NFL Free Agency Rumors: 8 Teams Who Could Sign No. 8, Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck has been a lighting rod amongst the fans in Seattle. Some simply recognize him as the face of the franchise and the only QB to lead them to the Super Bowl. Others look beyond that and see a QB that was very productive when running a balanced offense with decent pass blocking and a rushing attack.
Seattle hasn't had either of those the last three seasons, and Hasselbeck's numbers have reflected it. Some fans point to turnover issues in recent seasons, claiming Hasselbeck can no longer be a starting-caliber QB. Others don't believe that is an accurate depiction of Hasselbeck's abilities.
The New Orleans Saints were provided a reminder of the kind of QB Hasselbeck still is. He played two great games vs. them and the Chicago Bears during the 2010 season.
Hasselbeck is the best QB that will be available in free agency, and there are 8 teams that could make a push to sign him.
No Return to the Seattle Seahawks
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I'm including a slide for Seattle because this is where he has been. However, and it pains me to say this as a Seahawk fan, Matt isn't going to be back...at least not in a Seahawk uniform.
I stated in early March that both sides went through the motions to make it look like Seattle was trying to sign Hasselbeck, but it wasn't going to happen. There were too many signs that Seattle was ready to move in a new direction, and that Hasselbeck wanted a big final payday and a chance to return to the Super Bowl. Seattle offers neither of these.
Trent Dilfer went on record Saturday, stating he knows Hasselbeck won't return to the Seahawks. He credits his friendship with Hasselbeck and Dilfer's co-worker, Matt's younger brother, Tim.
Cleveland Browns: No Reunion with Mike Holmgren
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This has been a popular rumor over the last few months, as Hasselbeck and Holmgren were very close.
But to be fair, the odds of Hasselbeck landing in Cleveland are even less than Seattle. Holmgren has his starting QB in Colt McCoy. He's not going to pay Hasselbeck starting money as a backup, and Hasselbeck has no interest in going somewhere if he won't be starting.
No. 8: Arizona Cardinals
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Despite Peter King (and countless other pundits) stating Arizona is the most likely landing spot for Hasselbeck, don't buy the hype. He also said the Cardinals would draft Blaine Gabbert, and claimed the Panthers didn't like Cam Newton and wouldn't draft him.
I'm not going to claim to be an expert on every team in the NFL, but I do know the teams in the NFC West. I was dumbfounded at the analysts that thought Gabbert was a fit in Arizona, and dedicated an article to why the Cardinals wouldn't draft him.
I feel almost as strongly on the Cardinals and Hasselbeck not being a good fit. While Hasselbeck can get vertical at times, it isn't where he excels. The Cardinals need a QB ready to air the ball out to Larry Fitzgerald, and they need to give Fitzgerald the assurance that he can stay in Arizona beyond this next season.
Signing Hasselbeck for a year or two won't accomplish that. The Cardinals need to bring in a younger QB, or put confidence in John Skelton.
There is another side to this coin. Hasselbeck has been clear that he wants to play for a contender. He tasted the Super Bowl once, but left with a sour palate. I doubt he is going to feel the Cardinals offer him that opportunity.
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No. 7: Oakland Raiders
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The Raiders put their faith in Jason Campbell, but he didn't quite develop as they'd hoped. With Bruce Gradkowski being a free agent, the Raiders need to find a spark on the offense.
The Raiders certainly have a lot of targets for Hasselbeck...they draft a few speedsters every year. Maybe one of them would be able to catch a touch pass from Matt.
One of the biggest issues that could be facing the Raiders is telling Campbell he has to change numbers.
No. 6: Washington Redskins
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There have been comments that Hasselbeck isn't a fit with the Redskins, but he could be their best option right now. Grossman isn't going to lead them to the playoffs, and he certainly isn't going to lead their newly-drafted QB. Oh...wait. Despite the 12 picks in the 2011 draft, the Redskins didn't manage to find time to draft a QB.
The Redskins may be looking at a future QB in the 2012 draft, which could diminish what Hasselbeck can offer. However, on a two-year deal he'd still have one year to work with the rookie. It may not be ideal, but the Redskins are low on options.
Unfortunately for them, Hasselbeck likely isn't and is apt to find a better offer elsewhere.
No. 5: Miami Dolphins
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I'm including the Dolphins because they are part of the rumor mill, but I don't see this as a credible option for Hasselbeck. They run an offense that relies on more QB mobility than Hasselbeck will offer, and they need more than just a transitional QB. They don't have a young QB in their system that can learn and then takeover in a year or two, making Hasselbeck a stop-gap solution when they don't have a long-term plan in sight.
Look for the Dolphins to make a run at Kevin Kolb if and when he is available.
No. 4: San Francisco 49ers
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The thought of Hasselbeck wearing a 49er uniform turns the stomachs of most Seahawk fans. However, there is a small group of fans that feel he is too fragile and washed up to be effective...some of them want him to lead the 49ers, making it easier for the Seahawks to beat the 49ers.. We'll ignore their inane ramblings.
The 49ers have their new quarterback, promising rookie Colin Kaepernick. He has a lot to learn to transition to the NFL, though, and there are doubts that Alex Smith is they QB to help him along. After all, if Smith was a capable NFL starter the 49ers wouldn't have given up what they did to trade up to draft Kaepernick.
Jim Harbaugh is instituting a new west coast offense in the Bay. He would love to show his worth early in his new tenure, and Hasselbeck gives him the best opportunity to do so. The question is how much are they willing to pay him to do it, and does Hasselbeck see San Francisco as a team ready to make a playoff push.
No. 3: Cincinnati Bengals
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It looks like Carson Palmer won't be back in Cincinnati, and rumor has it that he is being traded to Seattle. This would free up salary room for the Bengals to sign Hasselbeck.
The Bengals are a better team than their record indicated, and an experienced QB could bring some organization to their offense. Many of their issues revolved around a dispute with Palmer a Chad Ochocinco.
Hasselbeck would have the opportunity to possibly work with "The Chad," along with first-round draft pick, WR A.J. Green. He'd also be there to help bring along second-round draft pick Andy Dalton, QB TCU.
No. 2: Minnesota Vikings
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This stop makes a lot of sense for both parties. The Vikings have just drafted a west coast quarterback in Christian Ponder, and need a starting quarterback to lead the team and help bring Ponder along. They are also installing a new west coast offense under former 49er quarterback, Bill Musgrave.
Hasselbeck would be a great fit in this run-first offense, as he thrived under that system in Seattle.
Hasselbeck is likely somewhat familiar with Musgrave's terminology. Hasselbeck spent close to a decade working under Mike Holmgren. When Musgrave became a QB in San Francisco, Holmgren was his QB coach the first year, and then served as the offensive coordinator.
The Vikings did miss the playoffs in 2010, but they have the talent to make a run again in 2011. That will certainly entice Hasselbeck.
The only potential hurdle to this arrangement is financial, but a team willing to spend $20 million on Brett Favre at age 42 should be able to find half that amount for a 35 year old Hasselbeck.
No. 1: Tennessee Titans
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At this point I need to ride the horse that got me here. In my final mock draft I made the bold statement that the Titans would make Jake Locker the second QB taken with the eighth pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
To mold Locker, the Titans won't likely look to Kerry Collins, who hasn't reached the level of play they'd hoped for. Instead, I see the Titans making a run at the playoffs with Hasselbeck leading the offense. The Titans have a strong run game, and need a QB that can distribute the ball and help Locker learn. That is exactly what Hasselbeck does, and would do for the Titans.
Hasselbeck can help teach Locker to read defenses, make solid progressions through his receivers and help him develop better footwork and throwing fundamentals.
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