Sam Bradford, Brock Osweiler, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Kirk Cousins are the top names at quarterback heading towards free agency this offseason and could be potential options to return to their teams. The Eagles reportedly are still undecided about keeping Bradford, while Cousins is likely going to stay in Washington after leading the team to the playoffs last season.
The Redskins are expected to release Robert Griffin III this offseason and that makes Cousins a priority for the team in free agency. Cousins could end up hit with the franchise tag if the team can't work out a long term deal and that would protect him from signing with another team. If the Eagles don't bring back Bradford, teams like the Browns, Texans and 49ers could be potential landing spots. If Osweiler gets onto the open market he could be an option for teams as well.
Here is a look at the top free agent quarterbacks:
Sam Bradford, Eagles
Bradford could be the top quarterback hitting the free agent market, as the Eagles may let him walk this offseason with Doug Pederson taking over as head coach. Bradford had a solid season under Chip Kelly after being acquired from the Rams and now teams like the Browns, 49ers and Texans could be potential landing spots if he leaves Philadelphia. The Browns are moving on from Johnny Manziel this offseason, while Kelly could consider Bradford if he doesn't think Colin Kaepernick has the ability to rebound. Bradford could be hit with the franchise tag if the Eagles want to keep the quarterback without signing him long term, but right now no decision has been made by the Eagles.
Brock Osweiler, Broncos
Osweiler is in an interesting position heading into free agency, as he showed that he has the potential to be a solid starter in the NFL after playing for an injured Peyton Manning this season. If Manning retires, Osweiler will be a priority for the Broncos, but Osweiler may not want to be a backup again next season. According to the Denver Post, Osweiler wants to re-sign with the team and that he is the "is the early favorite to be the Broncos' 2016 starter." Manning is not expected to be back even if he wants to play in 2016 and the Denver Post reports Osweiler could command a contract in the three-year range.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets
Fitzpatrick had a career season with the Jets last year and the team is expected to try and re-sign him in free agency. Brandon Marshall has expressed his preference for Fitzpatrick to return, while head coach Todd Bowles also said the team wants to sign the quarterback this offseason. Fitzpatrick set career highs with 3905 passing yards and 31 touchdowns and while he could be a target for some other teams, the Jets are likely going to bring him back.
Kirk Cousins, Redskins
Cousins is coming into free agency in strong position after putting up 29 touchdowns last season and leading the Redskins to the playoffs. The team is planning to cut Robert Griffin III and that makes signing Cousins a major priority for the Redskins. Jason La Canfora reports that the team is "nowhere close" to signing Cousins to a new contract and that the Redskins may consider using the franchise tag to ensure they keep the quarterback.
