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The Miami Dolphins seem to be leaning toward adding a young quarterback in the NFL draft, and sticking with veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick for another season. But general manager Chris Grier and coach Brian Flores (right) will likely look into every avenue available when it comes to upgrading the position this offseason, and that includes kicking the tires on a few free agents, and exploring a couple of quarterbacks that might be available via a trade. The free-agent crop of quarterbacks in 2020 is filled with veterans, and recent high draft picks whose careers haven't met expectations yet. Here's a look at the quarterbacks who could be on the market this spring:
The Miami Dolphins seem to be leaning toward adding a young quarterback in the NFL draft, and sticking with veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick for another season.
But general manager Chris Grier and coach Brian Flores (right) will likely look into every avenue available when it comes to upgrading the position this offseason, and that includes kicking the tires on a few free agents, and exploring a couple of quarterbacks that might be available via a trade.
The free-agent crop of quarterbacks in 2020 is filled with veterans, and recent high draft picks whose careers haven’t met expectations yet. Here’s a look at the quarterbacks who could be on the market this spring:
Rumors are circulating that the Lions could trade Stafford (9) because of his injury history — he missed two months last season because of fractures in his back — a frosty relationship he has with coach Matt Patricia, and the fact that the Lions own the third overall pick in this year's draft, which they might use to select Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Stafford was playing at an All-Pro level before the injury, throwing for 2,499 yards and 19 touchdowns. Because he restructured his contract last year to help Detroit create salary cap space, Stafford will be paid $7.8 million in base salary and $6.5 million in roster and workout bonuses this coming season. Trading the 32 year old would create $10 million in cap space for Detroit, but produce $32 million in dead money.
Rumors are circulating that the Lions could trade Stafford (9) because of his injury history — he missed two months last season because of fractures in his back — a frosty relationship he has with coach Matt Patricia, and the fact that the Lions own the third overall pick in this year’s draft, which they might use to select Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Stafford was playing at an All-Pro level before the injury, throwing for 2,499 yards and 19 touchdowns. Because he restructured his contract last year to help Detroit create salary cap space, Stafford will be paid $7.8 million in base salary and $6.5 million in roster and workout bonuses this coming season. Trading the 32 year old would create $10 million in cap space for Detroit, but produce $32 million in dead money.
This is the second offseason that the now Las Vegas Raiders have quietly dangled Carr (4) on the trading block for an early draft pick, and considering the Raiders might be interested in a veteran like Tom Brady, or in adding a quarterback selected in the early rounds, don't be surprised if the 28 year old is moved before or during free agency. Considering he's due $19 million in 2020, and $19.6 million in 2021, Carr should be considered a bargain. Based on the 100.8 passer rating he produced last season while throwing for 4,054 yards and completing 70.4 percent of his passes. Reggie McKenzie was the general manager who drafted Carr in Oakland, and signed him to his extension. These days McKenzie serves as a senior adviser to the Dolphins, and could convince Miami's decision-makers to offer Las Vegas a second-round pick for the three-time Pro Bowler.
This is the second offseason that the now Las Vegas Raiders have quietly dangled Carr (4) on the trading block for an early draft pick, and considering the Raiders might be interested in a veteran like Tom Brady, or in adding a quarterback selected in the early rounds, don’t be surprised if the 28 year old is moved before or during free agency. Considering he’s due $19 million in 2020, and $19.6 million in 2021, Carr should be considered a bargain. Based on the 100.8 passer rating he produced last season while throwing for 4,054 yards and completing 70.4 percent of his passes. Reggie McKenzie was the general manager who drafted Carr in Oakland, and signed him to his extension. These days McKenzie serves as a senior adviser to the Dolphins, and could convince Miami’s decision-makers to offer Las Vegas a second-round pick for the three-time Pro Bowler.
The Panthers are under new management, and will reportedly explore trade options for the 31-year-old quarterback, who missed all but two games last season because of a Lisfranc foot injury. Newton has also battled a shoulder injury for most of the past two seasons, so he comes with a buyer beware tag because of his recent durability concerns. But when Newton is healthy he's dynamic, which the former Heisman Trophy winner proved in 2018 when he produced a 94.2 passer rating. Newton will earn $19.1 million in 2020 because of his base salary and workout bonus, but it's final year of his deal, so that means he'll likely seek a new contract from the team that acquires him.
The Panthers are under new management, and will reportedly explore trade options for the 31-year-old quarterback, who missed all but two games last season because of a Lisfranc foot injury. Newton has also battled a shoulder injury for most of the past two seasons, so he comes with a buyer beware tag because of his recent durability concerns. But when Newton is healthy he’s dynamic, which the former Heisman Trophy winner proved in 2018 when he produced a 94.2 passer rating. Newton will earn $19.1 million in 2020 because of his base salary and workout bonus, but it’s final year of his deal, so that means he’ll likely seek a new contract from the team that acquires him.
