National Football League

2017 NFL Free Agency: Quarterbacks Who Could Move To New Teams

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) celebrates with fans as he leaves the field after defeating the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

There are not only several intriguing QBs in the upcoming draft, but also several who might make 2017 NFL free agency very interesting with unexpected moves.

This is an exploration of the possible names around the league who might command serious interest as either a free agent or a trade chip. The top five names are listed, what their likely exit for their current team will be and the most believable landing spot.

Jimmy Garoppolo

Method: Trade

The first step in the Patriots’ master plan is complete. Garoppolo seemed poised, accurate and in control during his first NFL start. The fact he did that well without left tackle Nate Solder or tight end Rob Gronkowski is a testament to his ability, and of course the master game planning of Bill Belichick. If this continues Garoppolo will trot back to the bench having proven to other teams around the league that the 2nd round pick spent on him was well worth it.

With Tom Brady not expected to surrender his job anytime soon, the odds are New England will entertain trade requests for the young quarterback.

Landing spot:  Cleveland Browns

Of all the teams in the league, the one that both has the need for a young quarterback and the wealth of draft picks to afford the Patriots’ asking price is Cleveland. They’ll have two 1st round picks at their disposal. One could easily be flipped for Garoppolo since the Robert Griffin III experiment seems at an end. The added bonus is Hue Jackson would be getting a young quarterback with experience rather than having to start fresh with a rookie.

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Kirk Cousins

Method:  Free Agent

The bet that Kirk Cousins made on himself by not accepting a long-term contract from the Washington Redskins is not off to a promising start. He looked every bit as average against Pittsburgh as he did in the playoffs against Green Bay. There is still time for him to turn things around but right now the odds are swinging towards him looking for a new home in free agency next year while the Redskins eyeball a successor.

Landing spot:  New Orleans Saints

How much longer does Drew Brees have? This is a question the Saints can’t avoid asking. The man himself believes it’s not out of the question he can play into his 40s, but every competitor says that. Odds are he has a couple good years left. If Cousins is willing to bite the bullet for a couple years as his backup, he could inherit a strong offensive attack with Sean Payton as the mastermind.

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) calls out from the goal line in the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Trevor Siemian

Method:  Trade

It’s only a matter of time before the Denver Broncos make the switch to Paxton Lynch. They invested a 1st round pick in him for a reason. That means Trevor Siemian is on borrowed time and has to make the most of it. In spite of his mistakes against Carolina he showed qualities that will intrigue teams from his poise under pressure to his decisive decision-making and accurate throws. Provided the Broncos don’t jack up the price too high, somebody might have interest.

Landing spot:  Chicago Bears

How fitting would it be? A kid who made his name at Northwestern returns to Illinois to take over their premier football team. Questions continue to surround the future of Jay Cutler beyond 2016. If he isn’t able to perform up to expectations there is a chance GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox may think about a switch. Siemian is a favorite of local fans and did visit with the Bears prior to the draft. So it’s possible there is interest.

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) scrambles during the first half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Colin Kaepernick

Method:  Free Agent

The latest rumors out of San Francisco are that the 49ers are about at the end of their rope with Colin Kaepernick. GM Trent Baalke is content to move on from the former rising star, especially after his month-long controversy involving the national anthem. However head coach Chip Kelly is still holding out hope that he can develop the 28-year old within his offense given his unique physical traits from the running ability to his powerful arm. Still it’s hard seeing him ever get another chance on that team.

Landing spot:  New York Jets

Ryan Fitzpatrick is likely in his last season under center for the Jets, and there are few guarantees that Christian Hackenberg will develop into the player they hope he can be. Kaepernick might be a worthwhile risk, especially since Chan Gailey is the offensive coordinator. This is the same man who turned Kordell Stewart into a Pro Bowler. He knows how to use dual-threat types. Of course it all depends on just how interested Kaepernick is in continuing his career.

Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Romo

Method:  Free Agent

It’s hard not to at least consider the possibility at this point. Tony Romo is 36-years old. His body has endured a couple of brutal injury setbacks. Now the Dallas Cowboys are starting to believe they can no longer depend on him being able to stay healthy. Couple that with the positive play of rookie Dak Prescott and they might be tempted to make a permanent switch at the position. Assuming Romo still believes he could play, that would make him a prime free agent target.

Landing spot:  Buffalo Bills

Tyrod Taylor is the man of the moment after signing a contract extension to stay with the Buffalo Bills. Even so, this move reeks of Rex Ryan. Taking a chance on an aging vet being able to bring together a pretty solid roster for a potential Super Bowl run.  No doubt the Bills offense would look more daunting with Romo under center, assuming he’s healthy. Throw in a classic Ryan defense? Who knows. Things can happen.

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