This year figures to be no exception, with Tom Brady retiring, Aaron Rodgers undecided on his future and other big names like Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo and Carson Wentz potentially set for relocation.
The fact that Winston, who has played all of 11 games over the last two years, tops the list should tell you everything you need to know about the free-agent QBs: these are mid-tier gambles, at best.
Winston still has good size and physical tools, and his injury will likely keep his price tag down.
If Winston’s career has been defined mostly by a penchant for big throws and going 7-6 as a starter.
But Bridgewater’s entire career has suggested he’s best suited as a placeholder, mentor and/or emergency No.
He didn’t really get it in two seasons with the Raiders, largely because of Derek Carr’s solid play, and it remains to be seen if he’s got the durability to even hold down a job; he’s never played all 16/17 games in seven NFL seasons.
No one should be banking on Mariota as an Opening Day starter without a big insurance plan and/or playoff-caliber supporting cast.
The ex-Bears starter quickly flamed out in Chicago as part of an offensive setup that got progressively worse, but at his best, as an 11-3 starter in 2018, he looked like an emerging dual threat.
Approaching his age-40 season, it’s unclear if Fitzpatrick will even return for an 18th season, especially after suffering a serious hip injury early in 2021.