With free agency looming right around the corner, it's finally time to start discussing something other than the Super Bowl. Over the next couple weeks we're going to talk about the free agents at each major position. It looks like 2012 is going to be another deep free agent class with a lot of high profile players.
Today we're covering the quarterbacks. The first thing you might be thinking is that the Browns should be or even need to address the QB position in the draft and not in free agency. I tend to agree, but this discussion is about any potential free agent QB, even possible backups. There are some names here that probably don't have much of a shot ending up on the Browns and others that are omitted entirely. If you think there is a potential FA QB the Browns should target that might have been overlooked or is even just worth mentioning, feel free to discuss that here. Think of this as a free agency open thread dealing with quarterbacks. We'll start with Matt Flynn, though the players are not presented in any particular order.
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Matt Flynn (GB - 26) – It’s no secret that the hot commodity as far as quarterbacks go in free agency this offseason is going to be Matt Flynn. Since that fateful day on January 1, when Flynn went out and torched not only the Lions’ secondary but all-time Green Bay records by throwing for 480 yards and six touchdowns, his stock has skyrocketed. Having spent four years learning under Mike McCarthy in Green Bay, you have to assume that he’s familiar and comfortable with the West Coast Offense, which is a huge plus. But we have to remember that he’s only started two games in his NFL career and he’s thrown four interceptions in those games. I don’t know whether or not he’s the real deal. It’s the not knowing that makes me hesitant to throw a huge contract at Flynn. We’ve seen the Matt Cassel and Kevin Kolb situations in the past (and their respective previous teams cash in). It appears that Green Bay doesn’t have the cap space to tag-and-trade Flynn. I believe some team is going to pay Flynn a lot of money. If that team turns out to be the Browns then it will mean he meets Mike Holmgren’s and Tom Heckert’s approval to run our WCO. That’ll make me feel better about it, but I’ll remain cautiously optimistic.
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Donovan McNabb (MIN - 35) – This is a name that just recently came to prominence in talks about potential Browns around the Cleveland media. Donovan McNabb talked about how he thought Brad Childress was a good fit in Cleveland while in Indianapolis last week. Apparently, rumors about him coming to the Browns were also swirling around Indianapolis. Other than a tweet, I have yet to see any real basis for this rumor and I hope it remains that way. I don’t think McNabb has a lot to offer the Browns. I think his potential in a "mentor" role isn’t all that great. It’s true that he’s familiar with both the offense and this coaching staff, but I don’t think he’s got enough left in the tank to help us move forward. That’s the key for me, moving forward, which is something that I think the Browns really need to do at the quarterback position. If we do draft a young QB for the future of this franchise, I’d still be more comfortable with a backup such as Colt McCoy. McNabb was once a really good starting QB, but at 35, I don’t think that’s the case anymore.
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Kyle Orton (KC - 29) – Kyle Orton has bounced around the league since being traded to the Denver Broncos in the high profile Jay Cutler trade. In his first two years at Denver, I actually think he had decent performances despite an atrocious team record in 2010. Then in the midst of Tebow Mania, Orton dropped off significantly starting in the 2011 season with the Broncos. After five starts and a 1-4 record, he lost his job to Tim Tebow. He was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs, started two games for them, and finished with an 85.4 quarterback rating for the Chiefs. He wouldn’t be a long term solution for the Browns. But outside of Matt Flynn, I don’t think there are many obtainable QBs in FA with much to offer, the reasons for which are obvious. If he came at a good price, I think he’s an above average backup.
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Chad Henne (MIA - 26) – Chad Henne is still young, so there’s that. In 30 starts he hasn’t been very good for the Miami Dolphins. That’s why they’ve been considered in the market for a new QB. We have seen players such as Alex Smith turn it around in the right situation. But I don’t see the Browns as the right situation for Henne. That said, if Holmgren and Heckert evaluate him and think he has higher potential, I wouldn’t be all that upset to see him compete for the starting job here, assuming the contract is affordable and incentive laden.
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Vince Young (PHI - 28) – Vince Young might only be on this list because he’s a free agent. He also was the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2006. It’s been mostly downhill since then, which includes both on and off-the-field issues. I don’t think he’s a good fit for the Browns or any team really.
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Jason Campbell (OAK - 30) – I think Jason Cambell is another above average backup. I don’t think he’s the QB that could ever take the Browns to the next level.
Honorable Mentions: I fully expect both of these guys to return to their former teams.
