quarterback. However, this isn’t about the NFL draft. This is to focus on some of the key names that headline the quarterback free agent market. I won’t get into too much detail surrounding these guys here, but please be sure to check out the link (after this paragraph) for the very first ever Fantasyshed “ON AIR” podcast! Eric Frank and I get into detail surrounding the quarterback free agent class, and of course, Kirk Cousins.
As far as the Podcasts goes, we currently are not on itunes or any hosting sites as of now, but that soon will change! In the meantime, continue reading and be sure to click the link to listen!
A.J. Mccarron– It is no secret that the Cleveland Browns like him. They were willing to surrender a 2nd and 3rd round pick at the deadline to acquire him from the Cincinnati Bengals. Browns head coach Hue Jackson is familiar with Mccarron from his time in Cincy, and the team does have plenty of funds. If the Adam Schefter report is accurate, and the Browns are not in on Cousins, or at least they aren’t one of his preferred destinations, this marriage just make so much sense.
PREDICTION: Cleveland Browns
Sam Bradford: Obviously the injury history is going to keep a lot of teams away from Bradford. However, he should find a job from someone that either a) is planning on drafting a young QB in this year’s draft, or b) would be a possible upgrade (if healthy) to what they have and can compete for a starting job. Perhaps I’m taking the easy way out here, but I see two teams that fit those descriptions, and I believe he ends up in one of these cities.
PREDICTION: Denver Broncos / Buffalo Bills
Case Keenum: Is he really as good as he was in 2017, or was it fluke? Regardless of what your answer is to that question, bottom line is, a player can not ask for a better scenario than what played out for Keenum this past season. Playing very well and leading a team to the NFL Championship, while also being in a contract year, is a journeyman backup quarterback’s dream. There is one team that I believe he makes perfect sense for. The Arizona Cardinals. They need a quarterback and currently sit in the 23,000,000 area of cap space. He should fit right in at under that figure, so the Cardinals do not have to make many cuts to get him there. Keenum gives Arizona the luxury of having a veteran guy that showed he can win in the NFC, and also allows them to select a quarterback in the first round (or later) of the draft if they so desire.
PREDICTION: Arizona Cardinals
Teddy Bridgewater: He’s still only 25 years old and has won some games in the NFL. Of course, he hasn’t played since his gruesome injury back in 2016 that nearly costs him his leg. Bridewater suffered a torn ACL, a dislocation of the knee, and other structural damage during a practice on August 30, 2016. The fact that he’s finally able to play again is remarkable, and there are some reports that there are a couple of teams that are looking at him as a starter. Whether or not he gets starter salary, is another thing. Bridewater has potential and is still young enough to build on it. He could still be a franchise quarterback and some team may be getting one at a great price, even if he does sign a shorter term deal. I could think of one team that is looking to add a young quarterback and is drafting at a place of uncertainty regarding what quarterbacks will be available to them . This team is in contention for Kirk Cousin’s services, but will ultimately fall short.
PREDICTION: New York Jets
Kirk Cousins: Kirk Cousins presents teams with a situation that is unheard of. As I alluded to it earlier, Cousins is that 30 year old franchise quarterback that is actually available. I won’t get into too much detail about his landing spot because we talk about it at length in the podcast, and of course I want you to listen! Many experts believe the Broncos are the best opportunity for Cousins, and there are conflicting reports surrounding whether or not they are still in the “hunt” for him. While not a bad choice, the Broncos will have some work to do to clear up some money in order to fit him in, which then will leave the team missing some pieces that could prevent then from being the “contender” that Cousins has said he would like to sign with. That leaves the Jets and the Vikings as the final two teams, and obviously I just had another quarterback going to New York. The Jets will outbid everyone else. I’m pretty certain about that. However, although there is a lot of pressure to play for the Vikings, since they were one game away from the Super Bowl a season ago, that is where he ends up. Find out many more reasons why here : Fantasyshed ON AIR Podcast
Other (notable?) Free Agent Quarterbacks: (backup role)
Josh McCown- Jacksonville Jaguars / Denver Broncos/ NY Jets
Brock Osweiler- Carolina Panthers
Chad Henne- New England Patriots
Chase Daniel- New Orleans Saints/ NY Jets/ Arizona Cardinals
Derek Anderson-Kansas City Chiefs
Drew Stanton- Kansas City Chiefs/ Arizona Cardinals/ Jacksonville Jaguars
Geno Smith- Philadelphia Eagles/ Washington Redskins/ Buffalo Bills
Jay Cutler- Retirement
Ryan Fitzpatrick-Baltimore Ravens/Cincinnati Bengals
