Matt Hasselbeck: The 9 Teams That Could Use the Veteran QB's Presence

There has been a huge cloud hanging over the supposed offseason in the NFL.  The waiting and anticipation...projections and estimations on what is going to happen.  

Fans are on both ends of the tables and taking sides, and at times it isn't pretty.  The issue, of course, is whether or not Matt Hasselbeck is the best free agent quarterback and what his value is on the open market.

Many Seahawks fans think Hasselbeck is done...worn down from several seasons of playing behind poor offensive lines.  Others point to his postseason performances and see Hasselbeck as a guy that can lead a team on a playoff run.

Seattle reportedly offered Hasselbeck a one-year, $7 million contract.  Wanting a longer term deal, his agent reportedly declined the offer.

The Tennessee Titans have established the value for a capable veteran QB.  They gave Kerry Collins $15 million over the last two years.

The question is what team is willing to pay that to Hasselbeck, what portion will be guaranteed, and will Hasselbeck be willing to play for them?

Washington Redskins: Less Than 5 Percent Chance Hasselbeck Signs

The Redskins need a QB and Hasselbeck needs a home.  That is about as far as the comparisons should go.

The Redskins will be looking for a little mobility from their QB than Hasselbeck can offer.  He simply isn't a good fit.

Cleveland Browns: Less Than 5 Percent Chance Hasselbeck Signs

Rumors have tied Hasselbeck to his old coach.  The argument is that they had success in Seattle so Mike Holmgren would want to bring him in as an option in Cleveland.

There is a major flaw with this scenario.  Hasselbeck wants to be the starter for a team that is headed into the playoffs. 

The Browns already have Colt McCoy in place to be the starter, and bringing in competition would seem like more of a distraction and hindrance to McCoy's development.

The other issue for Hasselbeck is the Browns aren't ready to make a run into the playoffs.

Miami Dolphins: Less Than 5 Percent Chance Hasselbeck Signs

Miami could use an upgrade at the QB position, and they will likely go after one as soon as the season gets underway.  The question is if they will target a veteran or a prospect. 

With the current strength of the Patriots and Jets, it isn't too likely that Miami is ready to make a run at the playoffs.  Their interests should be two or three years downstream, leading to them looking for a young QB to run there offense.

While Terrelle Pryor is a lightning rod of attention, Miami is one place where his style of play could lead to some interesting offensive options, and it would make more sense for the Dolphins to put an offer in on him than sign a QB in the last few years of his career.

Arizona Cardinals: Less Than 5 Percent Chance Hasselbeck Signs

Arizona has been a popular point of speculation regarding Hasselbeck's next home.  Cardinal fans claim he could be the missing piece for their team.  After all...what QB wouldn't want to throw to Larry Fitzgerald?

For starters, any QB that would be relying on the unit the Cardinals will throw out to comprise their offensive line.  Alan Faneca has retired.  Levi Brown struggled heavily at LT.  They didn't have a starting RT.  Lyle Sendlein was solid at the center position and Deuce Lutui is a quality starter at guard.  However, both are free agents and there is no guarantee either will return.

The Cardinals could be starting over from ground zero to build their OL.  Hasselbeck was brutalized enough behind shoddy line play in Seattle...it is hard to fathom the Cardinals being able to pay him enough to overlook that issue.

San Francisco 49ers: Less Than 5 Percent Chance Hasselbeck Signs

The 49ers would actually be very well served in signing Hasselbeck.  Not only would it give them a starting QB, they would also add a fantastic mentor for Colin Kaepernick.  The 49ers would receive a short-and long-tern lift.

There is another factor to consider.  If the 49ers could pull Hasselbeck away from Seattle, it would definitively turn the tide in the NFC West for the next few seasons.  

The 49ers would have a QB that could lead the team into the playoffs and the Seahawks wouldn't.  That alone is a good reason for the 49ers to walk away from Alex Smith and sign Hasselbeck.  It doesn't look as though the 49ers are leaning this direction though.

Cincinnati Bengals: 15 Percent Chance Hasselbeck Signs

Perhaps Paul Brown, V.P. of Player Personnel, can talk some sense into his dad and convince him to work a trade with Seattle for Carson Palmer.

Then the Bengals can work on what they do about the QB position for the next couple years and how they are going to foster the growth of Andy Dalton.

It seems as though picking up the reported third-round pick for Palmer and signing Hasselbeck to be a transition QB would make a world of sense for the Bengals.  Then again...players aren't pressing to get out of Cincinnati because Mike Brown does what makes sense.

Minnesota Vikings: 15 Percent Chance Hasselbeck Signs

Rumors have the Vikings signing Donovan McNabb to a contact once the Redskins decide to cut ties.  However, that could mean the Vikings enter training camp without their expected starting QB.

Hasselbeck would be an ideal bridge in the land of 10,000 lakes, and would cost the Vikings less on a two-year deal than what they paid Brett Favre per season.

If not already closed, the Vikings' playoff window is getting short.  They need a QB that can give them a shot, and that is Hasselbeck.  They also need a solid NFL citizen to show Christian Ponder the ropes.

It is hard to find someone better than Hasselbeck for that role.

Tennessee Titans: 25 Percent Chance Hasselbeck Signs

I readily admit I'm biased towards this option.  Just prior to the draft I made a prediction that the Titans would draft Jake Locker and then sign Hasselbeck to mentor him for a few years.

One down, one to go.

Hasselbeck doesn't have the mobility component to match what the Titans would like to run, but he certainly has the skill set to provide some tutelage for Locker while giving the Titans an opportunity to make the postseason. 

Should Seattle opt to not give Hasselbeck a multi-year offer, Tennessee is the most likely landing spot.  This would leave the team needing to add a WR in order to become a legitimate post-season contender. 

Seattle Seahawks: 40 Percent Chance Hasselbeck Returns

The best fit for Hasselbeck, and the landing place that makes the most sense, remains Seattle.  He still calls himself a Seahawk and refers to the other players as his teammates.

Hasselbeck knows most of the receivers very well and has started to build a good rapport with them.  Staying in Seattle will make the passing game that much better.

Seattle should see their offensive line improve with their new additions, including that of their new line coach.  Tom Cable should improve the ground game and improve the time the QB has to throw the ball.  Hasselbeck showed in two playoff games that he is dangerous as long as he has time to throw.

The labor agreement seems to be getting ever so close, so perhaps we will soon know where Hasselbeck will settle in to put the exclamation point on his career.