2009 NFL Free Agency: Quarterbacks

McNabb, like the SOB Nation, is looking forward to getting some questions answered in the 2009 off-season.

The Eagles’ Quarterback position has been discussed in great detail during this off-season, mostly due to McNabb airing his grievances out through the media.  Some fans want to see McNabb leave town, others just want him to shut up.

Regardless of what the fans want, McNabb will the Eagles starting QB in ’09 unless he decided that he doesn’t want to show up.  A hold-out from McNabb is unlikely, but the Eagles may look to sure up the QB position by adding a veteran through Free Agency.  Jeff Garcia’s available…

Although equally unlikely, after the jump you will find a list of all notable NFL QBs becoming free agents in ’09.

Potential 2009 Starters

• Matt Cassel (Franchised) – 26 – New England – Is guaranteed $14 in 2009 via the Franchise Tag.  Was one win away from bring the Pats back to the playoffs in ’08, and Cassel looked like the real thing late in the season.  A team may attempt to trade for Cassel but will need to give up two 1st round picks and a boatload of cash to do so.
• Kurt Warner – 37 – Arizona – Following the Cards Super Bowl visit, Warner is currently negotiating with the Cardinals in order to “maximize his financial situation”.  He is currently asking for around $10 – 12 mil/year, way too much for a QB who can’t play in cold weather.
• Kerry Collins – 36 – Tennessee – Resurrected his career in ’08, leading the Titans to a 13-3 record.  That said, the Titans won by running and playing defense.  Their passing game lacked spark, and Kerry threw only 12 TDs and 7 INTs.  It’s a bit surprising that Collins hasn’t already resigned with the team, which may be a sign that Vince Young isn’t as done as everyone thinks he is.
• Jeff Garcia – 39 – Tampa Bay – The antique QB was dumped by the Bucs along with Gruden.  Clearly the arm isn’t there anymore (22nd in passing yards last year), but still can manage a game and throws a very catchable ball (9th in QB Rating).  He wants to be a starter in the NFL still, but if that doesn’t work out maybe he can be McNabb’s backup.

Former 1st Round Picks

• Kyle Boller – 27 – Baltimore – The kid has been through a lot in his short career.  Due to the emergence of Joe Flacco and presence of Troy Smith, Boller is not long needed on the Ravens, even as a backup.  A change of pace could do some good for the former 1st round pick, and he’ll find a home in the NFL in ’09.  That team just has to hope Boller never sees the field.

• J.P. Losman – 27 – Buffalo – Another former 1st rounder who may end up parting ways with the team that drafted him.  Judging by the way Buffalo played it in ’08, Trend Edwards is their QB.  Due to Edwards’ inexperience and injuries, the Bills may be wise to maintain Losman, even if only for the short-term.

• Rex Grossman – 28 – Chicago – In 2006, the last year he started all 16 games, Rex threw 23 TDs and 20 INTs with a QB Rating of 73.9.  And that was a great year by Grossman standards.  I don’t think he will ever have success in the NFL due to his overall breakability and amazing ability to turn the ball over.

• Joey Harrington – 30 – New Orleans – I had no idea he was on the Saints last year.  Hard to blame me, that makes 4 different teams for Harrington in the last 4 seasons and it may soon be 5 in 5.  Who knows, if the Saints brought him in last year they may keep him around to continue growing in Sean Payton’s system.

Best of the Rest

• J.T. O’Sullivan – 29 – San Francisco – Played 9 games last year before he was benched in favor of Shaun Hill.  Ouch.  O’Sullivan threw for 8 TDs and 11 INTs in those 9 games.  Ouch.  Has all the makings of a career backup.

• Ryan Fitzpatrick – 26 – Cincinnati – The Harvard grad actually played pretty well against the Eagles in their atrocious 13-13 tie game in ’08.  Like Housh, maybe his 261 yard, 1 TD, zero INT performance against the Eagles was actually an extended tryout for Andy Reid.  He’s actually one of the only QBs in this year’s free agent class that I wouldn’t mind seeing the Eagles sign.

• Marques Tuiasosopo – 29 – Oakland – Has been one of the more promising back-ups in the league for some time, too bad he’s been stuck on the horrific Oakland Raiders.  Should be snatched up fairly quickly in Free Agency and will compete for a backup spot.

• Damon Huard – 35 – Kansas City – Career backup who continues to get playing time in the NFL.  His time may be coming to an end, but he will sign as a 2nd or 3rd QB on a team lacking depth.

I’m comfortable with the Eagles current QB situation of McNabb, Kolb and A.J. Feeley.  The Eagles aren’t going to spring for a potential starter, and if they did the back-lash from McNabb and his locker room supports would overshadow anything that happens on the field in ’09.

That leaves only the backups as an option; not much there to write home about.  Outside of bringing someone like Fitzpatrick in to compete with Kolb and Feeley, I think the Eagles will lay off of the QBs available in Free Agency this year.