Free Agency Frenzy

With the lockout finally over it has already been a busy week in the NFL. Deals are still going off left, right and centre as the race to be ready for the upcoming season reaches fever pitch.

One of the hottest topics at the moment is which quarterback will end up where. At the start of the week we had at least 10 quarterbacks with an uncertain future, now with the latest deal it looks like only Vince Young, Marc Bulger and Kyle Orton are still missing a new home.

The week started with a bang when Seattle Seahawks snapped up Tarvaris Jackson, and that marked the end of Matt Hasselbeck’s long career with the Seahawks, as he moved to pastures new in Tennessee. Palmer looks like he is set to retire, and that has prompted the Bengals to bring in long time Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski. Despite this move it still looks like the Bengals have a very long and unrewarding season ahead of them. This was amplified with the departure of top receiver Chad Ochocinco.

Donovan McNabb was the next to hit the headlines when he sealed a move to the Minnesota Vikings. The long-time Eagles QB had made it abundantly clear he was unhappy in Washington and now looks set to play a pivotal role in the mentoring of Christian Ponder.

Amongst all this mayhem, Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart joined the Houston Texans in what will surely be a back-up role to Matt Schaub. Look out for Schaub this season as it looks like the Texans might just make a significant push to knock the colts off their high horse.

Lastly, one of the most speculated moves during the lockout was finalised when the Eagles dealt Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals, in exchange for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round pick. Personally I can’t help but think that the Philadelphia Eagles got a great deal out of the Kolb trade, the only issue is that it leaves them thin in the quarterback department. That brings me to my next topic.

The Titans have recently released Vince Young, making him the hottest quarterback available at the moment, with Kyle Orton looking like he will join Reggie Bush in Miami.

So who would be most suited to Young? Well, he has recently been linked as the ideal candidate to back-up Michael Vick in Philly. Both players have a similar playing style – with a strong arm, and the ability to scramble when needed. Alternatively, I could see Young being added to the Washington Redskins’ roster to beef up the competition under center.

It seems obvious at the moment that the Redskins are in a state of emergency. They’ve just lost DT Albert Haynesworth to the Patriots and since McNabb’s departure they have been left with two far from proven quarterbacks on their roster. Looking at their stats from previous seasons makes worrying reading. Both John Beck and Rex Grossman have thrown far too many interceptions during their limited playing time – a massive cause for concern that needs addressing ahead of pre-season.

That leaves Marc Bulger. Bulger has had a far from illustrious past three seasons and currently looks most likely to drop out of the league after 10 seasons. He could, however, still find himself a back-up role, but it seems unlikely having missed most of the quarterback rush so far.

It will be interesting to see which of these quarterback moves contributes to the most success come the regular season on September 8.

Kolb, McNabb, Bulger?

Ranked the most sort after quarterbacks in the free agency at the moment, we wonder where all the big names are going to go. Reports from NFL.com suggest that the Redskins Donovan McNabb has trained with both the Vikings and Cardinals, like wise with the Eagles second string Kevin Kolb.

Kolb started as the No.1 quarterback for the Eagles in 2010 after McNabb departed to bitter rivals the Washington Redskin. His shot at stardom was short lived however when Clay Matthews knocked him out in the season opener to Green Bay. Concussed, Michael Vick stepped up to the plate and the rest is history.

There is constant speculation as to where Kolb will end up, other teams showing interest are the 49ers, Seahawks and he could also stay in Philly.

Personally I believe the best suiter for Kolb would be at the Cardinals. they have an already well structured offence built with esteemed wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and this could pose a huge threat to an already weak NFC West.

It doesn't mean I necessarily want this scenario because the Eagles have to play the Cardinals at the Linc in week 10 and I would seriously fear another McNabb scenario similar to last season with the Redskins winning 17-12.

Ex-Rams and current Ravens reserve quarterback Marc Bulger is also currently on the market. An experience QB with over 11 years under his belt in the NFL, Bulger's most prolific season with in 2004 when he threw for 3,964 yards, 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions - a passer rating of 93.7 for the season. Since then it does seem he has seen better days after a somewhat dismal season in 2008 where he maintained a passer rating of just 71.4.

Despite this record the Cardinals are showing interest in Bulger and introducing another veteran quarterback at the reins of their franchise.

Latest reports have suggested the Vikings have given Vince Young the opportunity to work out with their offence, questioning whether draft gamble Christian Ponder will be starter or not. The Vikings offensive line has been weak the last couple of seasons and placing a rookie quarterback in that situation could be a big mistake.  If they do intend on brining Young to their offence they could have to fight with the Raiders unless they decide to give Jason Campbell another chance.

Lets not forget about Kyle Orton as well. With Tim Tebow set to establish himself as the starter at the Denver Broncos it looks likely that they will and trade Orton and cash in with draft picks for next season. The Broncos are a side in redevelopment at the moment so despite Orton's record last season, I think this would be a wise move for them.