Citak: Foles, Bridgewater Lead Free Agent QB Class

Nick Foles Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports and Teddy Bridgewater Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Photo credit USA TODAY Sports

In the days leading up to the start of NFL free agency, I will be breaking down the top free agents at each position, and whether or not they potentially fit in the Giants’ and Jets’ offseason plans.

First up, the quarterbacks. 

The two teams that call MetLife Stadium home could not be on more opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to needing a QB. 

The Jets already have their franchise signal-caller in Sam Darnold. However, they will certainly be in the market for a veteran backup to help the 21-year-old’s development.

Meanwhile, the Giants are facing a much tougher decision when it comes to the quarterback position. Does Dave Gettleman stick with the veteran Eli Manning while drafting his heir apparent? Or does he cut bait with Manning and replace him in free agency? There is even the possibility that Gettleman ignores the QB situation altogether, instead choosing to roll with Manning again and punting the decision until next offseason. 

Based on comments made by Gettleman and Pat Shurmur at the NFL Combine, it seems like Manning will be back with Big Blue in 2019. But as we've learned in the past, you never know what could happen.

Any way you cut it, both the Giants and Jets will likely be adding a quarterback in some capacity this offseason. Here are the top choices.

Nick Foles

Foles is far and away the cream of the crop of this year’s free agent quarterbacks, and after Eagles GM Howie Rose said at the Combine that Philadelphia will not be placing the franchise tag on him, Foles is free to sign wherever he pleases. The veteran is surely going to draw a lot of interest from the QB-needy teams this offseason. 

The 30-year-old has a tendency of being quite the streaky player. While starting 13 games for the Eagles in 2013, Foles completed 64.0 percent of his passes for 2,891 yards and an impressive 27-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. However, in eight games the following season, the veteran’s completion percentage sat just below 60 percent while finishing with a 13-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio.  

Despite the inconsistent play, one cannot forget the magical run Foles put together in the 2017 playoffs, leading the Eagles to the franchise’s first Super Bowl Championship. Even this past season, Foles was able to drum up some more late-season magic to help Philadelphia reach the playoffs. There is no doubt that with the right supporting cast around him, Foles has the skills and abilities to succeed as an NFL quarterback.

Possible Jets’ interest -- Not happening. 
Possible Giants’ interest -- Many see the Giants as the most logical fit for Foles. That should not come as a big surprise with offensive weapons like Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham Jr., Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard. But with so many holes throughout the roster, can the Giants afford to be paying Foles $25 million? And is Gettleman truly ready to cut bait with the man who has served as the face of the franchise for the last 15 years? While there is a chance Foles could become the next Giants’ QB, I wouldn’t count on it. 

Teddy Bridgewater

The fact that we are even discussing Bridgewater as a free agent option is amazing. After his horrific injury a few years ago, it looked like he would never play again. Now, he’s hitting the open market where several teams will likely have some interest in bringing him in to compete for the starting QB job.  

Bridgewater didn’t do much in his limited action last season. Completing 14 of 23 passes for 118 yards, one touchdown and one interception is hardly something to write home about. But for his career, the former first-round pick has a 64.6 completion percentage and keep in mind, he is still only 27-years-old. 

The Jets signed Bridgewater to a small, one-year deal last offseason, but the 6-foot-2 QB should be able to fetch more in free agency this year. He will likely land a deal similar to what Sam Bradford got last year, and there should be some competition for the veteran’s services. 

Possible Jets’ interest -- The Jets took a chance on Bridgewater last offseason, and it wound up paying off. While he only suited up for New York during the preseason, Gang Green was able to flip him to New Orleans for a third-round pick. Don’t expect a reunion between the two sides this year. 
Possible Giants’ interest -- The Giants will likely take a look at Bridgewater, as the 27-year-old won’t command as much money as Foles. But at the end of the day, it’s hard to see New York bringing him into the fold. If Manning takes a pay cut and Bridgewater is willing to accept a smaller deal, I could see Gettleman pursuing Bridgewater as the team’s backup. But with teams such as Washington and Jacksonville also on the prowl for a QB, the Giants are unlikely to get into a bidding war over him.

Citak: 2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Tyrod Taylor

Following three consecutive solid seasons in Buffalo, Taylor did not fare so well in Cleveland. Taylor appeared in four games, completing just 49.4 percent of his passes for 473 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He did have some success with his legs though, running for 125 yards and a score on 16 carries. 

Unfortunately for Taylor, the Browns used the number one overall pick in last year’s draft on Baker Mayfield. When Taylor left the third game of the season with an injury, Mayfield took over and never relinquished the starting job. However, the veteran has proven to be a reliable signal-caller in the past. Taylor is known for taking care of the football, accumulating only 16 interceptions during his three seasons in Buffalo.

Taylor should have no problem landing himself a backup job, perhaps for a team such as the Ravens, and could even compete to be the starter for a team like the Redskins.

Possible Jets’ interest --The Jets are in the market for a backup QB, and Taylor would certainly be an intriguing option. But with Darnold still learning the ropes of the NFL, the young QB might be better off with a more traditional pocket-passer to learn from. The possibility is there, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on the Jets signing Taylor. 
Possible Giants’ interest -- Now this would be an interesting pairing. I could see the Giants having some interest in Taylor as Manning’s backup to hedge their bet on the 38-year-old. Taylor could shine in an offense with such talented weapons, and his mobility could make up for New York’s weakness at offensive line.

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Ryan Fitzpatrick 

Fitzpatrick making this list shows how thin the class of free agent quarterbacks is this year. In eight games with Tampa Bay last season, the journeyman quarterback completed 66.7 percent of his passes while tossing for 2,366 yards, 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Fitzpatrick did look spry for his age, as the 36-year-old gained 152 yards on 36 carries (4.2 yards per carry) while rushing for two touchdowns.

If he decides to return for his 15thNFL season, Fitzmagic will be one of the top options for teams looking for a veteran backup. Despite his high turnover rate, the Harvard graduate has proven that he can still be effective and run a team’s offense. 

Possible Jets’ interest -- Fitzpatrick enjoyed the best season of his career back in 2015 as a member of the Jets, so it would not shock me to see him back in green and white this year. With 13 years of NFL experience under his belt, Fitzpatrick would be a great mentor for Darnold. On the other hand, New York might just decide to bring Josh McCown back for his third year with the team, as he will likely command a smaller deal and already has familiarity with Darnold. While McCown might be more realistic, I wouldn’t rule out Fitzpatrick on the Jets next season.
Possible Giants’ interest -- While you never know what is actually going on in Gettleman’s head, I can’t see Fitzpatrick being in his offseason plans. New York will likely need a veteran backup if Manning is indeed brought back, but I see the Giants looking for a younger option, such as Taylor or even Nate Sudfeld.
Matt Citak is a web producer for WFAN Sports Radio. Check him out on Twitter at @MatthewCitak