Former Tennesee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is easily the best free agent left at the position. After Carson Wentz signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, Tannehill now leads a group that otherwise consists of names like Brian Hoyer, Trevor Siemian, Blaine Gabbert, and AJ McCarron. Tannehill might have slowed down a bit and was never a perennial Pro Bowler, but he’s considerably better than the rest of the class.
Seeing as he has yet to sign as a free agent, Ryan Tannehill is probably waiting for a starting job to open up. This makes sense, as injuries are inevitable and the former first-round pick could earn a decent salary from a desperate team. However, if he’s willing to take a backup job, then one surprise NFC team could go after him.
During a recent interview, Panthers head coach Dave Canales spoke about the need to add another experienced arm to the quarterback room. While the first-year head coach didn’t mention anyone by name, it’s reasonable to assume he’s talking about free agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Panthers Targeting Free Agent Quarterback, Could Aim For Ryan Tannehill
At first glance, signing Ryan Tannehill as a free agent doesn’t make much sense for the Panthers. Bryce Young is firmly entrenched atop the depth chart, and Carolina already has a reliable veteran backup in Andy Dalton. Tannehill and Dalton are similar players at this point in their respective careers, so bringing in the former Dolphin could be redundant.
With that in mind, who else could Canales possibly be talking about? The coach mentioned a veteran signing in the context of helping Young develop, which means he should want to sign this player as soon as possible. Ryan Tannehill has every reason to wait to sign as a free agent, as he is still a capable bridge quarterback. Guys like Hoyer, Gabbert, and Siemian will never have a chance to start and should be more than willing to sign with the first team to offer them a job.
If Ryan Tannehill is willing to sign as a free agent backup, he’ll easily be the best one on the market. Carolina might be interested in him, but they’ll have to fight off these other teams for his services.
Other Suitors
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have one of the worst quarterback situations in the league. Aidan O’Connell didn’t do much as a rookie, and Gardner Minshew is nothing more than a league-average journeyman. Ryan Tannehill would probably be the best quarterback on this roster and could start if signed as a free agent. With Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers (for now), the former first-round pick should find some success under center.
Miami Dolphins
Ryan Tannehill began his career with the Miami Dolphins and could make a return as a free agent. Tua Tagovailoa is set for a massive extension, so Miami’s previous franchise quarterback won’t compete for the starting job. He could, however, be a reliable backup in case injury strikes again. Tannehill has never worked with weapons as dangerous as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and should put up strong numbers in this offense.
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is one of the best quarterbacks in football, but the Ravens need a better backup. Josh Johnson is somehow still in the league, but he should never see serious playing time. Tannehill can’t match Jackson’s athleticism, but the collegiate wide receiver is dangerous enough on the ground and through the air to keep the offense afloat if Jackson has to miss a few weeks.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers brought back Easton Stick, but they could use more competition at the QB2 spot. This team can only go as far as Justin Herbert can carry them, but Tannehill can ease the burden if the quarterback misses time for the second straight season.
Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams is a phenomenal prospect, but just like any rookie, there will be some growing pains in Year 1. Ryan Tannehill isn’t going to steal Williams’ job, but the free agent can help the USC product adjust to life in the NFL while providing invaluable insurance in case Williams takes a rough hit or two.
Main Photo: Denny Simmons – USA Today Sports
