After months of speculation regarding player movements, the lockout has been lifted and it has only taken two days for the quarterback landscape to settle in the NFL.
With new quarterbacks signed and studying playbooks, several surprise signings have bought into question team direction.
As expected, the Washington Redskins released Donovan McNabb, who immediately signed with the Minnesota Vikings, his original destination of choice when departing Philadelphia. McNabb is expected to start with rookie Christian Pondor to be groomed throughout the season.
Ruled out of competing for the starting job at Minnesota, Tavaris Jackson has moved to the weakest QB division – NFC West. In Seattle, Jackson will be competing with Charlie Whitehurst for the starting job, but it is not this acquisition which has sent Seattle fans into rejoice.
Signing the biggest wide receiver free agent, Sidney Rice, the Seahawks look set to challenge for the division title once again.
Not part of Seattle’s plans for the future, ten-year veteran Matt Hasselbeck has agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans to fill the enormous gap left by Vince Young and Kerry Collins. There are no guarantees Hasselbeck will start in week one.
Titans’ coaches are expecting big things from Jake Locker, the eighth overall draft pick. Hasselbeck is an excellent fit to mentor Locker who has a similar read and throw pattern.
With all eyes on Carson Palmer and Cincinnati’s response to Palmers ultimatum to trade him or watch him retire, the Bengals boldly signed Bruce Gradkowski from the Oakland Raiders.
Palmer is now certain not to be a Bengal this season. With limited opportunities in Oakland due to rotating QBs all season, Gradkowski will be given an opportunity before rookie Andy Dalton.
Fuelling further speculation Kyle Ortan will be joining Miami, Dolphins back up QB Tyler Thigpen has surprised many by signing a three year deal with Buffalo, a team not in need of a QB.
Joining Ryan Fitzpatrick who had a breakout season throwing over 3000 yards for 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, Thigpen would have been given greater opportunities at other teams.
Remaining unrestricted free agents expected to be given starter opportunities include: Vince Young, Alex Smith, Marc Bulger, Trent Edwards, Rex Grossman and Matt Moore.
Following the early frenzy of signings, the only remaining teams with uncertainty at the starting QB position are Arizona, Oakland, Washington and San Francisco.
Kevin Kolb’s trade to Arizona looks a mere formality while the bunch of aforementioned QB’s will have to compete at training camp for their chances to start in week one.
Having lost McNabb, and Grossman unlikely to return, Washington surprised many by not drafting a QB with its early draft picks. Washington looms as the easiest place to gain a starting job at QB.
Oakland can afford to start with Jason Campbell who had a very inconsistent 2010 season. Ending the year very well will see him start in week one but if he goes down, there is no backup. Expect to see a young QB bought in.
Locking in QB’s is the most important pre-season task because it gives the QB time to learn the play book. It also allows coaches to sign an offence best capable of playing with that QB. This year has been the weakest QB free agency period in years but the biggest winner so far on the QB front looks to be Tennessee.
Tennessee has taken the first steps to build a team around Jake Locker, who is shaping to be an impressive rookie QB.
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