2018 NFL Free Agency: The Top 5 Quarterbacks Available

The 2017 free agent class of quarterbacks was one of the weakest in recent memory. It looks like 2018 NFL free agency could be a lot different.

Thanks to a series of rare circumstances it looks like a host of notable quarterbacks could end up hitting the open market. Granted there are months to go and things change. The franchise tag is always the great equalizer in these situations. At the same time, at least on the surface, that options may not be in play for any of the top quarterbacks who have expiring contracts next March. Combined with a draft class that is looking more underwhelming by the second, it creates a sort of perfect storm that could lead to a massive shift in the NFL paradigm.

Here are the top five names who may be available when the next league year begins.

Kirk Cousins (Washington Redskins)

This is going to be the big fish. Cousins is a Pro Bowler and on course to throw for 4,298 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He may not be elite but he definitely deserves top 10 consideration by now. The guys is a competitor and knows how to make plays. Washington has already franchise tagged him twice. It would be far too expensive to do it again. So either they sign him long-term or he walks, and there’s no indication they’re remotely close to an extension.

Jimmy Garoppolo (San Francisco 49ers)

Yes the 49ers traded for Garoppolo but the biggest hurdle is still to come. The former Patriots backup has an expiring contract and is under no obligations to sign an extension with San Francisco despite their move to get him. Essentially these final seven games are a feeling-out process. If he doesn’t think it’s a good fit, he may try to hit the market and choose his own team. At the same time the 49ers know they have the tag in their back pocket. Garoppolo would undoubtedly be a top target if he did become available given his youth and pedigree.

Teddy Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings)

People are anxious to know whether Bridgewater can reclaim his Pro Bowl form after the catastrophic knee injury he suffered over a year ago. Case Keenum currently holds the starting job and is playing well. If that continues the Vikings may be willing to let Bridgewater test the market elsewhere. The knee is undoubtedly a concern but he was playing great football before the injury. He’s poised, confident and understands how to improvise when plays break down.

A.J. McCarron (Cincinnati Bengals)

One has to feel bad for McCarron. Here’s a guy who got Cincinnati closer to their first playoff victory in over two decades than anybody else and he’s stuck behind Andy Dalton. Worse still the attempted trade by Cleveland to get him was a complete bust. All signs point to him leaving to find a starting job elsewhere unless the Bengals cut ties with Dalton. McCarron has experience and proved he could manage an offense at the very least. Who knows what happens if he gets a greater opportunity.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: #1 Pick Creates All Sorts of Controversy

Sam Bradford (Minnesota Vikings)

The one guy who just can’t catch a break. Bradford looked poised for a big year after a strong 2016 season. Unfortunately his long history of knee problems once again returned to haunt him. Now the former #1 overall pick is left in limbo. With Keenum playing well and Bridgewater on the rebound, it’s possible he could be looking for a new home once again in 2018. Teams may be reluctant to put their hopes on him but he may still get a shot to at least compete.