NFL Free Agent Quarterbacks in 2017
The list of NFL free agent quarterbacks is not to promising but a necessary risk for teams to fill their gaps.
The Super Bowl had two elite quarterbacks which is needed to compete at the highest levels in the NFL.
The reality of the 2017 season is now a concern for teams to improve their chances at a playoff berth. The Super Bowl was a great NFL experience for fans, players, coaches and team management. But the party is over and the future is closing in on the present needs of many average teams.
Teams will be forced to gamble on free agency quarterbacks who are known players with a profile of experienced backups with adequate ability and playing issues. Some were first round draft picks that served their teams usually in a backup role and sometimes starter.
Free agents like Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Jets could be looking elsewhere for work. His $12 million one year contract was indeed a gamble with his many interceptions and being benched at times. His potential is behind him but a needy team will be looking for an experienced backup who can step in for some games and deliver for a brief time. He will not cost as much this time around if he gets picked up.
Another recognized free agent is Mark Sanchez whose time is up with the Dallas Cowboys. He saw very little playing time and is prone to interceptions like Fitzgerald. The 30 year old quarterback will probably be picked up for his playing experience and will be a second or third string quarterback.
Matt Schaub had some good playing time in Houston from 2007 to 2013. Some short stints in Oakland and Baltimore were lost on the bench. In 2016, Atlanta signed Schaub to a one year deal but he is rumored going to the San Francisco 49ers. He will probably assist new head coach Kyle Shanahan who was his former offensive coach with the Falcons.
Another free agent is Brian Hoyer from the Chicago Bears. Hoyer departed the season early when he suffered a broken arm in October, 2016. He was effective when picked to start for an injured Jay Cutler. His career with five teams mostly on backup duty will land him a roster spot somewhere. He will be a risk but the experience counts.
The free agent quarterback list is average at best. It shows how difficult it is for teams to find a proven upper tier quarterback to last through the season. The only one out there not a free agent is Tony Romo. That is why he will be sought after by 3 or 4 teams. He is still better than all the other free agent quarterbacks. His age and injuries are a factor for signing him but the coaches and general managers know it is worth the gamble. Even as a backup Romo could be used in some games where his playing ability creates that one extra win to get to the playoffs.
What team will get lucky and find another Dak Prescott in the draft. Quarterbacks are at a premium price but a risky investment.
Beauty and talent are in the eye of the beholder. Beauty is evident on the surface but talent is hidden to the naked eye. X-Ray vision is needed to see beyond the hype and find that gem in the draft in any round —- Tom Brady and Dak Prescott are perfect examples.
