We have just about a month until the NFL Free Agent Frenzy begins. That’s soon followed by the draft as teams begin preparing for the 2024 campaign. Prior to the start of free agency, over the next four weeks, I’m going to be looking at 10 options at each of the key offensive positions—quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end—that could make a fantasy impact. Today, I’m kicking things off with quarterbacks.

Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
About: The 2023 season didn’t go as Cousins had hoped. He torn his Achilles and missed the rest of the season. Now, he’s coming off injury and hitting the open market. He’s by far the best quarterback who’s an official free agent. (Players like Russell Wilson aren’t yet free). He is the kind of veteran player who could make a big difference for the right team. Could he go back to Minnesota? It’s possible, but it seems like the Vikings are looking to get younger. My suspicion is that Cousins will head to a team with a lot of pieces in place that need a good passer to help push them to the playoffs. Given that it’s a strong quarterback class in the 2024 NFL Draft, it will be interesting to see which team outside the top half of the draft, with cap room can get it done. He figures to be one of the first big dominos at the position.

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
About: What a difference a year makes. Last off-season, it was a question of if Baker would find a good landing spot. He signed a one-year prove it deal with the Buccaneers and posted career-highs in yardage, touchdowns, and completion percentage. He also guided the Buccaneers to an NFC South title and the Divisional Round of the playoffs. He followed that up by being the Pro Bowl MVP for the NFC. Baker will certainly command attention this off-season and could well command a decent salary.

Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
About: Things didn’t end well for Tannehill in Tennessee. He was replaced by Will Levis and even when he got a shot down the stretch, it wasn’t always pretty. He’s a veteran who figures to give some team with a young quarterback insurance. A rumored reunion with Arthur Smith in Pittsburgh could be intriguing, as he’d have good weapons, but would likely mean bad things for third-year quarterback Kenny Pickett.

Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts
About: Minshew was a bit of insurance last off-season. He was signed as a veteran backup for rookie Anthony Richardson. But when Richardson got hurt and missed most of the season, Minshew stepped up. He guided the Colts to a 9-8 season, and nearly got them into the playoffs. He looked solid as a starter, too. He is surely a quality backup but given the state of the position I think he’ll be a player signed to a team and given a chance to compete to be a veteran or bridge starter. He’s certainly a player to keep an eye on this off-season.

Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns
About: Flacco stepped off his couch and seemingly into a time machine before popping up to lead the Cleveland Browns down the stretch. He was good enough to win the Comeback Player of the Year for the NFL. He’s a free agent, but I suspect the Browns will make every effort to bring him back. He’s a great option as a spot starter but feels more like a solid veteran backup at this point in his career.

Jake Browning, Cincinnati Bengals
About: It was a big year for backup quarterbacks being called to start in 2023, and now many of them are hitting the open market. Browning took over a loaded Bengals offense when Joe Burrow was lost for the season. He looked solid at times as the Bengals hung into the playoff race until late in the season. Now he’s on the open market. Did he do enough to get a shot at competing for a starting spot on a quarterback-needy team? Maybe. But I suspect he’ll end up somewhere as a quality backup option.

Josh Dobbs, Minnesota Vikings
About: Not one but two teams traded for Dobbs in 2023 to use him as a starter when their featured quarterback was lost. He was solid for a depleted Arizona Cardinals team but struggled after a hot start in Minnesota. I doubt anyone sees Dobbs as a franchise option, but he’s proven he’s a strong backup option and potential bridge starter.

Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers
About: The rumor is the Steelers want Rudolph back, and it makes sense. After being on the shelf for a few years, and seemingly an afterthought as the team’s QB3, Rudolph was called on to close the 2023 season. He played well enough to guide the Steelers into the playoffs and made a quality start against the Bills. If not in Pittsburgh, I suspect he’ll get a deal to be a primary backup somewhere.

Sam Darnold, San Francisco 49ers
About: After some tough times with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, Darnold seemed to settle into an ideal role as a backup for the 49ers. At this phase in his career, I think Darnold is well suited to being a veteran backup. I think the 49ers would be wise to bring him back in 2024.

Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints
About: Winston is the toughest nut to crack in this lineup. He’s spent the past few seasons as a backup. And yet, it’s fair to wonder if he could offer something as a bridge starter for a team. Given his rogue play at the end of the 2023 season, it feels unlikely he’s back with New Orleans. Winston could be an interesting name to watch this off-season.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.