NFL's 10 Best Free Agent Quarterbacks Available in 2011

The NFL free agent market is slim this year in the quarterback department. Peyton Manning and Michael Vick are locks to stay with their teams which leaves Matt Hasselbeck and Seneca Wallace the best available free agents in the market. Hasselbeck has suffered through debilitating injuries the last few years and Seneca Wallace has shown the ability to be a spot starter at best.

The following top ten free agent quarterbacks do not include: JaMarcus Russell, Trent Edwards, Chad Pennington and the one and only Brady Quinn do not rate on the list but they can be had for a rock bottom price. When Matt Leinert, Kerry Collins and Drew Stanton are on a list it is a sure sign it is going to be a boring signing season when it comes to this years free agent NFL quarterbacks.

No.10. Kerry Collins

The fact that Kerry Collins is on the list at all says all anyone wants to know of the 2011 free agent quarterbacks. Collins is a good back up quarterback on a bad team and he will be lucky to remain a back up quarterback in this youth driven league in 2011.

No.9. Bruce Gradkowski

Bruce Gradkowski showed signs of life in 2010 for the Oakland Raiders but his inability to stay healthy was his ultimate downfall. Gradkowski will find it hard to latch on to an NFL team as a back up in 2011 but he will find a place as an emergency quarterback.

No.8. Drew Stanton

Drew Stanton will find someone to gamble on him. He has an arm and potential to graduate to a back up on a mediocre team. The Detroit Lions may be in the hunt to keep him but they may opt for a veteran as an emergency back up.

No.7. Matt Leinert

Matt Leinert is an interesting free agent. He was cut by the Arizona Cardinals just years after being their first round NFL Draft pick and now he is leaving the Houston Texans after being an emergency back up to Dan Orlavsky and Matt Schaub. Leinert says after his many setbacks he is now ready to start in the NFL. Is he serious? This is what he told the local Houston paper.

"I want to be a starter in the league, and I feel like I've paid my dues," Leinart told the Houston Chronicle. "I sat for three and a half years now and played behind a Hall of Fame quarterback which a lot of people don't remember. Obviously, coming here is not the way I planned, but I think Matt Schaub is a great quarterback."

No.6. Matt Moore

Matt Moore's 2010 NFL season with the Carolina Panthers was a failure even by his own standards. He failed to capitalize on his opportunity to become the teams number one quarterback and quickly fell off the map. He does have an arm and can be accurate. The fact that he ranks sixth among free agent quarterbacks is proof positive there is little talent in this years crop of available quarterbacks.

No.5. Matt Hasselbeck

The Seattle Seahawks Matt Hasslebeck is in the twilight of his career and health is a major issue for him. A bad back and assorted injuries have hindered him since his Super Bowl appearance a few short years ago. Hasselbeck will see interest from teams looking for a mentor for their young quarterback. One possible landing spot for Hasselbeck is the New York Jets. Long shot but don't be surprised.

No.4. Alex Smith

Alex Smith will get a surprising amount of interest once the free agent market breaks open. Smith will end up with a team that has a new coach and is looking to change their direction but he may not end up as a starter. the best thing for Alex Smith will be to back up an experienced quarterback and transition into the role of starter.

Smith could move to a team such as the Jacksonville Jaguars or the Miami Dolphins. Both teams with potential that could give Smith time to acclimate to the team and start over. Smith could end up back with the San Francisco 49ers now that Jim Harbaugh has signed on as head coach. As unlikely as it seems, Smith could return to the team he said he would never play for again after the season ended.

No.3. Seneca Wallace

Mike Holmgren likes Seneca Wallace but he will let him test free agency in 2011. Wallace is a great back up quarterback for any team. He is knowledgeable of NFL defenses and knows how to think on the fly. Wallace will see some interest but Holmgren may try to reel him back in for the Cleveland Browns if he can't find a good fit as a back up quarterback.

No.2. Michael Vick

Michael Vick is one of the hottest free agents in years at the quarterback position in the NFL but he will never be allowed to test the market in 2011. The Philadelphia Eagles will throw the franchise tag on their starting quarterback and Vick will play in Lincoln Field next season.

No.1. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning may be a free agent this season but he will never talk to another team. He and owner Jim Irsay have already discussed making him the highest paid quarterback in the NFL and the deal will be done as soon as the collective bargaining agreement has been hammered out.

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Statistical sources:

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