NFL Free Agency: Ranking the Top 5 Free Agent Quarterbacks in 2023
NFL Free Agency: Ranking the Top 5 Free Agent Quarterbacks in 2023
The 2022-2023 season is over after the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles in a nail-biting Super Bowl 57. We can now start looking forward to the 2023-2024 season!
There's a long list of free agents in 2023, with a multitude of big-name players. Although there are many top free agents available at every position, we're going to focus specifcially on the quarterback position.
We broke down the top-5 free agent quarterbacks for 2023 and explained our reasoning behind their rankings. Will the big names stay put or will they be finding a new home? Let's break down our 2023 NFL free-agent quarterback rankings for the top 5.
NFL Free Agents 2023 - Free Agent Quarterback Rankings
1. Lamar Jackson
While Lamar would've been tied with veteran QB Tom Brady, Brady announced his official retirement from the NFL at the beginning of 2023. Jackson now leads this list and for a good reason.
Lamar's statline from the 2022 season was quite impressive. The 26-year-old had 203 receptions for 2,242 passing yards and 17 touchdowns. Lamar recorded a mere seven interceptions through his 12 games this year. In addition to his impeccable throwing abilities, the QB was successful on the ground as well, adding 764 rushing yards and three touchdowns. It is no surprise that Jackson leads the 2023 free agent quarterbacks as he easily dominates the others.
Although Lamar was dealing with a knee injury at the end of the 2022 season, this won't hinder any team's decisions. The former MVP will be one to keep your eyes on this free agency as many teams will be wanting him.
2. Jimmy Garappolo
This is a name I wouldn't have expected to see prior to this year. However, the 31-year-old QB more than proved he's still got it when he took over for Trey Lance in San Francisco. Jimmy G saved the Niners' season and earned them a playoff spot.
Through his 11 games with the 49ers this year, Garappolo logged 207 receptions for 2,437 yards and 16 touchdowns, all while only allowing four interceptions. The signal-caller also added 23 carries and two additional touchdowns on the ground.
While Jimmy does have an injury history, it won't stop teams from going after him. The former Patriot will definitely be able to help a team for the 2023-2024 season.
3. Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones and the New York Giants surprised most of us this year. This was hands down Jones' best season in the NFL, taking himself and his team to the playoffs. Daniel led the Giants to a major upset against the Minnesota Vikings during the Wild Card Round of the 2023 playoffs.
Will New York want to resign their signal-caller that had his best season yet? We'll see, but for now, he is still a free agent. The Duke standout recorded 317 passes for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns, all while having just five interceptions. Aside from his powerful arm, Jones was successful with his legs as well. Running 120 times for 708 yards, the QB added seven touchdowns on the ground through his 16 games.
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4. Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield surprised us all when he quickly came in and saved the day for Los Angeles. After being released from Carolina, Mayfield flew into LA and led the Rams to a 17-16 win over Las Vegas. The 28-year-old did not have that impressive of a winning record this year, winning just 3/12 games played this year.
Despite the poor winning record, Mayfield managed to tally 2,163 passing yards and ten touchdowns while having eight interceptions through his ten starting games. Whether or not Baker is a starting QB or a backup, he'll be able to make an impact somewhere.
5. Sam Darnold
After Baker Mayfield was released from the Panthers, Sam Darnold was called up to take over his job. Through his six starts in Carolina, Darnold completed 82 receptions for 1,143 yards and seven touchdowns. The 26-year-old found some success on the ground as well, adding 26 rushes for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
Sam may not be a starting QB for next year, but he will certainly be able to add value elsewhere for 2023-2024.
While these are the top 5 free agent quarterbacks, there are a handful of other signal-callers not on this list that are also valuable free agents.
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A Sports Writer and Editor for OddsChecker, Abby Moeckler has been covering professional sports since 2020. Abby is passionate about analyzing sports statistics, specifically for the NFL. When she’s not crafting stories and editing content, you can find her cheering on the Packers every Sunday.