Dalton, who is due $17.7 million in the last year of the $96 million contract extension he signed five years ago, will either be released or traded because the Bengals are prepared to move on with a quarterback they select with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Cutting Dalton clears his entire salary off the books. Dalton (14), who completed 59 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,494 yards and 16 touchdowns in the 14 games he played last season, has a 70-61-2 record as a starter in Cincinnati. It is possible — but not highly likely — that the 32 year old will have a resurrection season like the one Ryan Tannehill had when he got a change of scenery. If Dalton hits free agency he falls into the $6-10 million a year salary range.
Dalton, who is due $17.7 million in the last year of the $96 million contract extension he signed five years ago, will either be released or traded because the Bengals are prepared to move on with a quarterback they select with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Cutting Dalton clears his entire salary off the books. Dalton (14), who completed 59 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,494 yards and 16 touchdowns in the 14 games he played last season, has a 70-61-2 record as a starter in Cincinnati. It is possible — but not highly likely — that the 32 year old will have a resurrection season like the one Ryan Tannehill had when he got a change of scenery. If Dalton hits free agency he falls into the $6-10 million a year salary range.
Prescott is the youngest (26) and probably the quarterback with the most upside between all the veteran free agents available this offseason. But Prescott, who has a 40-24 record as an NFL starter, won't come cheap considering the Cowboys will likely place a franchise tag on their four-year starter, who has never led the Cowboys to a losing season. If Dallas doesn't place an exclusive-rights franchise tag on Prescott, it will likely cost a first-round pick and a $34-38 million a year contract to poach him from the Cowboys. It all comes down to whether a team believes Prescott, who has thrown 97 touchdowns and 36 interceptions, is worth building around.
Prescott is the youngest (26) and probably the quarterback with the most upside between all the veteran free agents available this offseason. But Prescott, who has a 40-24 record as an NFL starter, won’t come cheap considering the Cowboys will likely place a franchise tag on their four-year starter, who has never led the Cowboys to a losing season. If Dallas doesn’t place an exclusive-rights franchise tag on Prescott, it will likely cost a first-round pick and a $34-38 million a year contract to poach him from the Cowboys. It all comes down to whether a team believes Prescott, who has thrown 97 touchdowns and 36 interceptions, is worth building around.
People have gotten divorced and remarried before, so why can't Tannehill come back to Miami — even though the franchise trade him to Tennessee last offseason and paid half his salary to get rid of him. Tannehill, 32, used the 2019 season to prove he can lead a team to the conference championship. The question that lingers is how much of his success last season was because of Tennessee's forceful running game, and how much of it was due to his personal growth? Nobody knows for sure, but the Titans will likely find out next season if they place the franchise tag on him, or sign him to a multi-year extension. If not, Tannehill likely sign with the highest bidder.
People have gotten divorced and remarried before, so why can’t Tannehill come back to Miami — even though the franchise trade him to Tennessee last offseason and paid half his salary to get rid of him. Tannehill, 32, used the 2019 season to prove he can lead a team to the conference championship. The question that lingers is how much of his success last season was because of Tennessee’s forceful running game, and how much of it was due to his personal growth? Nobody knows for sure, but the Titans will likely find out next season if they place the franchise tag on him, or sign him to a multi-year extension. If not, Tannehill likely sign with the highest bidder.
The eight-time Pro Bowler followed up a career-year in 2018, where he produced a 105.5 passer rating, with one of his worst seasons (88.5 passer rating), one that indicates the 38 year old might be past his prime. The Chargers are moving on from Rivers, a family man who used to commute daily from San Diego to Los Angeles before moving his family to Florida this offseason. It will be interesting to see if Rivers will retire, or is willing to start over and end his career with another franchise.
The eight-time Pro Bowler followed up a career-year in 2018, where he produced a 105.5 passer rating, with one of his worst seasons (88.5 passer rating), one that indicates the 38 year old might be past his prime. The Chargers are moving on from Rivers, a family man who used to commute daily from San Diego to Los Angeles before moving his family to Florida this offseason. It will be interesting to see if Rivers will retire, or is willing to start over and end his career with another franchise.
Bridgewater, a Miami native, was the first quarterback Miami tried to sign last offseason, but he chose to return to New Orleans as a backup because he felt the Dolphins weren't set up to succeed in 2019. It will be interesting to see if Bridgewater's successful run as Drew Brees replacement, where he produced a 5-0 record and a 99.3 passer rating while Brees was injured, will drive up his market value and get more teams interested in investing in the 27 year old as more than a stopgap option this offseason? Bridgewater (pictured), who owns a 22-12 record as an NFL starter, still has to prove that he can lead a decent team to the playoffs. He just needs one to believe in him.
