10 Best NFL Free Agent Quarterbacks in 2023

Football may be the ultimate team sport, but there is clearly no position more important to the success of a team than the quarterback. Year after year we see teams throw as many resources they can at the position, whether it's high draft picks or massive free agent contracts.

Any team without a legitimate starting quarterback needs to constantly be on the lookout to upgrade the position, and unelss you've landed a top draft pick then that means using free agency.

Whether your team is looking for that next starter or just a viable backup option as an insurance plan, here are the 10 best free agent quarterbacks available in the 2023 NFL offseason.

10 Best Free Agent Quarterbacks 2023

1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

While this list does contain the greatest quarterback of all time, it starts with a dynamic playmaker in the midst of his prime. Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have been unable to reach a contract to this point, so the two-way phenom heads to free agency. The two-time Pro Bowler and 2019 MVP averages 23.8 passing touchdowns and 4.8 touchdowns/935.5 yards from scrimmage per year.

2. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As mentioned, this list contains the greatest to ever do it: Tom Brady. He'll be 46 years old by the time the 2023 regular season rolls around and we have no idea if he wants to keep playing, but if he does, he's the second best option at QB. Even on the heels of the most frustrating season in his career, Brady still tossed nearly 5,000 yards and 25 touchdowns.

3. Daniel Jones, New York Giants

Daniel Jones finally put the pieces together. His New York Giants will battle it out in the Divisional Round as he continues adding plus marks to his resume. The fourth-year pro tossed for 3,000+ yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023, adding another 708 yards from scrimmage to show off his underrated mobility in the pocket.

4. Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers

While the San Francisco 49ers still figure out if Trey Lance is the face of the franchise, they've found another and better depth option in Brock Purdy. Jimmy Garoppolo got the 49ers to this point, but another season-ending injury spoiled his opportunity for another playoff run. Jimmy G is a fine game manager, but not a player that will take your franchise to new heights.

5. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks

It's pretty clear the Seattle Seahawks will bring Geno Smith back, but until the ink is dry, he deserves a spot on this list. In just his third full season as a starter, despite his age 32, Smith shined in Seattle. He racked up 4,200+ passing yards and a career-high 69.8% completion percentage.

6. Jacoby Brissett, Cleveland Browns

Jacoby Brissett was always a stopgap for the Cleveland Browns as they awaited Deshaun Watson's return. This is the point of the list where these players are better suited for backup roles or to guide a rookie QB. Brissett finished 4-7 in Cleveland and threw 12 touchdowns to 6 interceptions.

7. Baker Mayfield, Los Angeles Rams

Ah, Baker Mayfield. What do we make of his small resurgence with a bad Los Angeles Rams team at the end of the year? Honestly, not much. But he probably earned his shot at a low-level starting job next season. Mayfield plays to the similar theme of most of the players on this lsit: we know what we're getting. It's not special, but in a pinch, he can win you a ballgame or two. Mayfield needs a better situation than he had in Cleveland or Carolina.

8. Taylor Heinicke, Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders were really unsure who they wanted their starting quarterback to be. As a result, Heinicke ended up starting 9 games in 2022 and played average, at best. He tallied 1,859 passing yards and 12 touchdowns to 6 interceptions. A backup option for teams needing depth.

9. Sam Darnold, Carolina Panthers

The New York Jets may have drafted Sam Darnold at No. 5 overall, but he never really stood a chance. He then got stuck in the Carolina Panthers' revolving door of quarterbacks and resulted in some poor performances. Darnold's never been able to figure out his interception problem, but he'll end up a backup on some QB-needy roster next year.

10. Mike White, New York Jets

It's hard being a quarterback on the New York Jets, but we loved what we saw from Mike White in Week 12 - the best start of his career. Still just 27 years old, White deserves an opportunity to play backup and has the potential to provide some fireworks if needed in a spot start.

The Duel also ranked the 10 best NFL free agents for each position group:
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Quarterbacks in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Running Backs in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Wide Receivers in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Tight Ends in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Offensive Linemen in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Defensive Linemen in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Edge Rushers in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Linebackers in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Safeties in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Punters in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Kickers in 2023

Adam Taylor McKillop is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Adam Taylor also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username atmckillop. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.