The 2024 NFL season officially begins on March 13, coinciding with the opening of the free agent market, and several teams will quickly look to improve.
The quarterback situation always attracts attention and QMI Agency brings you a list of players at the position who should be absolutely free to start next season.
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Kirk Cousins
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It is not yet out of the question that the 35-year-old veteran will remain with the Minnesota Vikings, the team he has played for the last six seasons. However, Sports Illustrated magazine claimed that the club did not want to offer him a contract where the money was 100% guaranteed. This could have put a damper on the negotiations.
Due to a torn Achilles tendon, Cousins only played eight games last year. He is still considered the best quarterback available on the free agent market.
Baker Mayfield
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The first-ever player selected in the 2018 draft had his career fizzled out in 2022 after stints with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams. However, Mayfield bounced back brilliantly last year in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey. He completed 64.3% of the passes he attempted for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns. The 28-year-old athlete also enabled the “Bucs” to qualify for the playoffs and even win their losing game against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round.
Gardner Minshew
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The mustached man was expected to settle for the backup role with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, but Anthony Richardson's injury forced him into the starting role for 13 of 17 games. Minshew passed for a career-high 3,305 yards with his arm. It wouldn't be surprising if his profile attracts a team with a young quarterback, as he represents a solid backup option.
Ryan Tannehill
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After five seasons, the Tannehill experiment with the Tennessee Titans appears to be over. The team that drafted quarterbacks in the last two drafts is beginning a rebuild and the veteran is not part of the plans. He made just eight starts in 2023. At this stage of his career, Tannehill must consider a second fiddle role, with the possibility of competing against a young center for a starting spot.
James Winston
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Winston was the Buccaneers' starter for the first five seasons of his career. He then spent four years as the New Orleans Saints' backup player. The 30-year-old has made no secret of the fact that he is looking for another chance to become the man in charge in the NFL. Will an organization take a chance on someone who is capable of both the best and the worst with his cannon arm?
Joe Flacco
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No one would have thought the 39-year-old veteran's name would end up here before last season. The quarterback was signed by the Cleveland Browns at the end of the regular season. He helped his new team maintain a 4-1 regular season record and reach the playoffs. Flacco won the NFL Comeback of the Year award and is looking to enter his 17th season in the Goodell League.
Other possible quarterback options: Jacoby Brissett, Joshua Dobbs, Mason Rudolph, Drew Lock, Tyrod Taylor, Mitch Trubisky, Sam Darnold, Marcus Mariota, Easton Stick, Carson Wentz and Trevor Siemian.