NFL free agency: Predicting QB landing spots in 2023
This offseason could be very active in the quarterback market again. How will the QB position shake up during the 2023 offseason? Quarterback movement has become more prominent over the last few offseason.
It seems like the signal callers are taking more of an initiative to take control of their situation to provide them with the best case for themselves, their families, and their pockets. Last offseason seemed historic with quarterback movement, and I think it can be just as big in 2023.
All of Tom Brady, Lamar Jackson, Derek Carr, Ryan Tannehill, Jimmy Garoppolo, and others to a lesser extend could be on the move this offseason. Teams who make the choice to acquire these players if they become available may be able to solve their QB situation for the foreseeable future.
Let’s take a stab at some QB landing spots for 2023.
NFL free agency: Predicting QB landing spots in 2023
Tom Brady – Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders seem to have already moved off of Derek Carr, which can pave the way for Tom Brady, who is a free agent at the end of the year. The connections are obvious with Josh McDaniels, and the Raiders could use someone of his pedigree in a division with Russell Wilson, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes.
Obviously, this would likely only be a one year Band-Aid, maybe two.
Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens
I think the two sides end up coming to an agreement at some point. It’s clear that the Ravens need Jackson, and money talks. They simply are not nearly as dynamic of a team with Jackson out of the lineup.
He’s an incredibly talented QB who should be handsomely rewarded for all of the success he’s achieved with the Ravens in just five seasons. Don’t make this complicated, Baltimore.
Derek Carr – Washington Commanders
My guess for Derek Carr’s landing spot is Washington Commanders, who have a playoff caliber roster and an uber-good defense. They were hanging around in the NFC playoff race playing Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz, two signal callers who aren’t nearly as good as Carr.
Carr comes with over 30,000 career passing yards and over 200 touchdown passes. He can give the team some solid production for a few years while they work through a potential long-term solution.
Ryan Tannehill – Atlanta Falcons
The NFC South is a pathetically bad division, which featured an 8-9 division winner. Once Tom Brady leaves Tampa Bay, the division will be wide open. This is where the Atlanta Falcons come into play.
Ryan Tannehill played his best ball in 2019 and 2020 with the Tennessee Titans while Arthur Smith was calling the plays. He is now the head coach of the Falcons, and they do not have a long-term answer in the building.
It’s funny because their rookie draft pick, Desmond Ridder, does share some similarities with Tannehill, so this could be a great solution for both sides. I think Tannehill is an average at best QB who can sometimes be above average in the right situation.
Well, with Arthur Smith, he was in the right situation.
Jimmy Garoppolo – New York Jets
The Jets were at one point 7-4 during the 2022 season rolling out a QB room that featured Mike White and Zach Wilson. All they need from this position is a bit of competence and they are a playoff team.
Enter, Jimmy Garoppolo. The Jets do run a Shanahan-style offense, as their head coach, Robert Saleh, was a former defensive coordinator on the 49ers. This makes too much sense to me. Garoppolo seems perfectly sculpted for the New York limelight.
He’s won a ton of games and has been to a Super Bowl. He’s also won a couple as a backup. He may not be the best option out there, but he might be the best option for the Jets.
They may have to hedge this bet with a quality backup, as Garoppolo does come with some injury concerns. He would also buy them some time in finding a true long-term solution.