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Drew Brees (NO - 33) – A report came out today that Drew Brees' agent was baffled at the slow pace of the contract talks.
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Alex Smith (SF - 27) – Unsurprisingly, Alex Smith says he'd love to stay with the San Francisco 49ers.
Brian Hoyer (Patriots) is a restricted free agent. The Patriots will very likely tender him but may look to trade him if they feel confident with Ryan Mallet as their primary backup.
Bumblyjack - February 7, 2012
Dont want any of these guys.
champion64 - February 7, 2012
None of the above.
Grockcubs - February 7, 2012
I think Jason Campbell would be worth looking into. If we pass/miss on the RG3 sweepstakes he’d be a great insurance option….both to upgrade Wallace and compete with McCoy in 2012.
He’s been on some teams with pretty awful WR corps. Still, In WASH, he showed annual increases in virtually every QB stat. If we do land Blackmon or Bowe, he would have some viable targets for (hopefully) higher production than could maybe be expected earlier in his career.
WYBHaden? - February 7, 2012
I agree about Campbell being a great insurance option, even if we landed RG3, there’s always that risk of injury. But I still think he’ll find a starting job somewhere around the league.
Jon @ DBN - February 7, 2012
Do not want. As starters anyway.
ouched - February 7, 2012
I completely understand the sentiment you and others have about not wanting any of those guys, especially not as starters. I know the large majority of us want to land a QB in the draft. But that’s why I figured I’d get the QB position out of the way for this series of posts.
Jon @ DBN - February 7, 2012
Matt Flynn – I’m not sure what I think of this. Interesting pickup, but is he a oneshot wonder?
McNabb – Just say no
Kyle Orton – I wouldn’t hate the move and he would probably start immediately. He isn’t a franchise QB though. Stopgap.
Chad Henne – Not feeling this as a positive unless grabbed for depth.
VY – Nope
Campbell – I’m not sure about him either. He could be an Alex Smith type guy and turn it around, or he could just be mediocre and we already have Coly for that, IMO.
Brees – We can dream right?
Smith – I don’t see him leaving SF anytime soon.
Kimble_79 - February 7, 2012
Where is Peyton in this list?
If Peyton is released, this will be a huge factor affecting the draft, assuming his nerve damage issue is resolved. I don’t think the Browns would have a chance, but where would he go? And does this give us a better shot at RG3. I new at this so don’t slap me silly….
Poppawolf - February 8, 2012
If Peyton goes to Washington or Miami, that could potentially help our chances at landing RG3.
Jon @ DBN - February 8, 2012
Kevin Kolb. It’s not out of the question that he gets released given his big bonus or that Arizona tries to unload him on the cheap to make cap room. In either scenario, the Browns are a likely destination for him. Heckert, Shurmur, and the West Coast offense make it the perfect place on paper. Not sure if that’s the right direction but it seems like something our front office would be interested in.
TheDriveStillHurts - February 7, 2012
Kolb or Flynn would be very interesting. Kolb might be cheaper. Flynn: good size, LSU national Champ, comp pct in College 56.1 might be a little low.
Does Ariz think Skelton is the answer or are you thinking Peyton there?
Red-Right-88 - February 7, 2012
I will tell you that the local media out here in AZ are all over the Peyton Manning thing. They are begging the Cardinals to pick him up. Don’t know if I think it will happen but it is definately a posibility.
Ska.t73 - February 7, 2012
Seems a lot like a kurt warner type pick-up to me. Become relevant for another 3-4 years and hope they find a QB in the process? not a terrible idea.
-bobby- - February 7, 2012
Skelton looked pretty good and is still young enough to play backup for a couple of years.
HenryDawg - February 7, 2012
Cards coach had big smile when asked if he would like Manning to come there. Didnt comment (tampering)
27BUCKEYE27 - February 8, 2012
I have heard this. Especially if somehow they nab manning.
I am not interested personally, but I can definitely see it happening.
bross09 - February 7, 2012
I think we would be all over Kolb if that happens.
Bernie19Kosar - February 7, 2012
I agree and it would not bother me at all to get Kolb as long as its at a reasonable price
27BUCKEYE27 - February 8, 2012
It’s an interesting scenario for Arizona, especially considering what they gave up for get Kolb. I thought it was too much at the time I still think so.
Jon @ DBN - February 7, 2012
If we go into next season with any of these guys as our starting QB (except maybe Flynn), I am thinking we are in for another last place finish in the division.
