2023 NFL free agency will be highlighted by the quarterbacks looking to sign to teams that are ready to win now — there are some sleeper teams who are a QB away.
Quarterbacks can have a significant impact on a team’s success. Two years ago, Tom Brady helped transform the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into Super Bowl champions. The Rams improved their team by acquiring Matthew Stafford. We saw the magic he brought to a team on the brink of a Super Bowl. Cooper Kupp had a historically great season en route to winning the Super Bowl.
Sleeper teams that are a QB away heading into 2023 NFL Free Agency
In 2023, there are several high-profile quarterbacks looking for new teams. Tom Brady headlines the class as the GOAT looks for the perfect situation. Las Vegas Raiders signal caller, Derek Carr will look to prove why the Raiders made a mistake. There’s also the San Francisco 49ers signal called Jimmy Garoppolo. Injuries hindered a season that looked promising, and he’s expected to be in high demand.
Additionally, there are rumors surrounding Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers, and Trey Lance potentially being on the move. All of the signal-callers are looking for a team with the potential to win a championship. NFL media is hyping up the New York Jets as a great landing spot for a quarterback. Some have even mentioned the Miami Dolphins, but they have their guy — for now. However, there are some teams ready-made for a quarterback to help them win.
There are some QB-needy teams that didn’t make the list, like the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers. Sure they have quarterback needs, but they also have too many question marks for a vet looking to win. Who Dat nation, the New Orleans Saints aren’t on the list either. With Jarvis Landry hitting free agency and question marks surrounding Michael Thomas, quarterbacks may want to stay away. Instead, quarterbacks should look at these three teams if they want to win now.
3. Indianapolis Colts
There’s something off about the Indianapolis Colts. Aside from the weirdness that was the 2022 NFL season, the Colts have a plethora of weapons on offense for a quarterback to work with. The team boasts one of the best running backs in the league in Jonathan Taylor, who led the NFL in rushing yards for the 2021 season. Taylor has proven to be a reliable and consistent option for the Colts, despite dealing with a nagging ankle injury during the 2022 season.
In addition to Taylor, the Colts also have a talented wide receiver duo in Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce. Pittman Jr. had a standout season in 2022, finishing with 99 receptions, just one shy of the century mark. He has been a reliable and consistent option for the Colts, despite the team’s struggles with a lack of a downfield presence on offense.
When it comes to contract negotiations, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Colts tried to get both Taylor and Pittman Jr. under contract this offseason. These two players are integral to the team’s offense and will be key to the team’s success in the future. Speaking of the future, Alec Pierce stretches the field with his ability to man the boundary and utilize his athleticism, length, and deep speed to make plays downfield.
It doesn’t hurt that the Colts have a strong defense that can compete with any team in the league. The potential on offense with a solid defense makes the Colts one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL.
The Indianapolis Colts have a strong and talented roster on both sides of the ball, in a division that’s winnable despite the dominance of the Jags. With the right coach, the Colts be a force. They are a team on the rise and a quarterback would be wise to consider joining the team.
2. Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons may not have the immediate success that some other teams have, but they have a strong foundation of young talent in place. They have a solid offensive line, a talented receiving corps, and a defense that is on the rise. Additionally, they have a head coach in Arthur Smith who has a proven track record of success in developing quarterbacks, and a front office that is committed to building a winning team.
One of the biggest draws for a quarterback looking to join the Falcons is the opportunity to be a leader and a key piece of a team that has a lot of weapons on the offensive side of the ball. The team boasts Kyle Pitts, a 6’6″ 250-pound tight end with elite numbers, and Drake London, a 6’5 receiver with excellent athleticism and wing span. London put his skills on display in 2022, managing over 800 yards receiving and four touchdowns as a rookie, showing that the sky is the limit for him. The team also has Tyler Allgeier, a 224-pound back with good vision, power, and contact balance who averaged 4.9 yards per carry.
Additionally, the Falcons also have a strong cap situation and the resources to bring in additional talent to support the quarterback. They hold the No. 8 overall pick, which could net them Paris Johnson Jr., an athletic offensive tackle who will give the offensive line a boost and added protection for the quarterback. With Tom Brady gone, the NFC South is a winnable division. There’s no reason why Atlanta Falcons shouldn’t be looked at as a landing spot for a quarterback looking to take a team over the hump.
1. Washington Commanders
No one is talking about the potential oozing from the Washington Commanders’ offense. Two years passed and the Commanders still haven’t found a way to replace Alex Smith. Taylor Heinicke wasn’t able to recapture the magic that saw him garner support from fans. They traded for Carson Wentz after he showed some life in his one season with the Indianapolis Colts — that was a disaster. With all that bad why would a quarterback want to go there? They have the best receiving core in the NFC.
Terry McLaurin is a fantastic deep threat who dominates with speed down the field. For the third year in a row, McLaurin finished the season with over 1,000 yards. The fourth-year starter proved it doesn’t matter who is throwing him the ball, so any free-agent quarterback should be ready to sign up to play with him. Jahan Dotson was a rookie wideout who brought more speed to the Commanders and managed to snag seven touchdowns through 12 games. Curtis Samuel rounds out the core group of guys, he’s a No. 2 on any other team and he’s the No. 3 on the Commanders.
Furthermore, they have a solid dual-threat running back in Antonio Gibson. Brian Robinson is a powerful young runner who has yet to reach his potential as a runner. Ron Rivera is a leader who could get the best out of his players, and there’s no doubt he’d do everything he can to win. The Commanders are a destination landing spot for any quarterback looking to win right now.