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The Buffalo Bills will likely be in the quarterback market this offseason. The team will probably add a young quarterback in the draft, but they could also add a veteran free agent or even make a trade for a QB to add experience to the QB room. Here are some names that could be in a Bills uniform next season.
Kirk Cousins
Cousins is the big name free-agent that teams will be lining up to get a shot at. Even on a stripped down roster, Cosuins still performed admirably in 2017 tossing for over 4,000 yards, 27 scores, and only 13 interceptions. Cousins will command big money after being franchise tagged in two consecutive years by the Washington Redskins. If Buffalo is willing to fork over the big bucks, Cousins could be an instant upgrade in the QB spot.
Case Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater, or Sam Bradford
Despite The Minnesota Vikings heading to the NFC Championship game, they might not want Keenum back under center next season. That team was built on the strength of their defense. Keenum led the 21st-best passing offense in the NFL and is heading into free agency at the end of this season. With Teddy Bridgewater finally healthy again, he might be the QB of Minnesota’s future and with Keenum’s production this season, I doubt he would re-sign to ride the bench.
If the Vikings decide Bridgewater, who is also a free agent, is not their QB of the future Buffalo could get him and potentially have the next superstar NFL quarterback.
Bradford started two games this season, which both resulted in victories. He was the Vikings starter last season and will probably be looking for a team where he can be the starter again in free agency. Minnesota probably can’t keep all three.
Alex Smith
Smith is still scheduled to be under contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018, so the Bills would have to acquire him via trade. If Buffalo decides to throw a trade offer at the Chiefs, they won’t be the only ones gunning for Smith. Head coach Andy Reid drafted rookie QB Patrick Mahomes and by all accounts has made great progress and seems to be ready to lead a team. The Chiefs could get rid of Smith, get a few draft picks, and get more than a game manager in the process, but it’s betting a lot on Mahomes (and Reid).
Jay Cutler
This is probably the last guy Bills fans want to see under center in 2018, but he’s one of the most experienced and successful free agent’s available. Cutler would have to come in and start right away, as he said he doesn’t want to be a backup again. Cutler is a gunslinger and throws a lot of boneheaded interceptions. However, the fact remains that he’s better than most quarterbacks that could be acquired in free agency this offseason.
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Fitzmagic is turning 36 this year and was most recently the backup to Jameis Winston in Tampa. Fitzpatrick may want to spend the last year or two back in his old stomping grounds, especially if he has an opportunity to compete to be the team’s starter. Even if Fitzpatrick doesn’t win the starting job, he would still be a valuable asset to a young QB to help him learn the NFL game.
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