If you’re a team that needs a quarterback and you plan on addressing that need via free agency this season, I would think again. This isn’t a strong class of free agent quarterbacks. This class is one that will majoritively end up as backups most likely. However, there are some capable ones out there and a few who might even be able to bring a team to the next level. Here’s a look at the top five free agent quarterbacks.
5. Michael Vick, New York Jets
Michael Vick hasn’t had the greatest stretch as of late but with the lack of depth in this free agent class of quarterbacks he makes the top five. Vick still lacks the ability to read a defense and can’t make all the throws but everytime he steps onto the field he’s still one of the fastest guys out there. If he can find the right team to sign with, he can put up the best numbers he’s had since winning the starting job in Philadelphia. In 12-15 team fantasy leagues, Vick could definitely be a legitimate option as a starter.
4. Mark Sanchez, Philadelphia Eagles
This past season the Eagles won 10 games with Mark Sanchez and Nick Foles as their two starters. If Sanchez can land on another solid team he can continue to win games. Although he was never as good as people made him out to be when the Jets were going to consecutive AFC Championship games, he was never as bad as people made him out to be in his butt fumble days. Sanchez is a talented quarterback that can put up good numbers if he’s in the right offense and if he can manage to limit his turnovers.
3. Josh McCown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After having the success McCown had in Chicago two seasons ago to being the dumpster fire he was in Tampa Bay, most people don’t know what to make of McCown. He’s a quarterback that can keep the seat warm while your team finds its franchise quarterback. As can be said with any quarterback, it all depends what system he’s in. In the right system, it wouldn’t surprise me if McCown was a top 20 fantasy quarterback in 2015. However, if he finds himself on the wrong team, I would steer clear.
2. Ryan Mallett, Houston Texans
Out of all the free agent quarterbacks, Mallett absolutely has the biggest arm. He’s a big bodied quarterback who can sling it. Mallett has all the physical tools and, by all accounts, has picked up some leadership qualities from Tom Brady after being his backup for three seasons. While Mallett has all that, he’s yet to be a starter for any significant amount of time. However, if the Texans bring him back or if he lands on a team with comparable talent, he could definitely be a top ten fantasy quarterback.
1. Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans
From a talent standpoint I think Locker is the best quarterback in this free agent class. His biggest problem in Tennessee wasn’t necessarily his play on the field, it was his injury problems. Locker can never seem to stay healthy. If he can manage to play a full season in 2015 and find a team that is willing to fully utilize his athletic capabilities, he could put up top ten fantasy quarterback numbers. Between his ability to run the ball if he needs to and his arm talent he can be a dangerous weapon. Locker’s ideal fit would be with the Eagles and if Chip Kelly gets ahold of him the rest of the league better watch out.