Previously we took a look at possible destinations for some of the running backs and receivers entering free agency (which you can check out here). Next up we have the quarterbacks and tight ends. Let us know what you think!
Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott
Quite simply, it would be beyond shocking if Dallas let Dak Prescott walk in free agency. Before the gruesome injury he suffered in Week 5, Prescott was putting up ridiculous numbers; looking every bit the part of a top-five quarterback in the league. His 371.2 passing yards per game and 68% completion percentage were both career-highs.
Still only 27 years old, Prescott is without a doubt a high-end starting quarterback in the NFL. Dallas letting him walk away in free agency would be nothing short of insanity. Dak’s return would bump both CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper into WR1-type usage, and Michael Gallup could once again turn into a sneak dart-throw in later rounds of drafts.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys
Jameis Winston
Jameis Winston is one of the most electric players in football, regardless of position. He is able to complete attempt any throw on the field, and has never seen a play he doesn’t think he can make.
Before spending this season stowed away on the Saints bench, Winston became the first quarterback in NFL history to join the elusive 30-30 club (throwing 30 TDs and 30 INTs in the same season). Jameis has shown he is good enough to start for an NFL team, and we still have not seen him play since he had lasik surgery this past year. As electric as Jameis has been in the past, football fans can only imagine what he is capable of now that he can actually see.
With Drew Brees widely expected to retire this offseason, and Taysom Hill nowhere near the level of a starting NFL quarterback, New Orleans could bring Winston back and light up the scoreboards of the NFC South.
Prediction: New Orleans Saints
Cam Newton
Cam Newton is one of the most physically imposing specimen to ever play quarterback in the NFL. This past year, however, the former MVP looked like a shell of his former self, throwing for just 8 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. His 12 rushing scores showed that he is still able to overpower defenders at the goal line, but Newton seemed to be physically incapable of completing his normal throwing motion. His surgically-repaired shoulder caused each throw to look beyond unnatural, and even causing Newton physical pain.
With Newton set to be 32 at the start of next season it remains to be seen if any team will bring in Newton to be their starter, and equally unknown if Newton would accept a backup role. I can see a team with a young, inexperienced QB bringing in the veteran Newton to compete in camp and perhaps impart some of his wisdom. If Chicago retains Mitchell Trubisky, which we will get to later, Newton would be a good (and inexpensive) fit as an option in the Bears’ smash-mouth offense.
Prediction: Chicago Bears
Jacoby Brissett
Jacoby Brissett might be the best teammate in the NFL. Since coming into the league from NC State in 2016, Brissett has backed up Tom Brady, Andrew Luck, and Philip Rivers. After Luck’s abrupt retirement just before the 2019 season, Brissett stepped into the starting role performed admirably; en route to a playoff berth and a Pro Bowl alternate nod.
Brissett has shown he is capable of stepping in and orchestrating an offense, but he is not one to take over games. Brissett is a smart quarterback that will rarely lose his team games, but is equally unlikely to be the reason his team wins.
One of the more serviceable backups in the league, it is not out of the question for Indianapolis to bring Brissett back for added depth and familiarity with their offense, but it it far more likely Brissett signs somewhere in free agency and battles for a starting gig.
Prediction: Carolina Panthers
Mitchell Trubisky
Prediction: Chicago Bears
Tight Ends
Hunter Henry
26-year-old Hunter Henry played the 2020 season on the non-exclusive franchise tag, and the young tight end enjoyed a career year. He set new career-highs in both targets (93) and receptions (60) and finished over 600 receiving yards for the second straight season. Henry looked even more comfortable in the Chargers offense, and displayed a strong connection with the talented rookie Justin Herbert.
The tight end position this year was laughably underwhelming for fantasy purposes, but Henry has solidified himself as a locked-in TE1 for dynasty, especially if he remains with Herbert and the up-tempo Chargers offense. The Chargers could opt to again franchise tag Henry (which would balloon his already $10 million cap hit, but it is highly unlikely the Chargers let their big-bodied tight end walk in free agency.
Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers
Jonnu Smith
The Titans would be crazy to let Jonnu Smith walk via free agency this offseason. The uber-athletic Smith has established himself as a major weapon in the Titans’ passing game, as well as a matchup nightmare in the red zone (his 9 total TDs this season trailed only Travis Kelce and Robert Tonyan).
Smith is still just 25 years old, and still flashes eye-popping athleticism that is unique for a tight end. His blocking has improved dramatically since he entered the league, and Tennessee has shown a willingness and eagerness to get the football in Smith’s hands in a number of ways. This past season saw Smith take a giant leap as a receiver, and his expanded route tree allowed for him to remain heavily involved in the Titans’ scheme.
If Corey Davis ends up leaving this offseason, Smith would be in line to absorb a good portion of those targets. His true breakout may still be on the way, and Smith is a worthwhile dynasty stash with elite TE1 potential.
Prediction: Tennessee Titans
Gerald Everett
The Rams operate in 2TE formations as much as any team in the league, and the duo of Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee has performed very well in Sean McVay’s offense together, both going over 400 yards and catching 60+ balls. The only difference, however, is that Higbee scored far more TDs (5) than Everett (1) in 2020.
With the 28-year-old Higbee under contract through 2023, and the Rams battling the salary cap, the athletic Everett (who himself is still only 26) will be on the move this offseason as a coveted field-stretching tight end. A team looking to add weapons could bring in the athletic Everett and utilize him as a major part of their offense. He still needs to show some significant improvement as a blocker, but the talent is there for Everett. It’s just a matter of which team is able to unleash him.
Prediction: Houston Texans
Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski enjoyed a resurgence in 2020 – his first season since retiring from the NFL in 2019 – and once again looked like a force at the tight end position. Though obviously not as dominant as prime Gronk, the 31-year-old still turned in a 45/623/7 line, which placed him inside the top-ten for fantasy tight ends. His chemistry with Tom Brady looked as strong as ever, and he remains a monster in the red zone.
With Tampa Bay competing for a Super Bowl this year, and Brady approaching his mid-forties, this may finally be the last time we see Tom Brady play quarterback in the NFL (especially if the Bucs win). If Brady chooses to return for his 22nd NFL season in 2021, then his old friend Gronk might decide to rejoin him for another run, but if Brady finally does retire then Gronk will almost surely follow suit.
Prediction: Wherever Tom Brady goes
Jared Cook
Jared Cook has looked very solid during his two-year tenure with New Orleans. After earning a Pro Bowl nod last year with 705 yards and 9 TDs, Cook again established himself as a serviceable TE streaming option with 504 yards and 7 TDs. His production did drop off from his stellar 2019, but the veteran TE still was a fine TE2, albeit touchdown-dependent.
With the Saints strapped against the salary cap, and Cook approaching his age-34 season, it is widely expected that New Orleans will part ways with the TE.
Prediction: Carolina Panthers
