2011 NFL Free Agency: Can Marc Bulger Be An NFL Starter?

The Baltimore Ravens paid a hefty sum for Marc Bulger last season. He earned $3.8 million without attempting a single regular season pass. While the Ravens certainly appreciated the quality insurance option, it is hard to imagine they will be willing to match Bulger's asking price. Baltimore drafted Tyrod Taylor in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, likely signalling Bulger's ouster.

Before his bench-warming season in Baltimore, Bulger was in decline in St. Louis. Of a possible 48 regular season games, Bulger played in just 36 over his last three seasons with the Rams, throwing 27 touchdowns to 34 interceptions. The numbers hardly predict an optimistic 2011 campaign. Still, one has to take into account the lack of talent on those Rams squads. And though he is certainly a veteran at 34, he isn't yet over the hill and could still contribute as a starter. There are certainly a number of needy teams out there.

The Arizona Cardinals are usually the first team to be mentioned in any discussion of free agent quarterbacks. Three different quarterbacks started for the Cards last season, all to generally disastrous results, and the team did not pick up a quarterback during April's draft. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings and the Tennessee Titans could be looking to for a veteran placeholder to help mentor rookie quarterbacks, and Bulger would certainly fit the bill there. The 49ers, Dolphins and Redskins could be options as well should any of those teams decide their current depth chart is lacking, though as with any tight-lipped situation this is all speculation.