Roger Dorn - February 7, 2012
You can include Smith from San Fran too. I have no wants for him to be here. Flynn is an unknown. Brees yes, but why we are at it, just ask for Rodgers, HA! No one from this list with the exception of Flynn has any shot and I say he is 1 chance out of 100 to be on the Browns roster next year.
champion64 - February 7, 2012
I definitely do not want Smith.
Roger Dorn - February 7, 2012
Count me here as well.
Bernie19Kosar - February 7, 2012
I look at most of those guys as potential backups. Though, I still like Colt McCoy as a backup on the Browns.
Jon @ DBN - February 7, 2012
im not too sure the front office is as against flynn as we all are. they obviously are going to do their homework on the guy but he has played under the best QB in the legue and performed well when given the opportunity. I dont want H&H to over pay at any cost but i think he would have as good of a shot of being OFFERED the chance of coming here as say griffin. luck is the only cant miss qb this year considering the spread qbs diffficulties going to the NFL. Plus the biggest positive i see of flynn is being able to address another position with the first pick if homgren and heckert beleive that flynn can suceed.
also gotta remember farve and hasselbeck came from other teams where they were backups.
also, i think kolb can fit in anywere i said flynn. assuming he can come for maybe a secondrounder and heckert still beleives in the dude
nickmar19 - February 7, 2012
actually the more i think of it, kolb (again, depending on the price and assuming azona is willing) has a good chance of coming here back with the guys who made them their personal project with shurmur and hecket. he would be cheeper than traiding down for RG3. and still has potential to suceed given the right situation.
nickmar19 - February 7, 2012
Rogers said in an interview last week that he expects Flynn to sign with Dophins because Packers QB coach went there
27BUCKEYE27 - February 8, 2012
yeah i read that too… it came off as so matter-of-fact that MIA was the front runner everyone needed to outbid.
WYBHaden? - February 9, 2012
If Philbin doesn’t want him that’s an immediate red flag
HenryDawg - February 9, 2012
Or he thinks he can make Matt Moore a star.
Doc's Kid - February 9, 2012
great point. Philbin may be one of the only dudes who really know Flynn’s total skillset and potential.
WYBHaden? - February 10, 2012
Flynn or Campbell + Blackmon might work well. Anything else and I would just assume start Colt.
Actually I think I would just start Colt over Flynn. Campbell actually can deliver the goods if he could play in the same system for more than one year at a time. He’s started for 5-6 years and was looking great last year when he was injured.
HenryDawg - February 7, 2012
true looked alot better than Palmer
27BUCKEYE27 - February 8, 2012
agreed. i dont see a downside to adding Campbell other than the price, but given the position its worth it. If he knows the WCO even better…..Colt doesnt know it either so they can compete! The guy is 6’5" 250 lbs and poised. Give him some decent WRs and i think he can beat out Colt.
WYBHaden? - February 9, 2012
Didn’t know he was that big, that’s awesome. I liked him coming out of Auburn.
HenryDawg - February 9, 2012
Prolly best scenario is Flynn to Wash and Orton to Mia – virtually ensuring our path to RGIII. Miami had a very strong interest in Orton last year – but they have had an overhaul.
realmccoy - February 7, 2012
I’m hoping something like that happens. I want the possible teams looking to trade up to shrink. And I think the two you mention above make sense.
Jon @ DBN - February 7, 2012
I don’t think miami is getting Orton, but I think it’s much less likely that they trade up for Luck.
bross09 - February 7, 2012
I’d rather have Brett Favre than anyone from Michigan(Henne)
macdowellm03 - February 7, 2012 via Android app
Yea, certainly no one would want Tom Brady quarterbacking their team just because he was from Michigan. What a brilliant and absolutely valid reason for passing on any player. Oh how wonderful it would be to have Terelle Pryor over Chad Henne just because Pryor was a Buckeye. That would make perfect sense because their talent depends on the college they played for. That kind of comment is typical of a Buckeye fan.
Granville74 - February 7, 2012
Really? Chill out
macdowellm03 - February 7, 2012 via Android app
My reaction to the Michigan comment was to chuckle and move on. Not sure why it necessitated a rant…
Legoman0721 - February 8, 2012 via Android app
Michigan fans can be a bit grumpy
Red-Right-88 - February 8, 2012
Haha, especially lately. I wonder why?
HenryDawg - February 8, 2012
College sports mean absolutely nothing in the pros.
