Unfortunately for the Chiefs, 2013 is far from the best year to have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. There is no consensus best player in the draft or best quarterback. Fortunately for many teams, though, this year’s quarterback class may not have top, elite players, but it is deep.
Many teams could use a quarterback, either through the draft, free agency or trade. A number of players that can be acquired through all three routes could supplant or compete with struggling quarterbacks.
In the draft, top players include Geno Smith, Matt Barkley, Mike Glennon, Tyler Wilson, Tajh Boyd (if he declares), Tyler Bray, Aaron Murray and Ryan Nassib. While none of those players may be worth the No. 1 overall pick, or even a top five pick, they are all worth developing as future starting quarterbacks.
In free agency, the class leaves a lot to be desired, but Joe Flacco, Drew Stanton and Matt Moore are the best available options. With a weak top-tier draft class, and few free agent options, it may be wise for Flacco to test the open market — if he doesn’t get franchised. He could draw a better deal that way than by simply extending with Baltimore. Michael Vick and Tim Tebow are also likely to be available after getting cut by Philadelphia and New York, respectively.
Quarterbacks who could be available via trade are Ryan Mallett, Matt Flynn, Alex Smith, Kirk Cousins and possibly Brandon Weeden and Blaine Gabbert — depending on where their new front offices want to go. Mallett, Flynn, Smith and Cousins could be very attractive to teams that need quarterbacks, and the Patriots, Seahawks, 49ers and Redskins could get a haul for them.
Among the teams that will be looking at some of these players this offseason are those that are truly desperate, like the Chiefs and Jets, and those that may be doubting if their current starter is “the guy,” like the Cowboys and Chargers. There are plenty of teams that need quarterbacks, and there are plenty of guys available. It will be interesting to see who winds up where.
