Preparing for the upcoming season will be challenging for a handful of NFL franchises. Results from the 2023 campaign weigh heavily on decisions made in the off-season. The goal is improvement, and failing is not an option. Finding a quarterback to lead on and off the field is a headache for the most skilled General Manager. It’s a process that requires effort from multiple parties throughout the organization. Investing in the wrong gunslinger has long-lasting consequences that will put a contending franchise further behind its competition.
Who are the best Quarterbacks available in the 2024 free-agent market?
NFL Free-Agent Quarterback #5: Jacoby Brissett
Consistency is a commodity for offensive coordinators. It keeps the offense moving and balanced throughout the game. Managing the tempo of the offense is also a responsibility of the man under center. Unexperienced quarterbacks lack a feel for the gridiron. It leads to costly mistakes. Jacoby Brissett has made the most of his time on the gridiron. He is an experienced leader with an impressive resume. In 2016, the New England Patriots invested in the third-rounder quarterback. The following year, Brissett became the newest member of the Indianapolis Colts.
He earned more than 2,000 snaps as a starter and threw 31 touchdown passes. In 2021, Brissett relocated to South Beach to join the Miami Dolphins. He's also played for the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders during the last two seasons. Old age is a vital factor to consider before investing in an 8th-year veteran.
Offenses are shifting towards pass-first schemes. Brissett is experienced but is known for managing games. His spectacular play rating is par, but nothing special. A talented group of skilled players will pair perfectly with Brissett. He’s sharp but does not have enough in the tank to create ESPN's top ten highlights.
NFL Free-Agent Quarterback #4: Gardner Minshew
Playmaking ability is beaconing a trait NFL scouts search for in quarterback prospects. Deep passes and adjustments at the line of scrimmage are mandatory for quarterbacks ranked within the top tiers. Athleticism is rare and can become lethal in crucial moments. Gardner Minshew is not a dual-threat quarterback, but he makes plays at the right time. He’s gusty and has earned the respect of his peers throughout his NFL career. The former sixth-round pick came into the league with a chip on his shoulder in 2019. His determination reflected on the field.
At the end of the season, Minshew had 285 completions and earned 3,721 passing yards. His performance as a rookie was noteworthy and resulted in a following gig with the Philadelphia Eagles. Minshew was a solid backup for Jalen Hurts. He worked diligently and kept games within reach. In 2023, the Indianapolis Colts called on the fifth-year veteran to sustain their playoff aspirations.
They were a game short, but could not place blame on the quarterback. Gardner Minshew stepped in and provided a spark for an injury-riddled offense. His 3,305 passing yards rank second highest in the young career. He is capable of leading an NFL offense. The question is, how long?
NFL Free-Agent Quarterback #3: Mason Rudolph
A late-season surge with the Pittsburgh Steelers gives an unsung hero an advantage on this list of free-agent quarterbacks. Mason Rudolph was known for his role as Kenny Picketts' backup heading into the 2023 campaign. By the end of the season, he became Mike Tomlin’s savior. Offensive stalemates have been an issue for the Steelers since the beginning of the season. It was an eyesore for fans who believed in Kenny Pickett’s potential for immediate impact.
Mistakes throughout the year resulted in changes in the locker room. Matt Canada was relieved, and job security became scarce. A knee injury in Week 13 sidelined Pickett, opening the door to a quarterback battle. Tomlin’s coaching staff forwarded first dibs to veteran quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. It did not take long before Rudolph earned his time to save Pittsburgh’s playoff aspirations.
The former third-round pick led the Steelers to three consecutive wins to close the campaign. His 9.7 yards per pass became his career high and earned clinch a playoff berth. Rudolph is a young quarterback with potential that franchises could build around if they have enough patience. He showed development in crucial moments for a respected franchise and deserves a job in 2024.
NFL Free Agent Quarterback #2: Joshua Dobbs
Dual-threat quarterbacks open the playbook for offensive coordinators. They are hard to contain and unpredictable - making them a weapon against stout defenses. Joshua Dobbs earned a starting role with multiple franchises last year due to his dynamic playing style. He made the most of his opportunities, and it may result in another starting job in 2024.
Limited roles with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans provided limited time on the gridiron early in his career. In 2023, the Arizona Cardinals named the starting quarterback heading into Week 1. The former fourth-round pick experienced hardships but remained determined to make the best of the season. He was traded in Week 9 to the Minnesota Vikings to replace an injured Kirk Cousins. Dobbs finished the season with more passing yards (2,464) than Joe Burrow (2,309) and Kenny Pickett (2,070). He ranked 5th in rushing yards (421) among non-running backs and third in touchdowns (6).
NFL Free Agent Quarterback #1: Kirk Cousins
Two veterans are on the verge of becoming free agents by the second week of March. Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a business to discuss before both parties can prepare for the upcoming year. The franchise was successful last season and could re-sign the former first-round pick before the deadline. Kirk Cousins’ situation is not as cut and dry.
The Minnesota Vikings struggled to meet expectations in 2023. Cousins performed well on the field, but his injuries derailed his momentum. If the Vikings cut ties with Cousins, it would benefit them in the future. They would save funds to pay franchise players like Justin Jefferson and secure players for a competitive future.
The free agent market is for finding short-term answers to ongoing issues. Quarterbacks are hard to find but can become X-Factors if implemented in a complementing scheme. These quarterbacks are the best available and will find homes before the end of the off-season.
All statistics courtesy of pff.com