As the new league year is upon us trades, releases and contract agreements are unfolding like dominoes, giving us a glimpse into the upcoming season. This year’s free agency and off-season is undeniably the year of the QB.
Here’s SRA’s rundown:
Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints
The future HOF’er has resigned from the New Orleans Saints. The deal is two years and worth up to $50 million. Brees is on a mission to secure another championship and set himself up as a multiple-time champion on par with the best QBs in history. Even so, he’s coming off an injury-plagued year where Brees played 11 games.
Teddy Bridgewater – Carolina Panthers
It’s been a whirlwind few years for Bridgewater. The former Pro Bowl QB suffered a gruesome leg injury. After going 5-0 in relief for Drew Brees, the Panthers signed Bridgewater to a three-year deal, $63 million deal. The team has allowed Cam Newton to seek a trade partner or prepare to be traded. Bridgewater will stay in the division that he’s already familiar with.
Cam Newton – Trade Block
Now that Newton is on the trade block, who will trade for the former MVP? As teams begin to sign signal-callers, the Chargers seem like the best fit. They have an outstanding running game and receivers who love the deep ball. Pair that with a great defense and Newton can return to the top of the QB hierarchy.
Ryan Tannehill – Tennessee Titans
Tannehill cashed in huge after leading the Titans to the playoffs. The contract is for four years and $118 million. Once thought to be a borderline bust, Tannehill is now the franchise QB the Titans have been looking for. With the run game of the Titans, Tannehill has the system to succeed for years to come.
Tom Brady – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The end of an era. Brady will take his talents to the NFC south. Brady is seeking to show he can win without one of the greatest coaches to pick up a clipboard. With the offensive weapons the Bucs provide, Brady could return to form after a sub-par year. A year that still ended at 12-4.
Phillip Rivers – Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are closing in on a deal to sign Rivers to a one-year deal worth $25 million. While Rivers showed signs of decline, playing behind one the best offensive lines will help. With the Texans trading DeAndre Hopkins, the AFC south seems wide open. Rivers seeks to stamp his claim to the Hall of Fame with the team that kept him out of the Super Bowl.