2023 NFL Free Agents: Quarterbacks

Franchised by Ravens (non-exclusive)

Lamar Jackson is obviously a stellar scrambler, but he’s an underrated passer as well. Some view Jackson as a mediocre or poor thrower, but he has completed between 64 and 66 percent of his passes in most of his seasons. His numbers were down this year, but only because his receiving corps was in shambles.

Announced retirement

Tom Brady is coming off his worst year as a pro. Has Father Time finally won? Perhaps, but Brady was protected by one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL.

Re-signed with Giants (4 years, $160 million)

Daniel Jones got lots of flak for his loss to the Eagles in the playoffs, but many were quick to forget that his receiving corps was in shambles. For most of the year, Jones did a great job of limiting turnovers and also using his legs to make big plays.

Signed with Saints

Derek Carr has been a mediocre NFL starting quarterback for some time. He has posted great numbers at times, but never seems to come through in the clutch. Carr also cried during a post-game press conference and later abandoned the team after he was benched at the end of the year.

Re-signed with Seahawks (3 years, $105 million)

It’ll be interesting to see what the Seahawks do with Geno Smith, who is coming off a phenomenal year by his standards. He completed 69.8 percent of his passes on a 7.5 YPA, all while throwing 30 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 366 yards.

Signed with Raiders (3 years, $67.5 million)

Jimmy Garoppolo has proven that he can make multiple deep trips into the playoffs with a great supporting cast around him. The problem with him is his durability. He has played just one full season in his career.

Signed with Redskins (1 year, $10 million)

Jacoby Brissett was thought of as a liability to start the year, but he proved to be a strength for the Browns in 2022. He completed 64 percent of his passes while maintaining a 7.1 YPA.

Signed with Jets (2 years)

Mike White has been the best Jets quarterback in years, though that’s not saying much. The problem with White is that he hasn’t shown an ability to stay healthy.

Signed with Colts (1 year, $3.5 million)

Gardner Minshew is a premium backup who has proven that he can hold down the fort as a low-end starter in the NFL.

Teddy Bridgewater would be ranked higher if he didn’t have such a dubious injury history. He just can’t stay healthy.

Signed with Falcons (2 years, $20 million)

Taylor Heinicke has proven that he can be a strong backup in the NFL. He can win when everything is going right, though he sometimes makes some terrible decisions.

Re-signed with Cowboys (2 years, $6 million)

Cooper Rush did a great job in relief of Dak Prescott, going 4-1 as a starter.

Signed with 49ers (1 year)

Sam Darnold has not played like a two-star free agent, but he has upside as a former top-three pick in the draft. Perhaps someone will get the most out of him, much like the Seahawks did with another former Jets quarterback bust.

Signed with Buccaneers (1 year)

Baker Mayfield was one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL while he was with the Panthers, but he improved under Sean McVay late in the season. Still, there’s not much hope for him to become a viable starting quarterback.

Signed with Broncos (2 years, $10 million)

Jarrett Stidham played so well in a Week 17 battle against the 49ers that he deserves a two-star rating. There’s a chance this could have been a fluke, but Stidham deserves to be able to compete for a job.

Signed with Eagles (1 year, $5 million)

Marcus Mariota did not perform well as Atlanta’s starter last year, but he shouldn’t have been starting in the first place. Mariota figures to be a premium backup in the NFL for the next five or so years.

Signed with Panthers (2 years, $10 million)

Andy Dalton did a solid job in place of Jameis Winston last year, but he’s now 35, so he doesn’t have much time remaining in the NFL.

Signed with Texans (2 years)

Case Keenum is five years removed from quarterbacking a team to the NFC Championship. He’s an elite backup and a fine spot starter.