NFL free agency could really help QB needy teams in 2020
By Brian Miller
Drew Brees – Will stay in New Orleans. He is the face of the franchise and the adopted son of New Orleans. He wants to win a Super Bowl and the Saints give him the best shot at it. The question is how much he will make and how many years will he sign for. That will be the deciding factor on Bridgewater.
Tom Brady – 50/50 to return: Brady has put his home in New England up for sale. His wife wants to move to the West Coast and Brady is from the West Coast so it makes sense to move. If Brady leaves the Patriots, he could land in Las Vegas with the Raiders or the Chargers in Los Angeles. That being said, I can’t see Brady leaving the Patriots and I doubt he will give them his typical annual rebate either. This could get interesting.
Eli Manning – Will not return to the Giants. The next question is where will he go? His days as a starting QB in the league is over barring an injury. No team in the league is so needy that Manning is going to be a top free-agent prize. He may, after weighing his options, opt to retire. He probably should.
Teddy Bridgewater – 50/50 to return: Bridgewater should be lined up as the future for the Saints but can they pay both Brees and Bridgewater? There is only so long Bridgewater can wait without getting paid. He proved this year he can be a top quarterback in the league. This will be an interesting situation to watch but I’m leaning towards the Raiders.
Phillip Rivers – Most likely gone. Rivers has sold his San Diego home and is moving his family back to Florida. He is in the twilight of his career but should have a few more seasons left. I would believe that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be an option.
Jameis Winston – Most likely gone. Winston is too inconsistent and the Buccaneers need to get better. If the Buc’s add Rivers, Winston will be gone and the Buc’s will draft a player to develop behind Rivers.
Marcus Mariota – Most likely gone. No team needs a starting quarterback to the point that Mariota will be their guy. He will be hoping for a decent paycheck as a back-up.
Ryan Tannehill – Unknown but I’m leaning to a return to Tennessee. Tannehill fits in with Tennessee but they have to know he isn’t the future at the position long-term. My guess is that they will sign him and draft one to develop. If he does leave, don’t be surprised if he ends up in New England if Tom Brady leaves.
Dak Prescott – It is hard to predict where Prescott will end up and a lot of that will have to do with what Dallas’ new HC, Mike McCarthy thinks he should do. My guess is that he returns but for a little less than he originally was hoping to get.