Predicting where NFL's top free-agent quarterbacks will land this offseason

Prior to suffering a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle, Prescott was playing at an extremely high level for the Cowboys, having thrown for more than 1,800 yards in parts of five games. There's no way that the Cowboys should allow the 27-year-old Prescott -- who's one of the 10 best quarterbacks in the sport -- to walk away. Notice the language used above -- we simply said that Prescott will "return" to the Cowboys. That could mean using the franchise tag on him for a second consecutive season, though with the salary cap expected to go down in 2021, the Cowboys would probably be better off reaching a long-term deal with Prescott.

This one may be a little shocking to some, but Newton was a free agent until late June last offseason, and he threw just eight touchdowns to 10 interceptions in 15 starts in 2020. Newton did rush for 592 yards and 12 touchdowns, so he remains a threat on the ground. But there are serious questions about how much Newton, who will turn 32 in May, has left as a passer. The Patriots reportedly plan to move on from Newton, and he's such an accomplished player and a commanding presence that it's hard to imagine him as a backup somewhere. He may be willing to accept being a backup role -- he has said he's not ready to retire -- but suitors may prefer having a second-string option who isn't a former NFL MVP. We're not saying Newton's career is necessarily over, but it wouldn't be shocking at all if he's not on a roster in Week 1 of the 2021 season.

With Drew Brees expected to retire, coach Sean Payton has made no bones about it -- the Saints would like to bring Winston back. But he would have to compete with Taysom Hill for the job, and it's hard to know who would be more likely to win that starting role. Would a team like the Carolina Panthers -- whose offense is led by Joe Brady, a Payton discipline -- potentially offer Winston more money and a guaranteed chance to start? It's not impossible, and that would be a pretty good destination. Still, we think the best bet for Winston is to return to New Orleans, hope to beat Hill out and continue to benefit from Payton's tutelage.

Given that Newton is likely to depart, the Patriots quarterback position is in flux. With the Patriots holding the No. 15 pick in the NFL Draft, it's unclear if there will be a quarterback that they're intrigued by still on the board in the first round. In limited action, Jarrett Stidham was underwhelming in 2020, though he still has two years remaining on his rookie contract, meaning he could either be traded or return as a backup. Dalton isn't a sexy option, but he would bring stability to the position in New England. If the Patriots are able to acquire a different veteran quarterback, Dalton could be the backup. If not, he could at least open the season as the starter, before giving way to Stidham or a rookie.

If the Dolphins are truly committed to Tua Tagovailoa, they won't want him looking over his shoulder in his second NFL season. Should they trade for Deshaun Watson, they probably won't invest heavily in the backup position. Either way, Fitzpatrick, who has said he wants to continue his career, will be looking for his ninth team. In Denver, he could back up and mentor Drew Lock. If Lock struggles taking care of the ball the way that he did in 2020, coach Vic Fangio could then pivot to Fitzpatrick, who could have quite a bit of success with Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick and K.J. Hamler at his disposal.

Trubisky's late-season performance -- and a trip to the postseason -- at least reopened the discussion of him potentially returning to the Bears. Still, the guess here is that general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy won't want to tie a make-of-break year of theirs to Trubisky. If he's not returning to the Bears as a starter, Trubisky may well have to build his value back up as a backup for at least a season. Given Nagy's connections to the Kansas City Chiefs, that would be an interesting landing spot, though there would be almost no chance to play in that situation. Going to San Francisco -- if the 49ers retain Jimmy Garoppolo -- would allow Trubisky to learn from a great offensive mind in coach Kyle Shanahan. And given that Garoppolo has played in just 25 of 48 regular-season games over the past three years, there would be a fair chance that Trubisky would to play if he signed with the 49ers.

Taylor was probably going to get an extended chance to start for the Chargers in 2020 before his lung was accidentally punctured by a team doctor who was giving him a pain-killing injection ahead of a game in Week 2. Justin Herbert then played so well that Taylor never got his job back. He's likely looking at all backup offers this offseason, but his first team, the Baltimore Ravens, could allow him to chase a Super Bowl ring. John Harbaugh has said in the past that he never wanted Taylor, who spent the first four years of his career in Baltimore, to leave. Now, Harbaugh could have a chance to bring Taylor back while also making sure that the team is better equipped should Lamar Jackson go down with an injury.

If the Colts use the No. 21 pick in the NFL Draft on a quarterback, perhaps they'll be interested in bringing back Brissett as their backup. However, if they trade for a veteran quarterback, such as Carson Wentz, they may be inclined to just move forward with former fourth-round pick Jacob Eason as the backup. Brissett has proved to be a tremendous locker room presence, whether he's starting or serving as the backup. In Cincinnati, Joe Burrow is obviously going to start when healthy, but there's a chance that he won't be ready for Week 1 after tearing his ACL in late November. Brissett would be insurance for Burrow and could be a tremendous mentor to the No. 1 overall pick in 2020.