Best quarterbacks in NFL free agency: Mike Glennon among limited options for starters
NFL teams in need of an established starting quarterback might need to exhibit some patience.
With unclear outlooks for the Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo, the New England Patriots' Jimmy Garoppolo, the Buffalo Bills' Tyrod Taylor and the Chicago Bears' Jay Cutler, free agency is set to open on March 9 with limited options at the position.
Yet with several teams exhibiting a need and a draft class offering little certainty, the market is sure to be plenty intriguing as bidding opens.
Here's an overview of the top potential quarterbacks available as unrestricted free agents:
1. Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 27-year-old backup to Jameis Winston seems like an odd pick to be the top name on the market at this position, but he's the clear option for now. With 18 career starts, Glennon could be an attractive option for a team seeking a bridge starter. Don't be surprised if his name is tied to a bidding war.
2. Brian Hoyer, Chicago Bears
The journeyman might not be viewed as more than a low-end starter or first-tier backup, but there's little guesswork involved with the veteran. As a fill-in for Jay Cutler, Hoyer was efficient last season (1,445 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions in six games) before he was sidelined by a fracture of his non-throwing arm. Hoyer, 31, could also be a huge asset for a franchise that drafts a rookie quarterback in the first round, buying the team time before giving way to his successor.
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3. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
The former star opted out of his contract and seems ill-fitted for new coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Despite the 49ers' struggles last year, Kaepernick was solid in stretches last season. But finding the right fit in coaching staff and system could be difficult for him, even as a backup.
4. Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets
One year after setting the Jets franchise record for touchdown passes in a season, Fitzpatrick followed a extended contract with a dreadful 2016 campaign. At 34, he likely doesn't figure into many teams' plans as a starter for either the short or long term. But he's a solid insurance policy as a backup.
5. Nick Foles, Kansas City Chiefs
Foles has not hit the free agent market officially yet, but the Chiefs are not expected to pick up his option. In his first year as a backup in Kansas City, he fared well when forced into action for Alex Smith. He could be an option for teams looking for a placeholder behind center.
6. Geno Smith, Jets
The former Jets starter is still recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in October, which could limit his offseason availability. Smith likely will have to settle for a backup role and hope for some kind of opportunity down the road.
7. Josh McCown, Cleveland Browns
McCown will turn 38 before next season and has broken two collar bones in as many years. His most significant contribution would be serving as a mentor to a young starter.
8. Matt Barkley, Bears
Barkley showed impressive resilience in his stint filling in for the injured Cutler and Hoyer in Chicago. A proclivity for turnovers — 11 in his final three games — could keep him out of action for the foreseeable future.
Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.
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