Finding a leader to control the offense is difficult for front offices. There are a handful of factors that determine success. Environment, scheme, and teammates weigh heavily on athletes working to develop at a high level. Especially NFL quarterbacks. The free agent market allows teams to invest in experienced gunslingers before risking the future on someone unproven.
Which NFL Franchise landed the best free-agent QB?
NFL Free Agent QB Signing #5: New England Patriots sign Jacoby Brissett
Discovering the next elite quarterback has challenged the New England Patriots. A successful stint with Hall of Famer Tom Brady set expectations high for the men who follow in his footsteps. Mac Jones has yet to come close to his shadow. The former first-round pick's adjustment to the professional stage hindered progression. Robert Kraft’s staff decided to add a comfort blanket to the roster. Agreeing to a one-year deal with Jacoby Brissett is a part of the plan. An experienced gunslinger will kill two birds with one stone. The Patriots hope Mac Jones develops under Brissett’s tutelage and can also search for an alternative quarterback for the future.
NFL Free Agent QB Signing #4: Las Vegas Raiders sign Gardner Minshew
A divorce with Derek Carr forced the Las Vegas Raiders to evaluate the future. The seasoned veteran spent nine years with the franchise and experienced shimmers of success. Achieving a playoff victory was an accomplishment that Carr struggled to check off. The Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal with the expectation of becoming a Super Bowl contender. The marriage failed expectations - forcing Las Vegas to invest in another QB. Gardner Minshew is that guy. He’s a sixth-round pick with a resounding resume. In 2023, Minshew finished the season with his career-high total in passing yards (3,305) as a back-up role for Anthony Richardson.
NFL Free Agent QB Signing #3: Atlanta Falcons sign Kirk Cousins
The Atlanta Falcons announced their interest in a quarterback early in the off-season. A new regime under Raheem Morris provides hope for loyal fans. It also allows a new gunslinger to earn a starting job. Exchanging the No.8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is risky. A youthful offensive leader would be a fresh start for the franchise but could not promise wins in the immediate future. Instead, the Falcons decided to sign Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth $180 million. The transaction secured a missing piece of the offense. It could also result in an NFC South championship.
NFL Free Agent QB Signing #2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign Baker Mayfield
Free agent signings make great headlines. They do not permeate success on the gridiron. Chemistry is a vital ingredient in the NFL locker rooms. Baker Mayfield and his receiving core have a connection. It resulted in his best season as a professional quarterback. The former first-round pick experienced hiccups throughout his career that hindered him from early success. Resiliency and determination helped Baker relocate to the Bay. His teammates are glad he came. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers resigned Mayfield to a three-year deal worth $100 million. It will be worth the money if it results in consecutive playoff berths.
NFL Free Agent QB Signing #1: Pittsburgh Steelers sign Russell Wilson
An offensive identity was non-existent did not exist for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. It resulted in the firing of Matt Canada and concerns heading into the off-season. The plan to develop Kenny Pickett into Ben Roethlisberger’s protege seemed less believable. He struggled to perform well last season - ranking 37th in touchdown passes (6) and 29th in passing yards (2,070). His inconsistencies opened the door for Pittsburgh to sign Russell Wilson to a one-year deal worth $1.21 million. His salary is the league minimum for veterans - a perfect scenario for the Steelers. The twelve-year quarterback ranked 10th in passing yards in 2023 and could be the catalyst for a developing offense.
Signing a quarterback in the free agency market is a good option for franchises that are a few pieces players out of playoff contention. These gunslingers bring experience and desire to win to the table. If utilized correctly, they can lead a team to the Super Bowl.
All statistics courtesy of pff.com