NFL free agency 2021: Best quarterbacks available

Any NFL team looking to find a new starting quarterback in this year’s class of free agents needs to focus on these five players. 

Quarterback remains the most important position in the modern NFL and as such, most high-quality signal-callers never end up making it to free agency. This year’s class of available quarterbacks is no different. There’s one clear star at the top of the list followed by players who might be better suited to backup roles in 2021.

The group isn’t entirely bereft of talent. Teams looking to stabilize their quarterback options for a season or two might find real value in one of the established veterans. Franchises without a premium draft pick might well decide that gambling on a young free agent is a better bet than trying to develop a raw prospect selected in the middle rounds.

Any GM looking for a quarterback in free agency should start by examining the following five players.

5. Andy Dalton

The Cowboys didn’t bring Dalton in to be their starter, but he was thrust into the role when Dak Prescott went down. The 33-year-old veteran piloted Dallas to a respectable 4-5 record as a starter and threw 14 touchdowns against eight interceptions on the year.

It’s reasonable to think he might be even better in 2021 if he plays behind a better offensive line. Dalton lacks the mobility to make things happen with his legs and he’s never had an elite arm. He does, however, throw the ball with solid accuracy. Combine that with his above-average decision-making from the pocket and he projects to be a solid option for a team in need of a high-level backup. It’s even possible Dalton could turn into a passable starter for a playoff team that doesn’t ask him to do too much.