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Tennessee Titans: Free Agent Backup Quarterback Options

By Kyle Zwiazek

Aug 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) and quarterback Matt Cassel (16) and quarterback Alex Tanney (11) sit on the sideline during the second half against San Diego Chargers at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee Titans won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) and quarterback Matt Cassel (16) and quarterback Alex Tanney (11) sit on the sideline during the second half against San Diego Chargers at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee Titans won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Backup Quarterback role is one of the most and least important roles on the roster.

First of all, if an article is being written about who should be the backup quarterback for the Tennessee Titans next season, that is a really good sign. Nothing is better than to worry about people that may never play the whole season. The backup quarterback can be a really important part of a team or it can be a player that really has no impact. May the football gods forbid the Titans’ need to use a backup quarterback next season.

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There are many opinions about what the best characteristics are to have in a second string signal caller. Personally, I think the reserve quarterbacks should play a similar style as the starter. This helps with play calling and consistency on the offensive side of the ball. Unfortunately, there are not many quarterbacks in general that mimic Marcus Mariota. There definitely are not many in free agency. In fact, looking at the free agent options at quarterback is a little cringe-worthy. No need to freak out though because the draft is also an option. Nevertheless, here is a list of free agent quarterbacks the Titans should at least kick the tires on.

Matt Cassel

Dec 24, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Cassel (16) during the second half of an NFL Football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field.The Jaguars won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Cassel (16) during the second half of an NFL Football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field.The Jaguars won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

This is the easiest one on the list. He already knows the offense, is comfortable with the coaching staff, and won a game with the Titans last season. Cassel is the definition of a backup quarterback. He does everything okay, but nothing great. There was a time when Cassel was considered to be an under the radar starting quarterback, but never really lived up to that potential. The Titans can definitely get a better fit for their offense than Cassel. Sure, he is solid and will not make too many mistakes. He also was a Patriot and has a lot of experience, but how much impact does the second string quarterback have on a team? The Titans should move on and find someone else to back up Mariota.

Mark Sanchez

Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys, 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys, 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

This is one of those cringe-worthy suggestions. No one really wants Buttfumble on their team, but keep in mind he at one point was a top prospect and took the New York Jets to two AFC Championship games. Yes, those New York Jets. The Sanchise definitely has fallen on hard times since his glory days, but he might be a really good person to have on the roster. His experience will help in the playoff push. If Mariota is unable to play for whatever reason, Sanchez would be at least a reliable option that has a track record of success. For every butt fumble there is out there, he has actually done a very okay job as a quarterback in the NFL.

Brian Hoyer

Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) throws a pass during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Chicago won 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) throws a pass during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Chicago won 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Brian Hoyer is the modern day Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick could be on this list, but the Titans have been there and done that. The former Michigan State product is a career backup quarterback. There is actually something to be said about a career reserve. He is good enough to be kept around in the NFL since 2009. Once in a while, Hoyer actually competes for a starting job, too. There is definitely nothing that is exciting about Hoyer as a second string quarterback. Hoyer should be the guy Jon Robinson picks to back up Mariota. He is a career backup and will be a great person to lean on for the young phenom Mariota.

Geno Smith

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to pass during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to pass during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

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This is another one of those cringe-worthy candidates, but Geno Smith may actually make some sense. Forget all about Smith getting punched in the face by a teammate and the fact that he fell big time in the draft. Smith has been a product of terrible coaching with the New York Jets. The jury is still out on the former West Virginia star. He is one of those signal callers that almost fits the mold of Mariota. Smith is athletic, can run for some yardage, and can pass the ball. He is a good fit for the Titans, but Jon Robinson should definitely stay away. Geno seems to be a bit of a cancer in the locker room and the Titans do not need that kind of change in their culture.

E.J. Manuel

Jan 1, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) looks to pass against the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) looks to pass against the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

E.J. Manuel will always be connected with Geno Smith because they were the first two quarterbacks taken in the 2013 NFL draft. Neither one of them has really panned out. In fairness, that may have been one of the weakest drafts for quarterbacks in a very long time. Manuel fits under the category of similar mold to Mariota. They’re both able to run the ball and throw the ball. The Titans really should steer clear of both Smith and Manuel. Unfortunately, they are the only two free agent options that would fit the similar mold of Mariota.

Unless you are looking to bring back Vince Young or want to take a shot on Johnny Manziel there is not a lot of promise in the running quarterback options. The draft is definitely the way to go to look for a second string quarterback.

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