Mark Sanchez, Buffalo Bills
Who would of thought a year ago that Mark Sanchez would arguably be the best free agent quarterback available in 2015. He might not be the best decision maker on the field, but he made a great decision off it last year when he chose to sign with Philadelphia. Despite expected up and downs, Mark showed maturity and poise as he led the Eagles, despite missing the playoffs. The Bills could use a more definitive answer at the position as the team is no closer knowing if 2010 first round pick E.J. Manuel is the answer and Kyle Orton chooses retirement.
Brian Hoyer, New York Jets
The Hoyer era came and went in Cleveland as the quarterback carousel continues to spin by Lake Erie. Still, Hoyer showed enough to be called in as a stop gap option for a team in transition. The Jets are in transition and not yet shoe-ins to acquire one via the draft. There's no doubt that Manziel's play will suggest that Hoyer will be tapped by Cleveland for another short-term deal, but it may simply be too little, too late.
Jake Locker, Cleveland Browns
2015 was a make of break year for Locker, who failed to make an impression on first year, second term, head coach, Ken Whisenhunt. Cleveland makes sense considering Johnny Manziel may not be ready to play at the start of next year (considering injuries and otherwise) and Hoyer likely being the odd man out. Locker is a logical signing considering his athletic parallels with the expected starter, which will lead to a more synchronous offensive structure.
*Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams
When Sam Bradford went down early in the season, many were quick to suggest the former Sooner’s days in St. Louis were numbered. It’s a hard conclusion to argue, considering Sam’s lack of progress and his chronic injury bug. Still, it’s hard to see an alternative scenario for both Sam and the Rams, here. The team has been caught in perpetual mediocrity since shortly after the greatest show on turf disbanded. Jeff Fisher and G.M. Les Snead have stockpiled an impressive roster of talent, yet still have nothing to show for it. Sam will enter the final year of his contract in 2015 and the team will owe him $12 million. That price may be right, though, considering the Rams still have time to pay their promising young players. The team seems to back Sam and they’re likely rooting for him to succeed—as it is in all their best interests.
*Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
This writer's opinion on Grffin’s fate has swung back and forth and it’s really tough to be anchored either way. While the head coach doesn’t seem ready to commit to the notion as Griffin being the long term starter, it’s hard to imagine the G.M. and owner are ready to throw in the towel. Griffin will enter the final year of his rookie deal being owed just over $3 million, making keeping him not a risk financially. Still, coach Jay Gruden won’t likely be giving Griffin the 2nd overall pick treatment if last season was any indication.
*Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
It appears it was truly a “him or me” situation in Chicago. With Trestman out, the crosshairs lie squarely on Jay Cutler. While, this writer doesn't anticipate a wholesale rebuild that would include Cutler being jettisoned, new head coach John Fox hasn’t fully aligned himself with the incumbent starter. There’s little doubt Fox will first address the defensive side on the ball, bringing in Gase to fully evaluate what they have in him.
NFL VAVELQuarterback Free Agency Predictions
'Tis the season of speculation. Like clockwork, teams will be in dire need of a new quarterback come free agency. Some will opt for the draft, but others won't mind a pre-owned option.
