If you haven’t noticed yet, the NFL’s 2021 off-season may well have been considered the quarterback’s off-season. A year after the movement among established signal callers reached an unprecedented mark, this year’s free agency estimates to bring as much, if not more, action to the center. The Buccaneers just won a Super Bowl largely due to a lucrative bet on the QB position, and now all signs point to the league entering an unprecedented era of QB empowerment, with several superstars openly or indirectly suggesting relocation. before the official opening of the 2021 market.
If your favorite team is looking for a new QB this off-season, the question is not whether one will be available, but what one more justifies a serious offer. Therefore, we decided to classify the biggest names with rumors or that were already available, or at least generating queries before the official start of the commercial market in March. We are well aware that not all of these QBs will actually be traded (the first two, in fact, still appear to be very large). But if a guy got commercial calls, was bought or asked for a change, he’s on the list. Here’s how we would classify them:
Note: the listed ages of the QB are for the beginning of the 2021 season.
Age: 32
Remaining contract: 3 years, $ 108M
There is a reason why he is the least likely to be treated; he is arguably one of the first three QBs in the game. Paying a historic price for a 32-year-old would not normally be wise, but imagine giving Wilson a decent offensive line. He could last another decade, and only his presence would guarantee title hopes. At least 25 teams would call if Seattle really made it available.
Logical landing points: Cowboys, Colts, Dolphins, Panthers, Raiders
Age: 26
Remaining contract: 5 years, $ 168.1 million
You could argue that Watson is the best long-term bet on Wilson, but Russ did it better, for longer and with more wins. Still, if / when Texans give in, they are likely to start trade negotiations by asking for three or four participants in the first round, which is deserved. Watson accumulated many garbage time statistics in 2020, but he has been a dynamic pocket passer in each of his first four seasons.
Logical landing points: Bears, broncos, dolphins, 49ers, jets, panthers, patriots
Age: 28
Remaining contract: 4 years, $ 134M
Wentz deserves a good deal of blame for his full regression in 2020, but the Eagles failed him on several laps, and just because they mismanaged his expected exit doesn’t mean that the former MVP candidate is completely damaged. His contract is palatable after 2021, and even though he has a somewhat reckless playing style, he has proved that he can be a good, if not great, QB.
Logic landing points: Bears, Broncos, Colts, Patriots
Age: 24
Remaining contract: 1 year, $ 9.8M
If you are looking for a safer option, the No. 5 QB is your guy. But in terms of pure commercial value, Darnold cannot be overlooked. Like Wentz, he deserves at least some blame for his rock development. But the guy is so young, coming out of such a dysfunctional orientation, that he’s worth more than a year-long bet. A little help and more discipline, and you will have a capable gunslinger.
Logic landing points: Bears, Colts, 49ers
Age: 30
Remaining contract: 2 years, $ 42M
Logical landing points: Bears, Colts, Patriots, Washington
If Raider fans argue that Carr belongs two places above, they would be right … if a high floor is the main goal. Most people don’t give Carr enough credit for the smooth career resurgence he had under Jon Gruden, and in a real candidate, he could be a consensus among the top 10. But he also struggled on some important points at the end of the season. As an intermediate / temporary option, you can do much worse.
Age: 23
Remaining contract: 3 years, $ 24.8 million
The most difficult of all QBs to classify. On the one hand, after a solid year as a rookie, Miami should be in no hurry to give up on him (and probably won’t, unless Watson is in his place). On the other hand, he was dangerously conservative after a university career alongside tons of studs, and there is a reason why his coach has repeatedly placed him on the bench as a “substitute pitcher” reserve. What, exactly, is your ceiling?
Logic landing points: Texans
Age: 29
Remaining contract: 2 years, $ 53.4 million
Would San Francisco really split up with Garoppolo just two years after he started a Super Bowl? Just ask rival Rams, who was desperate to wash Jared Goff’s hands. Jimmy is more than capable of handling an attack, but has started more than six games in just one of his seven NFL seasons. QB-compatible Niners will upgrade if they can, which indicates that it is an intermediate level.
Logical landing points: Bears, Colts, Patriots
Age: 28
Remaining contract: 2 years, $ 49M
It is fitting that he is after Garoppolo, because his profiles are frighteningly similar. While Jimmy was more prolific when healthy, both QBs had major injury problems, thrived on high percentage pitches and generally settled in “useful, but not elite” territory. Bridgewater is a good presence in the locker room that he can capitalize on with a good support cast, but he needs a lot of help.
Logic landing points: Bears, Texans, Vikings
Age: 24
Remaining contract: 2 years, $ 4.1M
Like Tagovailoa, he is a stranger to qualify, because his age, advantage and rookie contract are favorable. Even more than Tua, Lock proved that he can throw the ball on the field. The problem with it is decision making; while Tagovailoa seemed shy, he often seemed reckless. Denver allegedly hangs him in Matthew Stafford’s negotiations suggests that the Broncos are not sold.
Logic landing points: Patriots, Texans
Age: 27
Remaining contract: 1 year, $ 10.7 million
Look, if you want to sell yourself on the idea of Mariota getting back to her best Titan form, that’s great, but even that wasn’t exactly one of the top 10. In a good system with good protection, it is an intriguing double threat that can have a slight career revival within it. But his best role is the one he carries now: a reserve and special initiator. There is no reason for him to seek more than one intermediate player.
Logical landing points: Bears, Patriots, Washington