NEWSLETTER
2023 NFL free agency is set to begin on March 15 at 4 p.m. eastern time. There’s a solid list of quarterbacks headed for free agency this offseason. Here’s a look at what you need to know about the top NFL free agent quarterbacks for 2023.
Top Free Agent Quarterbacks Available
There could be some fireworks in NFL free agency as the 32 NFL teams will have a solid list of quarterbacks to look at during the 2023 offseason. Some argue there is no position more important than quarterback. A few teams turn their attention to the free agent market hoping an experienced quarterback will get them over the hump. Other teams turn to the draft for their quarterback needs.
Who is set to hit the open market? There are options for teams trying to address the position in the free-agent market. Here’s a look at the top free-agent quarterbacks in the 2023 offseason. (Their age is listed in parentheses).
Lamar Jackson (26)
Lamar Jackson technically isn’t a free agent as the Ravens placed the Franchise Tag on him, but he is still free to negotiate with other teams. Jackson can agree to a contract with another team, but the Ravens have the right to match and retain him or accept draft pick compensation. Should Jackson sign the Franchise Tag tender, he will be owed $32.4 million next season.
Jackson battled injuries in his contract year as he went 8-4 but missed the postseason loss to the Bengals. The Baltimore Ravens starting quarterback was the 2019 MVP when the team when 14-2.
The electric signal caller has rushed for over 600 yards in each season of his career including two seasons of over 1,000 yards on the ground.
Jimmy Garoppolo (31)
Jimmy G has had a wild ride in San Francisco. The 49ers QB has been to a couple of NFC Championship games and played in the Super Bowl. He has also missed large chunks of seasons due to injury. When healthy, Garroppolo was able to win a lot of games under head coach Kyle Shanahan. He went 38-17 as a starter for the 49ers with a career completion percentage of 67.6 percent.
More Quarterbacks Set To Hit The Market
There are several other free-agent quarterbacks that could draw interest as solid backups. These include Jacoby Brissett, Marcus Mariota, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Teddy Bridgewater, Mike White, and Carson Wentz.
All of these quarterbacks started a handful of games in 2023. Darnold went 4-2 as a starter last year for the Carolina Panthers. He had the team a game away from winning the division but lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield started games for the Panthers and Los Angeles Rams.
Carson Wentz is one of the most unpredictable QBs in the league. Wentz spent the 2022 season on the Commanders roster going 2-5 as a starter. He completed 62.3 percent of his passes and had 11 passing touchdowns to 9 interceptions. He will likely join the others on this list of backup quarterbacks across the league.
Predicting Landing Spots for Top Quarterbacks
There are plenty of teams across the league looking for a top passer to join their squad. For starters, the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, and New York Jets are in need at the quarterback position. It’s wild to think the Jets are in the market despite drafting Zach Wilson at number two overall just two years ago.
The Raiders and Commanders will also be in the market for a quarterback. Derek Carr didn’t work out for new head coach Josh McDaniels during the 2022 season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have to figure out what to do as Tom Brady has officially retired. With Brady retiring, Kyle Trask sits on the roster as the team’s current quarterback but he has thrown a total of nine passes in the NFL. The team might be looking for a veteran option with plenty of talent at wide receiver including Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Top Free Agent Quarterbacks 2023 FAQs
NFL free agency officially begins at 4 p.m. eastern on March 15, 2023. However, teams are allowed to contact agents of players during the legal tampering period from March 13-15.
Jimmy Garoppolo is the biggest name left to hit the open market as Derek Carr, Geno Smith, and Daniel Jones have all agreed to new deals and Lamar Jackson is now on the Franchise Tag. There are plenty of potential backup options for teams like Marcus Mariota, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield.
Currently, it looks like teams such as the Texans, Colts, Panthers, Jets, and Raiders will be looking for a quarterback. The teams could also try to address the position during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was the highest-paid in the league during the 2022 season. He made $50.27 million as the Packers went 8-9 to miss the playoffs.
