Ryan Tannehill rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

2. Los Angeles Chargers

As the Chargers part ways with Philip Rivers after having him start every game for them over the last 14 seasons, the question becomes who they will replace him with. There are a lot of options out there right now, via free agency (Tom Brady? Jameis Winston?), trade (Cam Newton? Kirk Cousins?) and/or the draft with two of the first 37 picks (Justin Herbert, Tua Tagovailoa, Jacob Eason, Jake Fromm). Incumbent backup Tyrod Taylor may also remain in the equation somewhere.

As they become a tenant in the Rams’ new stadium next season, the Chargers may be looking for some star power and buzz just as much as a capable quarterback. That’s why Brady and Newton stand out as rumored options.

Tannehill would not provide a high level of off-field buzz. But head coach Anthony Lynn seems to favor having a mobile quarterback with Rivers moving out of the picture, and Tannehill would fit that bill. The pieces of a good offense have been in place, albeit with some key looming free agents (Melvin Gordon, Austin Ekeler, Hunter Henry), but the Chargers have the cap space ($48.7 million, via Over The Cap) to fill any holes that may come and capably surround a new signal caller.

Among the most realistic options for the Chargers, as much as Brady in particular would be incredibly interesting, Tannehill may eventually stand out as a reasonable one or two-year bridge to a quarterback they draft in April.