SBK Edge Rush: The quarterback free agency market begins to take shape

Derek Carr might have played his last down as a Raider, adding another piece to an already exciting off-season free agency puzzle as teams begin to weigh up their options.

There are a batch of franchises that will look to Carr as the answer. He remains a solid professional with plenty left in the tank and, although he sits below the top tier, Carr is a marked upgrade on many of his counterparts and a plausible Super Bowl-contending quarterback. 

Jimmy Garoppolo’s name has been branded around that space, too, and they’re most likely going to be two of the most sought after players going into next season. They are the most oven-ready, and both can take a team to the next level. On that matter, Baker Mayfield is intriguing. Rams head coach Sean McVay is demonstrating that there’s ability there in the right hands, but it’s more erratic and at a higher risk. 

Jimmy Garoppolo: looks likely to enter the free agency market at the end of the season

Sam Darnold is similarly undergoing a new lease of life - temporarily anyway - in Carolina. And, if the Panthers offer Steve Wilkes the full-time gig, they may stick with him, at least for one more season. It’s hard to watch a team look at the former number two overall pick without envisaging him as the long-term solution. 

Geno Smith’s season has sadly come off the rails in recent weeks - critics are suggesting that defences have caught up with him and his regression illuminates why he’s a career back-up. Nevertheless, he could land a starting gig elsewhere, or indeed stay in Seattle if Pete Carroll goes again. 

The Giants have a hell of conundrum with Daniel Jones – he’s not worth the market rate based on what we’ve seen, but there’s real progress under Brian Daboll and he could prove the best option if the deal is right. Again, it’s hard to see a rush for his services if he tests the market, so it’s possible he stays put. 

All of that leaves Tom Brady. The Bucs, who can still make the playoffs and face a crucial divisional game this weekend against Darnold and the Panthers, are surely at the end of the road with Brady and much of that Super Bowl winning core (Playoff Lenny and co) after this abject, sluggish season.  

But Brady still has juice and talk of his demise is vastly overstated. A reunion with Bill Belichick is fanciful, although one with his former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in Vegas is intriguing. The Colts will need a re-up, as will the Saints, though it’s a given that Brady will only want to move to a contender. 

Week 17's criticial match-ups

Miami, who will be without the again concussed Tua Tagovailoa, head to Foxborough with the hope that Teddy ‘Covers’ Bridgewater (another free agent at the end of the season) will deputise with great effect. 

The Patriots have brought in Bill O’Brien to stabilise things offensively and, even though he’s much maligned as a head coach, he knows Belichick and is a credible offensive schemer, so there may be some uptick for Mac Jones, who’s collapsed this season after a promising rookie year. 

New England should stifle the Fins’ run game more effectively than others have been able to, so this will rest on whether Belichick can keep the effervescent tag-team of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill in check. If he can, this could become a tight and attritional affair that favours the home side. And even if they do fall behind, their comeback against the Bengals reminded us of how dangerous it is to back against Belichick, even with the overall shortcomings of his team. 

The Packers are still just about breathing but need to win at home against the Vikings on Sunday. Both ‘Crystal’ Tom Collins and I like the over here as Dalvin Cook is likely to run all over the Packers, but Rodgers should hit back in a shootout - frozen Tundra notwithstanding. 

Josh Allen: will need to be on his A-game to pick apart the Cincinnati Bengals defence

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Buffalo Bills in undoubtedly the game of the weekend - it may end up as a dress rehearsal for the AFC championship. 

The injury to La’el Collins on the much-improved Cincy offensive line will concern Zac Taylor, both in terms of protection and the run game, against a top-five Bills defence. Indeed, both teams play the run well and that may well prove to be key. If this ends up being a battle of the passing game, that will likely favour the Bengals.

A note of caution in the talk about Stefon Diggs’ regression. Don’t be surprised if he comes to life against a Bengals corner group that’s the weak link of an otherwise impressive unit. 

Lou Anarumo, the Bengals defensive coordinator, has worked wonders again and must be in the mix for a head coaching role in the off-season. It will be a transition that’s easier to stomach for Cincy if they can go one better than last year and win it all. I think a statement victory this weekend at the Bills sets that in motion. 

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