NFL free agency 2021: 5 quarterbacks to watch
NFL free agency begins on March 17, and these five quarterbacks are going to be getting plenty of attention both now and beforehand.
5. Jacoby Brissett
Brissett took over when Andrew Luck shocked the football world and retired on the eve of the 2019 season. He played reasonably well, starting 15 games and throwing for 2,942 yards with 18 touchdowns against six interceptions. However, the Colts moved on and benched Brissett for 2020, giving Philip Rivers a one-year, $25 million pact. Brissett could serve as a bridge for a team trying to transition from one situation to the next, or simply be a great backup.
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4. Mitch Trubisky
This is going to be fascinating. After four subpar years with the Chicago Bears, the former No. 2 overall pick is on the market. Trubisky could eventually find his way back to the Bears on a one-year, prove-it deal if Chicago can’t do better and the market is slow for Trubisky. However, there could be a few franchises believing Trubisky is worth a flier, considering both his pedigree and the fact he made the postseason twice in the past three years.
3. Cam Newton
After what we saw from Newton with the New England Patriots, this ranking is more about name than talent at this juncture. The former MVP with the Carolina Panthers is long past his prime, evidenced by posting a putrid eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2020. Newton won’t be going anywhere as a starter barring injury in training camp, but he’s worth monitoring.
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2. Jameis Winston
After throwing for more than 5,000 yards and 30 interceptions as a starter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019, Winston was forced to take a small deal with the New Orleans Saints but now hits the NFL free agency market after spending a season with head coach Sean Payton and mentor Drew Brees. Does Winston get a starting job? Looking at the field, it’s unlikely, but he’s someone in his mid-20s who still has considerable upside.
1. Dak Prescott
Prescott isn’t going to get to the open market unless the Dallas Cowboys either fail to sign him long-term or don’t use the franchise tag for the second straight year. In other words, don’t plan on your team reeling in the two-time Pro Bowler. Still, he has to top this list as he’s set to hit free agency when the league turns the calendar on March 17. Without question, Prescott would get $40 million or more annually in that situation.
