Quarterbacks typically don’t dominate free agency news. We see a few stars cause a commotion by changing places every now and then. Peyton Manning’s move to Denver in 2012 was major, but aside from that, don’t get your hopes up for this coveted position playing musical chairs.
Fantasy football 2014: A look at quarterback moves in free agency
Quarterbacks haven’t made a huge impact on free agency news, but fantasy owners need to keep an eye on the players around the teams with new passers under center.
There are a few players, though, who have landed with new teams in 2014, and their signings will impact not only the players around them, but the future of the rookies in the upcoming NFL Draft. Just because Chad Henne stays in Jacksonville doesn't mean we should write off that transaction.
Now that we’re several weeks into the free agency period, let’s take a look at who’s suiting up for a new franchise, and which teams are still in need of quarterbacks.
After spending a year with QB whisperer Marc Trestman, McCown signed a two-year deal with the Buccaneers, putting him in the mix for a starting job. He'll compete with Mike Glennon in 2014 for that top spot, and the two passers could be dealing with a rookie in the mix as well.
McCown played well over his career 77.5 passer rating in 2013, throwing 13 touchdowns and just one pick in eight games. He actually made it a tough decision for Trestman as to who should start under center. Can McCown put up the same gaudy numbers again? Doubtful, but he’ll at least have the potential to do so in Tampa.
Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams provide two great weapons for McCown. While Glennon favored Jackson (see: Week 7, 22 targets), McCown doesn't necessarily lock in on one receiver. He distributed the ball evenly, for the most part, between Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall.
McCown also has newly acquired tight end Brandon Myers. He's not the greatest in-line tight end you could ask for, but he'll at least form a stable platoon with Timothy Wright.
Fantasy draft impact: There are plenty of quarterbacks you can take over McCown, but his presence in Tampa gives owners the confidence to take Jackson in the Round 3-4 range. Williams will be in the WR4 range until he proves he can bounce back, although last year’s injury shouldn’t hinder his playmaking ability.
The Bucs should rely more on the ground game with new offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford, which means Doug Martin’s stock is stable. With a reliable passer like McCown running the show, Martin won’t be facing defenses that only hone in on him.
The Jets announced the release of Mark Sanchez and the signing of Vick all within minutes. The team is now left with a competition between Vick and second-year quarterback Geno Smith. It seems like a win-win either way you look at it, not in the sense that the Jets will be winning per se, but the fact that the signing helps everyone.
Smith struggled in his rookie season. But with Vick in the mix, he has a veteran QB pushing him to improve. Vick is a capable starter, as well, so the Jets benefit either way.
Last season with the Eagles, Vick threw five touchdowns and three interceptions in six starts. His completion percentage took a hit, though, and it's clear he's in decline. Vick isn't going to be a fantasy asset for anyone.
Fantasy draft impact: Owners aren't taking Vick or Smith (at least I hope not). The Jets just signed Eric Decker, and his fantasy value improves slightly with Vick's arrival. Decker should still be considered a WR3 with his quarterback situation.
The Jets are also possible suitors for DeSean Jackson. His familiarity with Vick from their days in Philly would improve the passing game and bring a wideout who can threaten opposing secondaries downfield, leaving Decker with room to work underneath. Of course we’re only speaking hypothetically at the moment, but the Jets are at least making efforts to step up their offensive game.
Continuing the trend of mediocrity, Fitzpatrick goes to Houston with the presumable intention of serving as a backup to a rookie quarterback. He isn't meant to be a starter in the NFL, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him play in a few games for the Texans this year.
Are they still planning to draft a quarterback first overall? That’s an option, but the Texans could take Jadeveon Clowney and wait on a passer for Round 2. If that scenario plays out, expect Fitzpatrick to have a better shot at starting. No, that’s not a positive. Yes, he can still move the ball downfield ... sort of.
Fantasy draft impact: Andre Johnson is a dominant receive, even if he'll be 33 in July. Back-to-back 100-reception seasons with guys like Matt Schaub and Case Keenum throwing him the ball. Don't tell me you're going to worry about Fitzpatrick or a rookie under center.
Bill O'Brien brings his own style to the Texans offense. If you look at his past years at Penn State, Allen Robinson was the featured receiver. Johnson fits that role. He's still in the fringe WR1 range. DeAndre Hopkins has more value in dynasty leagues. He's not ready to make a jump in fantasy rankings.
I'll keep this short, because you don't need to read 500 words on why Jacksonville is fantasy kryptonite. Henne is sticking around -- he didn't have many other options -- and now Gus Bradley plans on starting the veteran quarterback regardless of the Jaguars' draft intentions. It seems likely they'll address another position at No. 3 overall.
Fantasy draft impact: Don't draft Henne, ever. Justin Blackmon is out of the picture at the moment, but if he can keep it together, he'll have breakout potential. Cecil Shorts is still hovering in the WR3 range regardless of his quarterback. He's proven capable even with Henne throwing the ball. Shorts is more enticing as a PPR option, though (three touchdowns in 2013).
Diverting from free agency, the Texans managed to finally trade Schaub to the Raiders. The quarterback who set a record for most consecutive games with a pick-six and carries a $10 million base salary should be starting in 2014.
Two years ago, Schaub threw for 22 touchdowns and more than 4,000 yards. Last year, he derailed. If the Raiders can help correct his issues, he can at least be serviceable.
Fantasy draft impact: Denarius Moore, who is entering a contract year, has the ability to become a WR3 if he stays healthy/in the good graces of his coaching staff. Rod Streater and Andre Holmes are in the mix, too, but keep in mind this is yet another new offensive scheme with another new quarterback. Not exactly the atmosphere to thrive.
Who still needs a quarterback?
Cleveland is taking a quarterback at No. 4 overall, we're 99.9 percent sure of that. Minnesota re-signed Matt Cassel, but that's the equivalent of owning a Wii. Sure, it serves its purpose, but don't you want to upgrade to a real console? The Vikings' odds of landing a top-tier quarterback look good after recent moves.
If the Texans do draft a quarterback, let's say it Blake Bortles, it wouldn't be wise to invest this early. Dynasty league owners don't need to worry about this year's production. Standard league owners, don't get over-excited about any of the rookies. Quarterback is deep enough to not worry about the rookies. If you're in a two-quarterback league, keep an eye on who lands with the Browns.
