2021 NFL free agents: Quarterback

With the NFL's franchise-tag deadline in the past, attention moves to the opening of the league's free-agent negotiating window March 15.

These are the best quarterbacks slated to hit the market.

By position
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
DL | ED | LB | CB | S
Top 100

Quarterback

1. Jameis Winston

Winston attempted just 11 passes as the Saints' backup in 2020, and he'll surely look for a starting opportunity in New Orleans or elsewhere. The 30-30 Club founder is still young and ripe with potential.

2. Cam Newton

Newton's year with the Patriots didn't go as planned, but the former MVP may get another opportunity to prove he's still a starter. He threw only eight touchdowns against 10 interceptions in 2020, though he did add 12 scores on the ground.

3. Andy Dalton

Dalton shook off an ugly start to play far better down the stretch of his 10th season, throwing nine touchdowns to two interceptions in December. The former Bengals stalwart will be one of the NFL's top backups if he doesn't land a starting gig.

4. Ryan Fitzpatrick

In nine games last season, including seven starts, Fitzpatrick showed he still has some magic left in his briefcase (or beard … or wherever he gets it from). The 38-year-old completed a career-best 68.5% of his pass attempts, and the Dolphins went 4-3 in his starts.

5. Mitchell Trubisky

He'll probably never be the star the Bears thought they were getting when they drafted him second overall in 2017, but Trubisky remains functional. He's 29-21 as a starter, and Chicago hardly provided a great cast around him.

6. Alex Smith

The reigning Comeback Player of the Year capped off a remarkable story last season, starting six games after almost two years away from football. Smith, who turns 37 in May, could provide value as an experienced backup.

7. Jacoby Brissett

Brissett's two seasons as a full-time starter (2017 and 2019) were respectable but not great. He's a high-quality backup at football's most important position.