2008 NFL Free Agency Preview: Quarterbacks
It’s the glory position of the league, and as a result it’s rarely the glory position of NFL free agency. Teams simply don’t make a habit of letting starting caliber QBs leave without compensation. Does this mean it’s impossible to find a quality starter in free agency? Absolutely not, just ask the New Orleans Saints (Drew Brees).
This year, there don’t appear to be any long-term answers in free agency assuming the Browns don’t let Derek Anderson walk [which we don’t expect], but a number of veterans with starting experience will land in new cities and have a shot at playing time in 2008.
A number of potential free agents were quickly re-signed by their incumbent teams:
- Rex Grossman signed a one-year deal to remain with the Bears. He will compete in camp against Kyle Orton (signed through 2009) in training camp
- Shaun Hill signed a three-year deal to stay in San Francisco. The 49ers also picked up the option on Alex Smith; leaving the door open for another possible camp competition
The Top Quarterbacks on the Market
- Derek Anderson (6′6″, 230 pounds, 24 years old) — Anderson is a restricted free agent and the Browns have already offered him a 3-year, $20mm extension. Anderson emerged last season from a murky training camp competition and was the surprise of the league. He threw for 29 TDs and almost 4,000 yards while earning a Pro Bowl alternate nod. By re-signing Anderson, the Browns could keep Brady Quinn as the backup; giving them two young potential franchise passers; something few teams can match.
- Todd Collins (6′4″, 225 pounds, 36 years old) – If you needed any indication of how weak this year’s FA class is, look no further than the fact Collins — a 36 year old journeyman — appears to be the best option. Collins started in place of the injured Jason Campbell late in the 2007 season and rolled up a 106.4 passer rating on the way to three straight victories and a playoff berth. Expect Collins to re-sign in Washington on a two- or three-year deal.
- Daunte Culpepper (6′4″, 260 pounds, 31 years old) — It’s hard to believe Culpepper had the best fantasy season in QB history just a few years ago. But after seven seasons in Minnesota, Culpepper is possibly looking at his 3rd team in as many seasons. He should be 100% healthy (he tore his ACL in 2006) but needs to re-commit to his conditioning. No other QB has the pedigree Culpepper does; but therein lies the problem. Culpepper doesn’t see himself as a backup; which is probably what most GMs do.
- Billy Volek (6′2″, 214 pounds, 31 years old) — Volek played sparingly as Philip Rivers backup the last two seasons but acquitted himself reasonably well as the fill-in starter in Tennessee. In 2004, his only significant starting time, he threw for 2,486 yards and 18 TDs on 61% completions in just 8 starts. Volek isn’t going to get a starting job; but he’s an intriguing backup that would give some team an above average fill-in option.
- Byron Leftwich (6′5″, 250 pounds, 28 years old) — Think Leftwich should be higher on this list? Quite possibly, but what does it say that the woeful Atlanta Falcons felt better with Joey Harrington and Chris Redman under center. Leftwich is only 28 years old, has years of starting experience, and is a career 59% passer. But, he’s not in great shape, has a slow release and is best suited playing out of the shotgun. He’s too young and too talented not to land somewhere; but will it be a spot where he can compete for the top job?
The (Near) Complete List
| Player | Name | Status | 2007 Team | 2008 Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daunte | Culpepper | UFA | OAK | |
| Quinn | Gray | UFA | JAX | |
| Tim | Hasselbeck | UFA | ARZ | |
| Sam | Hollenbach | UFA | WAS | |
| Jared | Lorenzen | UFA | NYG | |
| Jamie | Martin | UFA | NO | |
| Craig | Nall | UFA | GB | |
| Tim | Rattay | UFA | ARZ | |
| Brian | St.Pierre | UFA | PIT | |
| Marques | Tuiasosopo | UFA | NYJ | |
| Billy | Volek | UFA | SD | |
| Chris | Weinke | UFA | SF | |
| Derek | Anderson | Signed | CLE | CLE |
| Matt | Baker | Signed | DAL | MIA |
| Todd | Collins | Signed | WAS | WAS |
| Rex | Grossman | Signed | CHI | CHI |
| Shaun | Hill | Signed | SF | SF |
| Cleo | Lemon | Signed | MIA | JAX |
| Josh | McCown | Signed | OAK | MIA |
| J.T. | O\’Sullivan | Signed | DET | SF |
| Jordan | Palmer | Signed | WAS | CIN |
| Chris | Redman | Signed | ATL | ATL |
| Lester | Ricard | Signed | JAX | JAX |
| Jared | Zabransky | Signed | HOU | PIT |
| Ryan | Fitzpatrick | RFA | CIN | |
| Dan | Orlovsky | RFA | DET | |
| David | Carr | Released | CAR | |
| Gus | Frerotte | Released | STL | |
| Trent | Green | Released | MIA | |
| Kelly | Holcomb | Released | MIN | |
| Byron | Leftwich | Released | ATL |
Loading ...
