Free Agent Fast Takes: QBs
The quarterback market has been an electric factory from an entertainment perspective. Many of the players I detailed below will be frontpage storylines throughout the entirety of next season. But from a fantasy perspective, I’m not sure any of them should alter your draft strategy.
Tom Brady: 2-year $50M deal with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Following the greatest troll move of all time, Brady departed from New England for warmer weather. The GOAT drew quite a bit of criticism last year, but many pointed fingers at a lack of playmaking ability on offense. Now with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and, Gronk, OJ Howard to throw to, Brady won’t have that same excuse in 2020. He’ll be 43 by the time the season starts, which further purports the assumption that Bruce Arians won’t be airing it out quite like he did with Jameis Winston under center. Still, Brady’s intellect and talented supporting cast constitute top twelve fantasy numbers at the position.
Teddy Bridgewater: 3-year $63M deal with Carolina Panthers
“Teddy Two Gloves” is finally getting his chance! When Drew Brees went down last season, many analysts counted the Saints out. But Bridgewater filled in admirably, sparking a five game win streak in fact. He did so without eye-popping statistics, but he made the necessary throws and took care of the football. He’ll be asked to do more with the Carolina Panthers. Luckily for him, he’ll be surrounded by playmakers in Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore, Curtis Samuel, and Robby Anderson. He’ll also have the support of one of the trendiest offensive minds in all of football, Joe Brady. Bridgewater is sure to post a few weeks of top twelve scores but he’s more of a QB2 - though he’ll likely be a popular waiver wire add during heavy BYE weeks.
Philip Rivers: 1-year $25M deal with Indianapolis Colts
The Chargers were a massive disappointment last season despite having a star-studded roster. The OL was particularly tough to watch, as T Russell Okung and C Mike Pouncey missed a combined 21 games. Behind that porous unit, the NC State alum struggled with ball possession and ended up with his second worst QB Rating (88.5) since taking over the starting job in 2006. Phil now has what many believe to be the strongest offensive line in football, and a deep supporting cast with the likes of T.Y. Hilton, Jack Doyle, Parris Campbell, Zach Pascal, and Michael Pittman Jr. The father of nine managed to finish as QB15 in 2019, but there are higher upside options for you at QB. Rivers is a decent streaming option, but we know what to expect after 16 years in the league.
Nick Foles: Traded to Chicago Bears
Behold! The answer to the Jaguars’ perpetual woes! NOT. Poor ‘Big D*ck’ Nick appeared in just four games for the Jags after breaking his collarbone in Week 1, and he failed to collect a single win. Now he’s headed to the Windy City to compete for the starting job with another disappointing quarterback, while playing for a head coach on the hot seat. Times are certainly weird in Chicago. Anyway, neither Foles nor Trubisky should be inserted into your starting lineup.
Jameis Winston: 1-year $1.1M deal with New Orleans Saints
The man is the founding father of the 30-30 club. He is the definition of a “fantasy football quarterback”. Just drop back and huck it. With a heavy heart, I’m here to inform you that Jameis folded and accepted a backup job in 2020. Unless Brees is forced to miss time, we’ll have to wait until 2021 to find out just how impactful Jaboo’s lasik eye surgery was.
Cam Newton: Unsigned
Many fantasy owners gambled on Cam Newton last season hoping he’d come back healthy and take the league by storm. But that shoulder injury turned into a foot issue, and before we knew it Kyle Allen had become your mom’s favorite player. I’m rooting for a Chargers and Newton union. Why not?? He’d come at a discount, and worst case scenario the former MVP would put butts in seats as the Chargers debut SoftBank Stadium. Lest we forget they’ve struggled to fill an MLS stadium for two seasons now. Yo! Anthony Lynn! You listening?
Update: Holy sh*t. Cam is a Patriot. Is this not the most ‘Bill Belichick’ move of all time? Belichick is out to prove he can do this without having to lean on the GOAT, and Cam is embarking on what will be a must-watch revenge campaign. Cam’s athleticism will allow OC Josh McDaniels to spice up the play book quite a bit, the Patriots still lack speed and play-making ability on the outside. I want to rank Cam higher, but a potentially stinted training camp combined with an injury-laced past should temper expectations. Draft Cam as a QB2 who’s rushing ability could provide a safe floor.
Marcus Mariota: 2-year $17.6M deal with Las Vegas Raiders
I love the idea of bringing in Mariota to create a quarterback competition with Derek Car, but the acquisition shouldn’t make any fantasy headlines. The young Raiders will take a step forward offensively, but it’s not 2016 anymore (for Carr or for Mariota). Neither of the two should be targeted as anything more than a low-end QB2 until further notice.
Joe Flacco: 1-year $1.5M deal with New York Jets
The next time Sam Darnold goes down with mono, at least the Jets will have a respectable backup to carry the torch.
