NFL free agent quarterbacks are going to continue being the talk of the league water cooler this offseason. Pro Bowlers such as Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield could very well hit the open market.
We’re also going to see teams target top-end backups. This is no small thing given all of the injuries we saw at quarterback a season ago.
Other notable names set to hit NFL free agency include the likes of Jimmy Garoppolo, Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and Gardner Minshew. Here, we look at the top-eight free agent quarterbacks around the NFL and their ideal landing spots.
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Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Cousins’ contract for the 2024 season automatically voids on March 13. The Minnesota Vikings would have to work out a long-term contract with the Pro Bowler before then to retain him. Things are not progressing at a great level after Cousins suffered a torn Achilles midway into the 2023 campaign. It sure is looking more and more like he’ll be hitting free agency. If so, the Las Vegas Raiders make perfect sense. Star wide receiver Davante Adams has come out in support of Cousins. His success (171 TD, 55 INT over past six seasons) would also be a boon for the Raiders after the failed Jimmy Garoppolo experiment. Look at this to happen at roughly $45 million per season.
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield returning to Tampa Bay always seemed to make the most sense. He put up a career-best performance in 2023, throwing for 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. It led to a surprise Buccaneers playoff appearance in the first season without Tom Brady. Whether it’s via the franchise tag or a long-term contract ahead of NFL free agency, expect Mayfield to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts
Now considered a journeyman, Gardner Minshew was pretty good in replacing an injured Anthony Richardson for the Colts last season. He completed 62% of his passes for 3,305 yards with 15 touchdowns. We’re not expecting Minshew to land a starting job. However, he could come in as a top-end QB2 or compete for the QB1 spot. That’s where the Tennessee Titans come into play. Ryan Tannehill will not return next season. It’s an open question whether 2023 second-round pick Will Levis is the answer. Bringing in Minshew for competition makes sense.
Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson has not officially been released. But that’s going to happen at some point soon. Denver benched the Super Bowl-winning quarterback late last season in order to avoid paying out future injury guarantees on his contract. He’s not going to be back. The question here is whether another team will show interest in Wilson during NFL free agency. We’re banking on the Minnesota Vikings doing just that. They’d incur a $28 million dead salary cap hit with Kirk Cousins departing. Wilson’s remaining guarantees in Denver will likely limit him to a small contract on the open market. It makes too much sense for both parties.
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Jacoby Brissett, Washington Commanders
Now set to enter his ninth NFL season, Brissett has been a part-time starter throughout. The former North Carolina State standout has thrown 51 touchdowns against 23 interceptions in 79 career games (48 starts). He’s solid as a QB2 option and stopgap starter. Don’t expect that to change moving forward. In this scenario, we like the Chicago Bears as a fit. They are likely selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams No. 1 in the 2024 NFL Draft. They will also be trading Justin Fields. Getting experience behind Williams has to be in the cards.
Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders
Garoppolo will be released by the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of NFL free agency opening. The fact that he’s suspended for the first two games of the 2024 season due to violating the NFL’s PED policy adds another layer to this. After throwing seven touchdowns against nine interceptions in his only season with the Raiders, Garoppolo is not starter-caliber. He’ll land a backup gig. Our money is with the Los Angeles Rams behind Matthew Stafford. They are said to be targeting a veteran. It makes perfect sense for both sides.
Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints
It’s been five seasons since Jameis Winston has started more than seven games. He’s played primarily a backup role with the New Orleans Saints over the past four campaigns. At this point, we envision a scenario where the former No. 1 overall pick finally looks to compete for a starting job. What better situation than with the New York Giants? Daniel Jones is coming off a torn ACL. General manager Joe Schoen has made it clear that they are looking for veteran competition. Winston would certainly be a cost-effective option for the team.
Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
Much like with some other NFL free agent quarterbacks on this list, Ryan Tannehill is not looking at acquiring a starting job. That time has certainly passed. He threw 17 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions in his final two seasons with the Titans. Despite this, the experience factor should come into play (151 career starts, 216 TD). What about the New England Patriots as a landing spot? They are going to trade Mac Jones this summer. They are also likely looking at a quarterback with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Acquiring this type of experience at QB2 would be a boon.
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