Two NFL Quarterbacks Available for Bargain Prices in Free Agency

Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray are available to NFL teams at extremely low costs due to their previous teams paying most of their salaries. The Atlanta Falcons signed Tagovailoa for just $1.2 million while Miami covers $54 million of his contract.

Two NFL quarterbacks may represent exceptional value opportunities in free agency if they can return to their previous high-level performance.

Despite NFL franchises spending massive amounts during the opening days of free agency negotiations, the Atlanta Falcons secured Tua Tagovailoa for just $1.2 million – the league minimum for veterans. Meanwhile, Miami remains responsible for $54 million of his contract.

Kyler Murray presents a similar opportunity at $1.3 million for any interested team, as Arizona will pay $36.8 million of his guaranteed remaining compensation.

While neither quarterback likely possesses championship-caliber ability like last year’s Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks found in free agency, both players don’t need to capture a title to provide significant value.

Atlanta hasn’t made the postseason since 2017 but competes in the NFC South, where they matched Carolina and Tampa Bay’s 8-9 record last season, missing the division crown only on tiebreakers. The franchise boasts offensive weapons including All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson. Should Tagovailoa help break their playoff absence, his minimal salary would represent tremendous value.

The 28-year-old former first-round selection from 2020 endured his most challenging NFL campaign recently but maintains a 44-32 record as a starting quarterback. In 2023, Tagovailoa topped the league with 4,624 passing yards and earned Pro Bowl recognition.

Surrounded by Robinson, receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts, Tagovailoa inherits quality offensive talent. Two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski must help unlock his abilities. Stefanski previously guided Cleveland to playoff appearances with both Baker Mayfield and Joe Flacco.

Tagovailoa might flourish within Stefanski’s offensive scheme, provided he maintains his health, overcomes recent struggles, and sharpens his ball-handling decisions.

Murray, who has earned two Pro Bowl selections, could join a franchise ready for immediate success. Both Minnesota and Pittsburgh represent potential destinations.

The Vikings have J.J. McCarthy, their 2024 first-round draft choice who posted a 6-4 record across 10 starts last season. However, his starting position isn’t secured, making Murray an attractive alternative for a roster with talent throughout.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell earned 2024 AP NFL Coach of the Year honors after helping Sam Darnold resurrect his career while leading the team to a 14-3 record. Among innovative offensive coordinators capable of maximizing Murray’s abilities, O’Connell ranks highly.

Pittsburgh also presents possibilities for Murray, particularly if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return. The Steelers have strengthened their offense through free agency, trading for receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to join DK Metcalf while signing running back Rico Dowdle. Head coach Mike McCarthy captured a Super Bowl with young Rodgers in Green Bay 16 years ago and could provide Murray similar opportunities.

Multiple veteran quarterbacks remain available, except Daniel Jones, who received Indianapolis’s transition tag. The Colts retain matching rights for any offers he receives.

Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo, Carson Wentz, and Joe Flacco are among available options. Rodgers also remains unsigned, though he’ll likely either return to Pittsburgh or announce retirement.

Geno Smith would have entered free agency Wednesday after Las Vegas planned his release, but the Jets acquired him through trade. New York hasn’t achieved a winning season since 2015.