The 2020 NFL off-season might just change the course of the league forever. There are eight free agent quarterbacks including future hall of famers Tom Brady and Philip Rivers.
With free agency starting on March 18, I figured I’d share my opinion on where each quarterback will sign. This could change an hour after I post this, but that is the way free agency works in the age of social media.
Tom Brady
Prediction: The New England Patriots
The 42 year-old, six-time Super Bowl champion is now a free agent for the first time in his 20 year career. Most people are speculating that he will find a new team to play for in 2020, but I believe he will stay. They have a broken relationship, but both sides understand that one more year together would be beneficial. The Chargers, Raiders, Titans, and really any team that doesn’t have an elite quarterback will be pursuing Brady.
Philip Rivers
Prediction: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rivers has spent his 15 seasons with the San Diego/ L.A Chargers. But after dropping from 12-4 in 2018 to 5-11 in 2019, the two-sides will officially part ways. There are other teams like the Colts and Dolphins, but Bruce Arians and his offensive weapons are the perfect match for an aging Rivers who is still searching for that elusive championship trophy.
Jameis Winston played through a torn meniscus last year, in addition to a broken thumb, per @RapSheet.
This offseason he had LASIK eye surgery.
Jaboo finished 2019:
➖ No. 1 in passing yards
➖ No. 2 in TD passes pic.twitter.com/Q0his4XgqH— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) March 1, 2020
Jameis Winston
Prediction: The Indianapolis Colts
The man who went 30 for 30 in 2019 (33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions), is set to hit the free agent market. You get everything with Winston, who led the league in passing yards with 5,109 and interceptions with 30. He had eye surgery this off-season to give him 20-20 vision, and I think that “2020” vision leads to him signing with the Colts, who have a history of getting the most out of big playmaking quarterbacks.
Cam Newton
Prediction: The Chicago Bears
The Mitchell Trubisky experiment has reached its expiration date. The Bears have a loaded defense and some talented players on offense. Cam Newton is coming off back-to-back injury riddled seasons and is looking for a fresh start. This match could be the perfect fit for both parties.
From NFL Now: With clarification coming on the franchise tags, more players are likely to be free. Meanwhile, the #Titans will try to get a deal done with QB Ryan Tannehill before the window closes… if they can. pic.twitter.com/8e7RTkm2rc
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2020
Ryan Tannehill
Prediction: Tennessee Titans
He’s going to get overpaid, but the Titans were one game away from a Super Bowl appearance with him, so they will be paying for the hope that 2019 was the new normal for Tannehill. They still need to ink Derrick Henry to a deal, but they have a talented offense that Tannehill could continue to thrive in.
Marcus Mariota
Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers
Mariota was benched last year in Tennessee for the aforementioned Ryan Tannehill, but he still wants to be a starter somewhere else. The LA Chargers are parting ways with Philip Rivers, so they are in the market for a proven quarterback, at least for the 2020 season. They’re likely to draft a quarterback in April, but it wouldn’t hurt to use Mariota as a stop gap and a mentor.
There is one way the #Cowboys can make sure Dak Prescott doesn’t go anywhere & that’s to give him the exclusive franchise tag. Sources say that’s the tag — roughly $33M — they are likely to use. Dallas will try to work out a deal before the deadline, but that will be difficult. pic.twitter.com/kfCkPR1NE8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 29, 2020
Dak Prescott
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys
Prescott wants $37 million per year. The Cowboys don’t want to pay him that number. They have the ability to place the franchise tag on him, which would keep him in Dallas for one more year at around $30 million.
Teddy Bridgewater
Prediction: Carolina Panthers
After sitting behind Drew Brees for two seasons, Bridgewater is ready to be a starting quarterback. He played well during a five game stint in 2019 when Brees was out with a thumb injury. The Carolina Panthers had success with Kyle Allen for a brief moment, but the league caught up with him by the end of 2019. Will Grier is still a project quarterback, so Bridgewater makes sense as a short-term starter with high-upside.
The 2020 free agent quarterback class will change the landscape of the league as we get set for a new decade of football. So mark the calendars for March 16 and be sure to grab your popcorn…. and maybe your wallet if Tom Brady decides to sign with your team.