Heavysoviet - February 7, 2012
COLT MCCOY IS THE WINNINGEST QB WHO EVER DID PLAY COLLEGE BALL.
nickjs21 - February 8, 2012 via Android app
Yes he is. But that’s like listing 4 years of experience working for McDonald’s when you go apply for a real job.
Heavysoviet - February 8, 2012
Pretty sure he was being sarcastic.
notthatnoise - February 8, 2012
I have not worked for McDonalds, but I will tell you that that is a real job. And if you worked there for 4 years then you were doing something right. McDonalds teaches people discipline, how to work in a “system”, and how to work with others. If you last 4 years then you can be a pretty good team player. I would definitly hire someone with McDonalds experience.
Not trying to be a dick, but just giving another point of view.
SBP - February 10, 2012
I worked at McDonald’s for two months as a summer employee when I was 16. Maybe it was the location I was in, but it was incredibly undiscplined and as far away from actual work as you could get. Joke or not, I was just trying to highlight that college sports and pro sports are two completely different worlds.
Heavysoviet - February 10, 2012 via mobile
the “mcjob” isn’t as bad as it used to be. It had the reputation of being that way, but if you want a place that is truly a shit job, it is Rally’s
bross09 - February 11, 2012
I suppose things have changed in the intervening decades, but my DQ gig in Athens was the worst. I quit when the manager tried to order me to pick up a burger that I had dropped on the floor and put it on the warming tray.
JustBob - February 12, 2012
Pretty sure this was a joke guys.
notthatnoise - February 8, 2012
Out of all these guys listed aside from Drew Brees because that’s simply not happening, I would rather have Donovan McNabb compared to the rest. But I’m still on the Colt McCoy bandwagon so I don’t want any of them unless they’re willing to be 2nd string assuming Seneca Wallace is gone.
Brownsbacker488 - February 7, 2012
McNabb? Seriously? He’s toast and everyone in the league knows that he’s toast. He’s lost the starting job twice in the last two years on bad teams to quarterbacks whose primary asset was that they weren’t Donovan McNabb.
woodsmeister - February 7, 2012
McNabb, oh you were just kidding. Nothing to see here.
Aussie Brown - February 8, 2012
You forgot Brady Quinn….
Seriously, none of the above. We already have one above average backup (Seneca Wallace) and if we trade/ draft for a top QB we might arguably have two.
LondonBrown - February 7, 2012
this list is still stupid.
pwndabear - February 8, 2012
I’ve said it in the comments above, and even mention in the article, that I’d much rather draft a QB than have any of these guys on the list. I also mentioned how most of them are backups at best. Essentially, I think the Browns signing any of these QBs as our starter for 2012 is stupid. The exception being Flynn if H&H actually think he’s the real deal, but my guess is that it’s not likely. Actually, throughout this list, I wrote about reasons not to sign most of them as starters.
But since I’m going to cover the free agents at each position, I figured I would do QBs first to get that over and done with. In the next “Free Agency Talk” we’ll have moved on to another position.
Jon @ DBN - February 8, 2012
now you get why i had to reiterate as to why the list is stupid.
pwndabear - February 8, 2012
I assumed that was reason the first time. I think it was hidden because you didn’t offer any further explanation.
Jon @ DBN - February 8, 2012
You do realize we could have Brady Quinn AND Derek Anderson at the same time right?
HenryDawg - February 8, 2012
I swear to JT if that happens I will hunt you down and beat you with the bloody torso of Bernie’s neighbor.
JustBob - February 8, 2012
Hey man don’t kill the messenger!
HenryDawg - February 9, 2012
WOO! Time machine!
Doc's Kid - February 8, 2012
You can probably count out Flynn as a future Brown. I read an interview on Rodgers just after seasons end on Yahoo, the interviewer asked him about Flynn. Rodgers said he’d been talking with Flynn & believes he will go to Miami with one of the GB coaches that is headed to Miami. Wish I could remember the interviewer, tried to search Yahoo & can’t find it.
Groza - February 8, 2012
Fine. One fewer team to worry about trading up ahead of us to get RG3.
woodsmeister - February 8, 2012
I did find this one however but not the same interview, in this one Rodgers “Thinks” he may end up in Miami or Seattle but the one I mentioned he said he “Was” going to Miami.
Phinsider
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Groza - February 8, 2012
Manning to Wash., Leinart to Seattle and boom! RG3 with no trade
HenryDawg - February 9, 2012
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