Bridgewater, a Miami native, was the first quarterback Miami tried to sign last offseason, but he chose to return to New Orleans as a backup because he felt the Dolphins weren’t set up to succeed in 2019. It will be interesting to see if Bridgewater’s successful run as Drew Brees replacement, where he produced a 5-0 record and a 99.3 passer rating while Brees was injured, will drive up his market value and get more teams interested in investing in the 27 year old as more than a stopgap option this offseason? Bridgewater (pictured), who owns a 22-12 record as an NFL starter, still has to prove that he can lead a decent team to the playoffs. He just needs one to believe in him.
The NFL rumor mill is buzzing about Brady and the Patriots preparing for a divorce. Brady has made it clear he intends to continue playing. He's sold his New England home, and his super model wife, Gisele Bundchen, supposedly wants to live in a city with a more tropical climate. While Brady, a future first ballot Hall of Famer, is familiar with Flores from their days in New England together, the Dolphins aren't ready to be an immediate contender and that's likely what Brady is looking for. That's why teams like the Raiders, Buccaneers, Chargers and Titans are being mentioned as his possible landing spots for him, and not the Dolphins.
The NFL rumor mill is buzzing about Brady and the Patriots preparing for a divorce. Brady has made it clear he intends to continue playing. He’s sold his New England home, and his super model wife, Gisele Bundchen, supposedly wants to live in a city with a more tropical climate. While Brady, a future first ballot Hall of Famer, is familiar with Flores from their days in New England together, the Dolphins aren’t ready to be an immediate contender and that’s likely what Brady is looking for. That’s why teams like the Raiders, Buccaneers, Chargers and Titans are being mentioned as his possible landing spots for him, and not the Dolphins.
The Titans invested five seasons in Mariota (8), but discovered he's nothing more than an adequate NFL starter when Tannehill outperformed him and led the Titans to the playoffs. Still, Mariota, a 26 year old who led Tennessee to a 29-32 record as a starter, has a decent arm and respectable mobility, which explains why he's produced a 89.6 career passer rating, and has scored 87 touchdowns with his arm and legs. Could a fresh start with another franchise help this former Heisman Trophy winner take his game to the next level? He'll likely be signed as a backup in 2020 and have to work his way up the depth chart.
The Titans invested five seasons in Mariota (8), but discovered he’s nothing more than an adequate NFL starter when Tannehill outperformed him and led the Titans to the playoffs. Still, Mariota, a 26 year old who led Tennessee to a 29-32 record as a starter, has a decent arm and respectable mobility, which explains why he’s produced a 89.6 career passer rating, and has scored 87 touchdowns with his arm and legs. Could a fresh start with another franchise help this former Heisman Trophy winner take his game to the next level? He’ll likely be signed as a backup in 2020 and have to work his way up the depth chart.
Winston has proven that he's an adequate starter, but not a difference maker in his five seasons with the Buccaneers, who have plenty of offensive weaponry. He led the NFL in passing yards (5,019) and threw 33 touchdown passes last season. But he also threw 33 interceptions, and has thrown 88 during his tenure with the Buccaneers. If Bucs coach Bruce Arians, a quarterback whisperer, can't fix Winston (center) why would another franchise think they could, and invest big money into the former Florida State Seminoles legend? If the Buccaneers move on from Winston it will be interesting to see if another team gives him a lucrative multi-year deal.
Winston has proven that he’s an adequate starter, but not a difference maker in his five seasons with the Buccaneers, who have plenty of offensive weaponry. He led the NFL in passing yards (5,019) and threw 33 touchdown passes last season. But he also threw 33 interceptions, and has thrown 88 during his tenure with the Buccaneers. If Bucs coach Bruce Arians, a quarterback whisperer, can’t fix Winston (center) why would another franchise think they could, and invest big money into the former Florida State Seminoles legend? If the Buccaneers move on from Winston it will be interesting to see if another team gives him a lucrative multi-year deal.
Considering the Dolphins have three first-round picks in the 2020 draft the team's decision-makers can position themselves to land any of the four quarterbacks projected to be first rounders. Miami would likely need to trade up from pick the No. 5 pick to land LSU's Joe Burrow or Tagovailoa. But Miami might be in position to wait on Oregon's Justin Herbert (10) and Utah State's Jordan Love, two developmental quarterbacks with big arms. This decision likely comes down to which quarterback Miami's decision-makers, and offensive coordinator prefers, and what they are willing to do — or give up — to get him?
Considering the Dolphins have three first-round picks in the 2020 draft the team’s decision-makers can position themselves to land any of the four quarterbacks projected to be first rounders. Miami would likely need to trade up from pick the No. 5 pick to land LSU’s Joe Burrow or Tagovailoa. But Miami might be in position to wait on Oregon’s Justin Herbert (10) and Utah State’s Jordan Love, two developmental quarterbacks with big arms. This decision likely comes down to which quarterback Miami’s decision-makers, and offensive coordinator prefers, and what they are willing to do — or give up — to get him?