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Looking ahead -- Free agent quarterbacks

Tony Banks may not be back in Washington next season after throwing just 10 touchdowns in 15 games in 2001. Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

By Bob Harris, Special to CNNSI.com

This is the first in a series of articles looking at possible scenarios surrounding players expected to make up this year’s crop of unrestricted free agents. This year's free agent signing period begins March 1.

Without further delay we'll jump right into the fray, starting with quarterbacks.

Dave Brown, Arizona Cardinals: The prevailing notion among those who follow the team closely says Brown isn't likely to return next season. With the Cardinals heading into 2002 in good shape cap-wise, there's reason to believe team officials might be willing to pay more for a stronger No. 2 man to back up starter Jake Plummer. Head coach Dave McGinnis, who reportedly has final say in all personnel matters, may have lent credence to that theory last month when he told reporters: "I plan to be very active in the free-agent market."

According to Arizona Republic reporter Kent Somers, Brown, who turns 32 this month, is interested in remaining with the team this year, but only if coaches truly believe he’s capable of leading the offense successfully if the need arises.

Randall Cunningham, Baltimore Ravens: Cunningham, who went 2-0 as a starter in 2001, has hinted that he would like to return for one more season in Baltimore. However, the Ravens -- already an estimated $20 million over next season's projected salary cap of $72.5 million -- have committed to picking up a $6 million option on Elvis Grbac’s contract and it’s not clear whether they can afford to keep Cunningham around for another year or not.

Jim Harbaugh, Carolina Panthers: The former first-round draft pick out of Michigan is expected to retire this offseason.

Jim Miller, Chicago Bears: According to Pro Football Weekly, the Bears have already made the decision to go with Miller as their starter again in 2002 in order to avoid the possibility of taking a step backwards by making a change under center.

Miller will be rehabbing an injury for the second offseason in a row after suffering a third-degree separation of his right shoulder during the team's playoff loss to the Eagles. The injury is likely to keep Miller from throwing the ball for 2-3 months, but it’s not as serious as last season's torn Achilles tendon.

Scott Mitchell, Cincinnati Bengals: The 34-year old Mitchell, who tossed three interceptions against the Browns in his only appearance during the 2001 season, isn't expected to return to Cincinnati for the 2002 season.

Gus Frerotte, Denver Broncos: Frerotte, who finished the 2001 season on injured reserve with a separated shoulder, is expected to pursue a free agent contract -- and a starting job -- elsewhere this offseason. QB. For the record, reports out of Cincinnati in recent weeks have hinted that the Bengals, who took a serious shot at signing Frerotte last offseason, might be interested in talking to him again this year.

Doug Pederson, Green Bay Packers: According to reports out of Green Bay last month, team officials will make the acquisition of a young quarterback -- whether through free agency or the draft -- a priority, leaving the 34-year old Pederson's future with the club in serious doubt.

Mark Rypien, Indianapolis Colts: Although he's likely to be on the roster when the Colts open camp, team officials are reportedly looking for another reliable veteran signal caller to compete with Rypien for the No. 2 spot behind Peyton Manning this summer.

Jonathan Quinn, Jacksonville Jaguars: With the Jaguars apparently preparing to go into full blown rebuilding mode this year, team officials have reportedly seen enough of Quinn, who only has one appearance as a starter in the last three years. The fact that he fumbled the ball three times in that game -- a Nov. 18 loss to the Steelers – probably don’t help his cause any.

Rodney Peete, Oakland Raiders: Signed as an insurance policy after Bobby Hoying suffered an elbow injury the last week of September, Peete wound up serving as Rich Gannon's backup for most of the 2001 season. However, the former USC star’s chances of playing for Oakland in 2002 aren't good and he definitely won't return unless Jon Gruden returns for one more year as head coach.

Paul Justin, St. Louis Rams: Justin's future in St. Louis probably won't become clear until after Sunday's Super Bowl.

Rick Mirer, San Francisco 49ers: Mirer was released last summer after losing the No. 2 spot to Tim Rattay during training camp. Mirer ultimately re-signed with the team when starter Jeff Garcia suffered a series of minor injuries early in the season, but the former Notre Dame star's chances of remaining in San Francisco in 2002 lie somewhere between slim and none.

Trent Dilfer, Seattle Seahawks: Dilfer bears watching this offseason with head coach Mike Holmgren seriously considering the idea of offering the former first-round draft pick a new contract and a chance to dislodge Matt Hasselbeck as the starting quarterback. "That's what I'm going through right now," Holmgren told reporters during his Jan. 8 postseason news conference. "That's what I'm thinking about right now. That's a huge decision. I'm going to talk to both quarterbacks. I'm going to let the dust settle just a little bit."

Tony Banks and Kent Graham, Washington Redskins: According to those who follow the team closely, new head coach Steve Spurrier hasn't dismissed the notion of re-signing either Banks or Graham. While both men appear to have the attributes necessary to learn and run Spurrier's system, Banks' decision-making skills might be enough to knock him out of the picture.

It's worth noting that recent reports have hinted that team officials might be interested in bringing Jeff George back to Washington and current Chicago backup Shane Matthews, who played under Spurrier during at Florida, has openly stated he'd like an opportunity to play for his old coach again. Matthews, however, has one year remaining on his current contract with the Bears.

There you have it. ... Remember: This is an early look at possible scenarios regarding these players; it's safe to assume things will change as the offseason progresses. Stay tuned to this column in the coming weeks to keep up with those changes.

One last reminder: Check back next week for an early look at this year's crop of free agent running backs.

Bob Harris is Editor and Webmaster of the TFL Report and Senior Editor for Fantasy Sports Publications

 

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