2014 NFL Free Agency: Quarterback Landing Spots?
By Erik Lambert
Dec 22, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman (12) warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowksi-USA TODAY Sports
The quarterbacks are a mixed bag of questions as 2014 NFL free agency approaches. Where could some of the top names land?
Michael Vick – New home: New York Jets
Geno Smith was amazingly inconsistent for the New York Jets in 2013, leaving the team wondering if he’s truly ready to be their full-time starter. The real question is do they replace him outright or perhaps bring in some competition who can also mentor him at the same time? That is why Michael Vick is a popular choice. At 33-years old his experience would be most beneficial to Smith, especially since they have similar skill sets.
Josh Freeman – New home: Oakland Raiders
It’s amazing how far the 26-year old has fallen. At one time a rising star for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Josh Freeman became embattled in a kinda-sort feud with former head coach Greg Schiano. At the same time his play began to take a nose dive on the field and eventually the Buccaneers released him. He tried to land on his feet in Minnesota but one horrible start against the Giants crushed those dreams. Now he must find a team in 2014 NFL free agency that might give him one last shot and the Oakland Raiders may be it. Long known for their ability to resurrect failed careers, the Silver and Black also make sense because it’s where Freeman’s former coordinator Greg Olson resides, the man who got the best seasons out of him. If any team can save his reputation as a starter, it’s them.
Josh McCown – New home: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
He may be 34-years old but that didn’t stop Josh McCown from having one of the best seasons by any quarterback in 2013. His 1,800+ passing yards and 13-1 touchdown to interception ratio were top notch for the Chicago Bears in relief of Jay Cutler. His stock is higher than its ever been and like any reasonable journeyman he’s hoping to cash in. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are favored as a landing spot. Their new coach Lovie Smith was the man who originally brought McCown to the Bears in 2011 and now needs some competition for current starter Mike Glennon.
Brandon Weeden – New home: Houston Texans
His rapid flameout with the Cleveland Browns wasn’t a surprise to many. Unfortunately starting over is the only option for Brandon Weeden as he expected to get cut at some point. Already into his 30s, he knows he must find a home with a coach who can get the most out of him before it’s too late. The Houston Texans make a lot of sense. Their head coach Bill O’Brien is a renowned offensive mind who has a reputation for reclamation projects. Obviously the Texans are going to draft their eventual starter but bringing in Weeden as a backup and possible competition couldn’t hurt.
Mark Sanchez – New home: Chicago Bears
Another possible cut that is pending for 2014 NFL free agency. Mark Sanchez lost his starting job to Geno Smith by default due to an injury. He’s still just 27-years old and has playoff success on his resumé. What he needs is a stable environment under a head coach who can help him refocus his abilities. The Chicago Bears are likely in the market for a veteran backup with McCown leaving. Sanchez could sign there to backup Jay Cutler while also getting a chance to learn from quarterback guru Marc Trestman. Perhaps he can take a similar career arc as McCown and turn that experience into another shot at a starting job elsewhere.