Top Quarterbacks

Peyton Manning, IND – There’s nothing to discuss here. Manning will stay in Indianapolis. It’s just a matter of getting the numbers ironed out.

Tom Brady, NE – Like Manning, there’s little doubt about Brady. Belichick has a little more volatility in his decision-making and more reliance in his system, but barring a major shocker, Brady will remain in New England.

Brett Favre, MIN – Favre is always a wildcard every offseason, but his contract will officially expire after season’s end. Another good year would grant him the opportunity to stay with the Vikings after missing another offseason, but anything otherwise puts his career in serious jeopardy.

Donovan McNabb, WAS – I doubt the Redskins gave up a high draft pick this year just to have McNabb for a single season, but the decision in the offseason may be out of Washington’s control. If they don’t extend him prior to the season and McNabb doesn’t enjoy himself in Washington during the year, he could easily try to find another destination, where several playoff contenders may be glad to have him.

Matt Moore, CAR – Moore heads into the season as the starting quarterback, but with rookies Jimmy Clausen and Tony Pike, the Panthers have several options if Moore doesn’t pan out. Depending upon his play this year, Moore could have a lucrative offer in his agents’ office by mid-season or could be kicked to the curb at the end of the year in favor of other options. The former seems more likely based upon his stellar performance in starting appearances.

Kyle Orton, DEN – With Tim Tebow as the likely “future” of Denver, Kyle Orton may have a limited career in Denver, making him one of the better potential commodities at the position this year. Orton has proven to be a solid, albeit unspectacular starter, who could keep a team competitive on offense.

Matt Hasselbeck, SEA – Hasselbeck has been torn by injuries and with a new Head Coach and General Manager in town, Hasselbeck will have exceed all expectations to stick around with a team looking to get younger. With a decent season, he could have some marginal value on quarterback-starved teams.

Alex Smith, SF – Like Matt Moore, if Alex Smith isn’t re-signed by his team, his value may be very miniscule around the league. In other words, if Smith has a good season, he’ll almost uncertainly be kept by the Niners. However, if he cements his status as a bust, he’ll have little but back-up value.