NFL Free Agency: Quarterbacks News, Rumors, Updates and Predictions
All the latest news, rumors, and predictions for quarterbacks potentially on the move heading into free agency.
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
In 2024, Russ will be cooking in black and yellow. He has reportedly agreed to join the Steelers for the upcoming season. The deal is believed to be for the veteran minimum because as long as he signs for the vet minimum the Broncos are still on the hook for all of the money they owe him.
There have been conflicting reports about whether or not Wilson is going to Pittsburgh to be the starter or backup Kenny Pickett. Both Pickett and Wilson have been disappointing over the past two seasons, which ended with them being benched in 2023, but both have a case to be the starter. Pickett was a highly touted prospect who, the Steelers in an ideal world, could build around while Wilson is a former champion and elite caliber quarterback. Of the two, despite coming off a subpar season, Wilson is the better QB right now.
Fantasy Spin
It's hard to imagine that this won't be an open competition in training camp. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are a team that is always going to do what gives them the best chance to win games right now. If Wilson is outperforming Pickett, he's going to get the nod as the starter.
We know this deal wasn't about money, so it's also a safe bet that Wilson wasn't going anywhere that he wasn't guaranteed an opportunity to have a shot to start. Either way, it will be tough to trust any quarterback in Pittsburgh this season. Not only are these guys difficult to trust if they are starting, but there is also a good chance we see more than one starter for the Steelers this season, regardless of health.
Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Fields has been the most polarizing and active storyline surrounding a quarterback this offseason. From scouts to GMs to fans, if you discuss Fields you will get a completely different reaction. Many believe he is a superstar in the making who has been held back by circumstance in Chicago while others believe he is mediocre at best and doesn't have what it takes to be a starter in the NFL.
Multiple teams have been rumored to be in on Fields, with the Atlanta Falcons being the name that pops up most often. The compensation the Bears will receive for him is very unclear, but it could also be very telling how he is viewed around the league.
Fantasy Spin
For re-draft owners, Fields should be an excellent fantasy option this season. His ability to run alone gives him massive upside. What we are still waiting to find out is how dynasty owners should approach him.
We are more on the skeptical side when it comes to his ability to be a franchise quarterback. His landing spot will also drastically skew his fantasy value whether it's for the better or worse. The Falcons would likely be the best-case scenario, but that is far from a foregone conclusion.
Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Cousins will be testing the free agent market once again this season and is expected to earn around $40 million a year despite coming off a torn Achilles entering his age 36 season.
He has been linked to multiple teams including but not limited to the Falcons, Raiders and Patriots. The Titans and Commanders have also been thrown out there as well. It's unclear how effective he will be coming off such a major injury, but he is considered the top prize in free agency this offseason.
Fantasy Spin
Without knowing his landing spot, it's hard to judge how valuable Cousins will be or how other players will benefit from his arrival. However, we can assume that he will no longer have Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison or T.J. Hockenson to throw the ball to.
Odds are he won't be landing in a better situation. A downgrade in situation combined with a major injury will make him a very risky option in 2024 and moving forward.
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Just a few days ago we stated that Mayfield was expected to return to Tampa Bay and he has now agreed to a three-year, $100 million deal with the team. He is fully expected to be the starter in Tampa for the foreseeable future.
With Mike Evans also re-signed with the Bucs, this offense is expected to run it back with essentially the same personnel.
Fantasy Spin
What you see is what you get with Mayfield. Almost nothing is expected to change with this offense, so there is no reasonable reason to believe much will change with his fantasy value.
Evans returning was the one huge domino here, and now that he's back, Mayfield should have a very similar season in 2024 to what we saw in 2023. The same goes for the other weapons surrounding him in Tampa.
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