In a year where the draft does not appear to feature any top ten quarterbacks (maybe even no true first round talents depending on your views), teams may look to free agency to solve their quarterback woes. Unfortunately, the free agent class is not much better than the draft class. There are a few options with possible upside compared to their cost, or at least there are options that were once top draft prospects, but for the most part this free agent class is underwhelming. This is a brief overview of what will be covered more in depth, specifically their predicted landing spots, during our free agent podcast episodes so be on the lookout for them! 

Jameis Winston, 28

Jameis is once again in the free agent pool after signing a one year deal with the Saints late last off season. He started seven games for the Saints, having up and down production, although mostly positive. The best thing Jameis did was limit his turnovers, with only three interceptions in those seven games as compared to 30 in his previous full season as a starter. This, more than anything else, may inspire teams to take a chance on Winston in hopes that he achieves some middle ground between his production in Tampa and New Orleans.

Potential Fits:  Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints

Mitchell Trubisky, 27

The narrative of Trubisky being a massive bust is well known, and the jokes plenty. However, with the fall from grace that Matt Nagy has had, one could wonder whether a majority of his shortcomings were on Nagy. There was obviously controversy when he was drafted and he may never live up to that high of a pick, but one needs to look no further than Ryan Tannehill to find a possible comparison to Trubisky’s current predicament. Like Tannehill, Trubisky spent a large majority of his career with an “offensive guru” and took the fall for the team’s lack of success. Furthermore, we may come to find that Nagy is more of an Adam Gase than anything else, and that Trubisky could at the least compete for a starting role, and maybe even bring a team to the playoffs. Lastly, it is worth noting that he spent this past season in Buffalo with the same staff that has helped make Josh Allen a top five quarterback in the league. Trubisky could be headed to a team that needs a high profile backup or a team with an unsettled quarterback room looking to add another player to the competition.

Potential Fits: Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions, New York Giants

Marcus Mariota, 28

Similar in some ways to the previous two, Mariota is a former first rounder picked in the top three who has not produced at the level expected. Unlike Trubisky, Mariota’s issues appear to stem primarily from his ability to stay healthy. He seems capable of running a quick throw offense that can take advantage of his mobility (although again injuries have to be taken into account). Again, a team that is looking for a high profile backup or another body in the quarterback room could look to Mariota as a potential option.

Potential Fits: Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants

Tyrod Taylor, 32

Another year, another free agency for Tyrod Taylor. He is quickly building a resume that rivals Fitzmagic. Yet, everywhere he goes he is serviceable. Even more important, everywhere he goes as a mentor, the rookie seems to shine after taking over. Whether this is coincidence or not is not truly known, but you never hear Tyrod complain about being a mentor. You do not hear him balk at the idea of mentoring another rookie, instead he seems to take it in stride. Even when the team’s doctor punctures his long and that results in him being benched. Taylor appears to be the ultimate professional and would be a great fit for one of the teams that drafts a quarterback this year and or lacks a true veteran in the room to mentor.

Potential Fits: Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, New York Jets

Teddy Bridgewater, 29

There was a time where many hoped Teddy Bridgewater would regain form after the horrendous knee injury, and there are glimpses where he seems capable as a starter. Yet, I would argue he is back to form before the knee injury just with a little less mobility. What you get with him as a starter is someone painfully safe on most throws, while occasionally throwing a deep ball that is not the most accurate or strongest throw. It is unsure how he would act as a mentor to his replacement, although all accounts are that he is a professional. The issue with Bridgewater is that there is not much upside beyond a conservative game manager and he may be nothing more than a decent backup. I could also see him returning to one of his previous few teams

Potential Fits: Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts

Andy Dalton, 34

Dalton is the one of the group with the most experience, and perhaps the most success. He can fit in most systems as the veteran backup that can do a decent job if called upon. I personally think he is only a backup at this point and should not be signed by anyone intending him to start. That being said he would probably be one of the better backups this season. I think he fits best in a place with a starter already there that may need guidance and mentorship, similar to Tyrod but without more for the young player who is already starting.

Potential Fits: New York Giants, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars