USA TODAY International Edition
Market for QBs looks weak
NFL teams in need of an established starting quarterback might need to be patient.
With unclear outlooks for the New England Patriots’ Jimmy Garoppolo, Buffalo Bills’ Tyrod Taylor and Chicago Bears’ Jay Cutler, free agency opens Thursday with limited options after Tony Romo.
Yet with several teams exhibiting a need and a draft class offering little certainty, the market is sure to be intriguing as bidding opens. Here’s an overview of the top quarterbacks potentially available as unrestricted free agents:
1. MIKE GLENNON, BUCS The 27- year- old backup to Jameis Winston seems like an odd pick to be the top name on the market, but he’s the clear option for now. With 18 career starts, Glennon could be attractive to a team seeking a bridge starter.
2. BRIAN HOYER, BEARS The journeyman might not be viewed as more than a low- end starter or first- tier backup, but there’s little guesswork involved with the veteran. As a fill- in for Cutler, Hoyer was efficient last season ( 1,445 yards, six touchdown passes and no interceptions in six games) before he was sidelined by a broken left ( non- throwing) arm. Hoyer, 31, also would be a huge asset for a franchise that drafts a rookie quarterback in the first round.
3. COLIN KAEPERNICK, 49ERS The former star opted out of his contract and seems ill- fitted for new coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Despite the 49ers’ struggles last season, Kaepernick was solid in stretches. But finding the right fit in coaching staff and system could be difficult for him, even as a backup.
4. RYAN FITZPATRICK, JETS One year after setting the Jets franchise record for TD passes in a season, Fitzpatrick followed an extended contract with a dreadful 2016. At 34, he likely doesn’t figure into many teams’ plans as a starter for the short or long term. But he’s a solid insurance policy as a backup.
5. NICK FOLES, CHIEFS Foles has not hit the market officially, but the Chiefs are not expected to pick up his option. In his first year as a backup, he fared well when forced into action for Alex Smith. He could be an option for teams looking for a quarterback placeholder.
6. GENO SMITH, JETS The former starter is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in October that could limit his offseason availability. Smith likely will have to settle for a backup role and hope for some kind of opportunity down the road.
7. JOSH MCCOWN, BROWNS McCown will turn 38 before next season and has broken two collarbones in two years. His most significant contribution would be serving as a mentor.