NFL Free Agent Quarterbacks are Settling

With the NFL free agency period looming and the franchise tag deadline Tuesday at 4 p.m., free agent quarterbacks are starting to fall in line.

Free Agent Quarterbacks off the Market

Derek Carr

Although NFL free agency does not officially begin until March 15, the New Orleans Saints started early. The Saints answered one of their biggest questions this offseason, signing former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr to a four-year deal worth up to $150 million. Carr’s new deal includes up to $100 million guaranteed, $60 million at signing, and another $10 million at the start of year three. Carr had a no-trade clause in his former deal with the Raiders, who waived him on February 14 when he refused to waive it.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter says that Carr and the Saints are a great match.

Lamar Jackson

At age 23, Lamar Jackson was named NFL MVP in 2019, becoming the youngest player ever to do so. Now, the 26-year-old Jackson has been at the center of controversy since playing his last game of the season in week 12. This offseason, questions, and rumors about Jackson’s status in Baltimore have swirled. According to ESPN, the Ravens will continue talks with Jackson in hopes of re-signing him until Tuesday’s 4 p.m. franchise tag deadline. If the Ravens and Jackson are unable to come to an agreement, it is reported that the team will place him under the franchise tag. Were he to be franchise-tagged, Jackson would remain with the Ravens through next season, earning over $32 million.

The Baltimore Ravens will wait until Tuesday’s deadline before placing their franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson, via @jamisonhensley:https://t.co/u7oLtMuczP

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2023

Daniel Jones

Like Lamar Jackson, Daniel Jones and the Giants could be headed toward the use of the franchise tag. Jones is coming off his best year as a pro. He posted career-highs in completions, passing yards, passer rating, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns. Daniel Jones and the Giants have been in talks, but no deal has been reached. According to reporters at NFL.com, the Giants will franchise tag Jones if the two parties are unable to come to an agreement.

Geno Smith

When the Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos last offseason, there were questions about the future of the position. Geno Smith answered them all. Smith was named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year following an impressive 2022 campaign. Smith completed a league-high 69.8 percent of his passes last season. He also threw 30 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. He represented the Seahawks as a member of the NFC squad at the 2023 Pro Bowl.

The Seahawks and Smith agreed to a 3-year contract, worth $105 million. Smith will receive a base pay of $25 million per season and a $40 million fully-guaranteed signing bonus.

Seahawks, QB Geno Smith agree to three-year, $105M deal. (via @TomPelissero and @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/V64NXMrSbU

— NFL (@NFL) March 6, 2023

Top Free Agent Quarterbacks Remaining

Jimmy Garopolo is most likely the top quarterback left in free agency following Tuesday’s franchise tag deadline. Other quarterbacks to keep an eye on during this free agency period are Jacoby Brissett, Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke and Baker Mayfield.

While Aaron Rogers remains under contract with the Packers, questions surrounding his potential retirement or trade have persisted.