The NFL free agency period is always an exciting time for football fans, as teams have the opportunity to bolster their rosters with talented players who are looking for a fresh start. One position that always generates a lot of interest is the quarterback position, and this year is no different. Let’s take a look at the top five free agent quarterbacks who could make a big impact on their new teams.
1. Kirk Cousins: A Risk Worth Taking
Kirk Cousins has had an interesting journey in the NFL. After playing on franchise tags and failing to secure a long-term deal with the Washington Commanders, Cousins hit unrestricted free agency at the age of 29. Now, at 36 years old and coming off a torn Achilles, Cousins finds himself in a much different situation. Despite not leading the Minnesota Vikings to a deep playoff run, Cousins has proven himself as a reliable quarterback. While there is some risk involved in signing an aging quarterback coming off a major injury, Cousins still has a few good years left in him and could be a valuable asset to any team.
2. Baker Mayfield: A Resurrection Story
Sometimes all it takes is one season to turn things around, and that’s exactly what happened for Baker Mayfield. After signing a bargain one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mayfield had a stellar season, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns. Now entering his age 29 season, Mayfield looks like a viable starter once again. While he will likely return to Tampa Bay, there is no doubt that if he hits the open market, there will be plenty of teams interested in his services.
3. Russell Wilson: A Veteran with Something to Prove
Russell Wilson’s career took an unexpected turn when he was cut by the Denver Broncos. Once considered a player on a Hall of Fame track with nine Pro Bowl appearances in his 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson’s performance declined in Denver. However, there is still value in a veteran quarterback with a Super Bowl ring, and Wilson could be a steal for a team willing to take a chance on him. With the offset language in his Broncos contract, a team could sign him for the league minimum salary, making him an attractive option as a short-term starter at the age of 35.
4. Ryan Tannehill: The Bridge Quarterback
Ryan Tannehill had a strong start to his career with the Tennessee Titans but struggled in recent seasons, leading the team to choose Will Levis as their starting quarterback. However, Tannehill, who will be 36 next season, still has the ability to be a bridge quarterback for a team that is looking to develop their future franchise quarterback. While he may not be a long-term solution, Tannehill’s experience and skill set make him a valuable asset for any team in need of stability at the position.
5. Gardner Minshew: The Reliable Backup
Gardner Minshew may not be the preferred starter for any team, but there is no denying his value as a high-end backup. Last season, he started 13 games for the Indianapolis Colts after rookie Anthony Richardson got injured, and he performed admirably. While teams may not view him as a long-term solution, having Minshew as a backup provides insurance and peace of mind knowing that there is a capable quarterback ready to step in if needed.
As the NFL free agency period approaches, teams will have tough decisions to make when it comes to their quarterback position. Whether they choose to take a risk on an aging veteran like Kirk Cousins or Russell Wilson, or opt for a younger option like Baker Mayfield or Ryan Tannehill, one thing is for certain – the quarterback landscape in the NFL is about to change. Only time will tell which teams make the right moves and find their franchise signal-caller in free agency.