The NFL free agent period doesn't start until March 11, but already many are speculating about where some QBs could land and while all these names aren't free agents yet, players like Matt Cassel, Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman, Matt Schaub, Brandon Weeden, Matt Flynn and Josh McCown are the top options for teams looking away from the draft for answers at quarterback in 2014.
There is a decent group of free agents at the top with Michael Vick, Josh Freeman and Matt Cassel, but past that the pickings are a bit slim and if names like Brandon Weeden, Mark Sanchez and Matt Schaub are cut, which will open up some doors for other teams. According to Pro Football Talk, there are a number of teams looking for a new quarterback next season and while some have top picks in the draft, they may want a more experienced option and clubs like the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be in the mix.
Vick will be the top name despite his age along with Cassel, as both have won with different teams and showed last season they have enough in the tank. Vick would be a good fit with the Jets and Raiders, while Cassel could stay in Minnesota after opting out of his deal, as he really just wants more money and a chance to compete for the starting job after being forced to start numerous games last season for the Vikings and performing decently well.
Vick has said that he hopes to be a starter in 2014 and depending on where he signs that is a good possibility, while someone could take a chance on Sanchez if the Jets opt to cut him, which is likely to happen. Sanchez has $9 million coming this season and he could be an option for a number of teams, as a change of scenery could be huge, while Josh McCown is in the same boat, as he was a solid option behind Jay Cutler last season, but easily could start with a new team after how well he played in the offense.
Cassel left nearly $4 million on the table to try and get a better deal and the Houston Texans and the Oakland Raiders could look at him as an option. Schaub is likely done in Houston and that means he will be with another team next season and one option is in Cleveland, as his old coordinator is now there. Jason Campbell is with the Browns, but that may not last with a new coaching staff, while Flynn bounced around last season and could do so again.