Top Free Agents Part I: Quarterback
By Nick Young
With the 22-23 NFL season at a close, it is almost time to turn to free agency and where we see the big names to land. Here I list my top 3 at each significant position and my top three landing spots for each.
Quarterback
Lamar Jackson
Possible landing spots: BAL, ATL, NYJ, LV
Lamar Jackson is easily the best QB on this list, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine him going elsewhere than Baltimore. There is speculation that Jackson could move on from Baltimore because they haven’t signed him to a long-term contract. However, the Ravens are in a better position to pursue him and will have a healthy squad to chase a playoff run in 23’. When free agency rolls around, Jackson will be Baltimore’s QB1 under the Franchise Tag or a long-term contract. With Jackson being the best quarterback on the market and consistently being a tier-1 quarterback when healthy, expect him to attempt a market resetting contract higher than Deshaun Watson.
Derek Carr
Possible landing spots: NO, CAR, TENN, NYJ
The Derek Carr and Raiders saga is coming to a close as Carr won't waive his no-trade clause and force the Raiders to release him, which will incur a $40,000,000 cap hit. Carr won’t see a shortage of suitors, as he has already met with the Saints while exploring his trade options. The Saints will be my first choice for Carr, as there will be many weapons for him in the form of Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and a surprising weapon Juwan Johnson. However, Carolina and Tennessee are coming in hot as potential suitors and could be in the mix. Tennessee needs a veteran mentor for Malik Willis as it appears this is Ryan Tannehill’s last season with the Titans, and Carolina will be looking to start over under new HC Frank Reich. Carr will be looking for a market resetting contract, and his suitors will do anything to reach him. Expect him to get a shorter length in the range of 3-4 years, but with an average of $45 million.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Possible landing spots: TENN, NO, CAR, NYJ, LV
Oh, Jimmy G, oh Jimmy G, my heart belongs to Jimmy G. Easily my favorite quarterback on this list. San Francisco will be moving on from the and moving forward with Brock Purdy and Trey Lance. The quarterback market won't be as strong this year as not many teams will be looking for a QB1. However, a squad that isn’t far from a playoff stint like the Tennessee Titans could pursue Garoppolo on a team-friendly deal and give Malik Willis the mentorship he needs after being benched for third-string quarterback Josh Dobbs. I expect Garoppolo will get a middle-of-the-road deal similar to Matt Ryan’s deal with the Colts at an average of $30,000,000/year.
