NFL Quarterback Free Agents 2021: Despite the bulk of free agency being wrapped up, there are still some key contributors left on the market, especially the quarterback position.
Advertisement
The value of a true franchise passer has grown tremendously over the years. Quarterback is by far the most important position on a team, and there’s no telling what teams would do to get their hands on one.
Look at the draft capital the Bears gave up in the 2021 NFL Draft just to acquire Justin Fields, an unproven commodity (despite his potential, talent, and readiness to succeed at the pro level). In fact, he was the fourth of five quarterbacks taken in the first 15 picks of the draft this year.
While no stars remain in the free agent market at the quarterback position, there are some backups teams could look to get their hands on to have solid depth behind their starters. Here are the top three remaining quarterbacks in free agency.
Also Read: NFL Running Backs Free Agents 2021: Top 3 Remaining Running Backs In Free Agency
NFL Wide Receiver Free Agents 2021: Top 3 Remaining Wide Receivers In Free Agency
#1 NFL Quarterback Free Agent 2021: Robert Griffin III, Baltimore Ravens
The former rookie of the year has been speculated to retire for a while now, but until he doesn’t, he still makes for a valuable free agent.
RG3 doesn’t have much left in the tank when it comes to producing on the field, but he can definitely be a sound mentor for teams running in with young quarterbacks. After all, he does have some experience with being successful and given his athleticism, he could turn into a weapon if utilized in the right way.
RG3’s rookie season stats…
• 15 games
• 258 for 393 (65.6%)
• 3,200 passing yards
• 20 pass TDs – 5 INTs
• 102.4 passer rating
• 815 rush yards, 7 TDs
• Rookie of the Year + Pro Bowler pic.twitter.com/Vxswwi7oMS— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) June 20, 2021
Which Teams Should Sign Robert Griffin III?
1. New York Jets
- That’s the number of passes the Jets entire quarterback room has thrown. Yes, Zach Wilson is clearly the starter, and the franchise star but why not get someone with some experience and a knowhow when it comes to using their athletic abilities.
2. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys lost Andy Dalton this offseason, and if there was anything to take away from last year, it’s that someone solid needs to be there to step up if Dak goes down. RG3 is not a Pro Bowler anymore, but he’s definitely better than either Ben DiNucci, Cooper Rush, or Garrett Gilbert.
#2. Matt Barkley, Buffalo Bills
Barkley hasn’t played a whole lot of football in his career, but he’s still someone you could possibly have in competition for a QB2 or QB3 spot.
The last few years Barkley has sat behind some good quarterbacking play in Buffalo as Josh Allen developed into a franchise star. He could provide some useful tips to younger quarterbacks, having been in the league for 6 years now.
This throw from @MattBarkley while he’s getting hit 💪#INDvsBUF pic.twitter.com/HigTKndt5V
— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2019
Which Teams Should Sign Matt Barkley?
1. New York Jets
Let’s get this out of the way now, but the Jets are going to be here for every quarterback. They need some experience no matter how talented their number two overall pick may be, and Barkley is just one more option.
2. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are in a similar situation to Dallas above. Kyler Murray is a great quarterback but the insurance behind him is not so great, Barkley could at least provide some competition there.
#3. Ryan Finley, Cincinnati Bengals
Finley hasn’t been given many chances to start, but the third year again makes a decent quarterback to slide in as a backup.
He filled in for one game when Burrow went down last year, winning his fourth start in the NFL. He also has some athletic ability which could come in useful.
Ryan Finley keeps it for the 23-yard rushing TD!
The @Bengals take a 14-point lead. #SeizeTheDEY
📺: #PITvsCIN on ESPN
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/pZlOokjorx pic.twitter.com/K8GtmUyZ5R— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2020
Which Teams Should Sign Ryan Finley?
1. New York Jets
It’s all about the experience. Finley isn’t very experienced like the other two quarterbacks on this list, but at least he’s thrown a pass, something the other quarterbacks on the Jets roster can’t say.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
In all honesty, the Bengals should consider keeping him around. Joe Burrrow’s offensive line is still horrible and it’d be great to have several options to test just in case (touch wood) he gets injured again.
Also Read: NFL Running Backs Free Agents 2021: Top 3 Remaining Running Backs In Free Agency