With free agency right around the corner, I think it’s time we take a look at those available starting March 13. A good quarterback is the key to a team’s success. There are very few instances of teams winning it all without a solid QB on the roster.
Many teams will be looking for new arms heading into the season. Some may need a starter, while others are looking for injury-depth or veteran leadership. Teams like Washington and Jacksonville may be looking for the future of their franchise or a guy to bridge the gap to the next QB. The Giants will likely be looking for someone in the draft. Others like Tampa Bay, Tennessee, and Miami have their futures in question at the position.
Who should we be looking out for in this free agency? This list is a good place to start.
5. Garrett Gilbert
Gilbert is a name that will go unrecognized by most. His NFL experience is nothing to write home about. He spent his first three years in the NFL on four different practice squad, including New England in 2014 when they won Super Bowl XLIX. He found a home in Carolina the past two seasons where he split time between the practice squad and active roster.
This year, however, Gilbert has landed in the AAF with the Orlando Apollos. While the league is different from the NFL, especially the talent gap, Gilbert has impressed. He leads the league in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and passer ratings. On top of that, he’s yet to throw an interception in four games. The NFL and AAF aren’t on equal levels, but if the AAF is going to have a guy make the jump back to the NFL, it’s going to be Gilbert.
4. Ryan Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick has been a wild ride in the NFL. He seems to have an amazing run every year. This past year, that run ended rather quickly when Jameis returned from suspension. HC Dirk Koetter flip-flopped on his decision, and we ended up seeing both QBs.
With the Bucs getting a new head coach in Bruce Arians, it’s unknown what direction their looking in the long-term with Winston. I expect Fitzmagic to find a landing spot as a competent backup with veteran experience. He’ll probably be the most interesting backup out there.
3. Tyrod Taylor
Last year, Hue Jackson thought he was doing the right thing making Taylor the starter. What he actually did, however, was make him a part of the problem. Taylor got lumped in with the blame being thrown at Jackson when much of it had nothing to do with him at all. Baker-mania took over in Cleveland, and there was nothing he could do about it.
While I’m not the biggest Tyrod Taylor fan, I still believe he’s an NFL QB. Teams that are potentially looking to move on from their QB or those that need injury insurance will be looking at Tyrod. He probably won’t guide you to the playoffs, but he can get you to .500.
2. Teddy Bridgewater
In 2018, we believed that Bridgewater was going to have an opportunity to make a comeback from his ACL injury. He was signed by the Jets, a place where he may have been able to start before Sam Darnold took over. However, by the time the regular season rolled around, Bridgewater was traded to New Orleans.
As the Saints backup, Bridgewater didn’t get much playing time. In Week 17, with the Saints already having clinched the first seed, Bridgewater got the start. It’s tough to judge a Week 17 start where there’s probably not a lot of effort for most guys. With that being said, he didn’t show much promise, completing 14 attempts for 118 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Teddy Bridgewater’s stock may have dropped, but teams are still going to be interested in the prospect of what he can be. He’s a QB who showed some things in college and his first two seasons in the NFL pre-injury. That’ll be something teams will want to take a look at. Expect teams that may be more willing to gamble on a backup to take a look as a potential replacement, i.e. New England, Los Angeles (Chargers), Pittsburgh Steelers.
1. Nick Foles
Foles is clearly the most sought-after QB in this free agent class. He’s taken the Eagles on two insane runs and won a Super Bowl during one of them. Let’s not forget, in years where he wasn’t coached by Jeff Fisher, he’s performed, putting up 22-11 record as a starter, 9,113 yards, 61 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, and a passer rating in the high-90’s.
There have been rumors that the Jaguars are expected to offer Foles a contract upon the start of free agency. This makes all the sense in the world for Jacksonville. Foles has been successful, and with that defense, he should be able to help them compete for an AFC South title. He can capitalize on the window they have to succeed and win. They can do the same with him as he enters his age-30 season.