NFL
By: Dominic Choroski
Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but there are a ton of Quarterbacks out there that are still looking for that special someone, aka a new team. This particular free-agent class has more eye-popping names than usual. Former first-round picks and future Hall of Famers are set to find new homes and change the entire landscape of the league. Here are some possible landing spots for the biggest names on the move this offseason.
Tom Brady
The six-time champion will become a free agent for the first time in his career and to the surprise of no one, there are multiple suitors for his services, even at the age of 42. A return to the Patriots is an obvious, and the most likely, option. However, the best landing spot for Brady is the Los Angeles Chargers. The biggest problem in New England last year was the lack of offensive weapons. Joining the Chargers would give Brady weapons like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler to name a few. The Chargers have a good head coach in Anthony Lynn, a talented defense, and give the California boy a chance to play in his home state.
Drew Brees
Another Quarterback over the age of 40, but let these guys tell it 40 is the new 30. All indications are he will be back for one more year. That being the case the best place for Brees is back in New Orleans. The combination of Brees and Payton is arguably the greatest coach-quarterback duo of all-time and it only makes sense to give it another shot. The Saints have had abysmal losses in the playoffs for the last three years. This team is built to win now and who doesn’t want to ride off into the sunset a champion.
Teddy Bridgewater
Let’s assume Brees resigns with the Saints. The former first-rounder, who has already had his career shortened by injuries, will not settle for being the back-up to a 40-year-old. Bridgwater showed he is capable of winning multiple games provided he has talent around him. The Louisville product is a game-manager, but that’s not a bad thing. The team that signs him needs to know that you can’t ask him to do too much. This makes him a perfect match for Indianapolis. The Colts have a much improved offensive line, a legitimate threat in running back Marlon Mack, T .Y. Hilton, who can take the top off of any defense, and a stingy defense that can keep their offense in any game, against any opponent. Bridgewater can take this team to the level that Jacoby Brissett couldn’t.
Philip Rivers
Rivers and the Chargers agreed to mutually part ways recently. A move that makes sense for both parties. Reports are that Rivers and his family are moving to a home in Florida, and Rivers has expressed he wants to keep playing. If those reports are accurate its safe to assume he will play for one of the three Florida based teams. Jacksonville already has a decision to make between Minshew and Foles, and Miami is in complete rebuild mode. That leaves the Bucs. Tampa Bay head coach, Bruce Arians, has an affinity for veteran quarterbacks, and while Rivers may not have the big arm to fit Arian’s system, he is a gunslinger who is more than capable of throwing it up for Mike Evans and Marquise Godwin.
Jameis Winston
Speaking of Tampa Bay, Jameis Winston, owner of the only 30 touchdown/30 interception season, is another who could be on the move. A return to Tampa Bay seems unlikely given Winston’s inconsistency. This means a new uniform to go along with his new eyes, Jameis recently had Lasik surgery to correct his vision. The former number one pick is tricky, he has all the talent but his decision making is horrendous. There is one team that could look to make a change, and Winston would be a drastic change from what they currently have the Chicago Bears. Mitchell Trubisky is not the answer and with a championship-level defense, a risktaker is what the Bears need. Someone who can put up 400 yards and 38 points, even if it means putting your defense in tough situations at times.
Marcus Mariota
The man taken right after Jameis Winston will more than likely be on the move as well. Tennesse, unless they land Tom Brady, will resign Ryan Tannehill, who took them to the AFC Conference Championship Game. So where does that leave the former Oregon Duck? This is a tough one. His mobility in today’s league makes him valuable and he isn’t someone who will throw the game away. In reality, Mariota will be a back-up for a team that believes they are a contender. As a result, Mariota matches well with the Philadelphia Eagles. Carson Wentz is the starter, obviously, but he has an injury history. Marcus is a better option than the other quarterbacks on the roster. Also, given his lack of success Mariota can be added for a cheap price which makes him a great value addition.
