Top Free Agents: Cousins, Glennon headline QB class

With free agents able to officially sign at 4 p.m. ET on March 9, theScore takes a look at the top available players at each position.

Top free agents by position

• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers
• Tight Ends
• Offensive Linemen
• Edge Rushers
• Defensive Linemen
• Linebackers
• Cornerbacks/Safeties (Feb. 19)

Quarterbacks

Kirk Cousins

Age: 28 Height: 6'3" Weight: 210 lbs.

2016 stats: 4,917 passing yards, 25 TDs, 12 INTs

For the second season in a row, the most likely outcome is that the Redskins slap the franchise tag on Cousins. That means the quarterback will earn just under $24 million in 2017. The only question is whether Cousins will receive the exclusive or non-exclusive tag. If it's the latter, which allows other teams to negotiate with the player, the only realistic option outside of Washington is the 49ers, with new head coach Kyle Shanahan seeking a reliable option under center. It would cost San Francisco big, however. The Redskins would be owed two first-round picks if a tagged Cousins is signed by another team, and the veteran pivot would also likely command close to a record-breaking contract.

Potential landing spots: Redskins, 49ers

Mike Glennon

Age: 27 Height: 6'6" Weight: 225 lbs.

2016 stats: 11 pass attempts, 75 yards, 1 TD

For teams looking for a relatively cheap, stop-gap starter, Glennon will likely be the No. 1 priority. The former third-round pick has barely thrown a regular-season pass in two seasons behind Jameis Winston, but has some starting experience and decent upside. Teams like the Jets, Bears, and 49ers, who might take a quarterback early in this year's draft, could sign Glennon to a mid-sized contract and have him start until their young quarterback is ready to step in. Glennon might get lost as more experienced quarterbacks flood the market (Jay Cutler, Tyrod Taylor, Colin Kaepernick), but should, at the very least, get a shot at starting somewhere.

Potential landing spots: Jets, Bears, 49ers, Browns, Bills

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Age: 34 Height: 6'2" Weight: 223 lbs.

2016 stats: 2,710 passing yards, 12 TDs, 17 INTs

Only the Jets wanted Fitzpatrick as a starter last season, so it's difficult to imagine his market will be strong this offseason, though lesser contract demands could change that. Following an impressive 2015 season, the 34-year-old regressed to his usual level of play. Fitzpatrick has never been more than a game-manager, but his waning arm strength makes him an impossible sell as a starter. He could join a team as an experienced backup who could help tutor a young quarterback, but Fitzpatrick's attitude toward the Jets' management during 2016 might make teams concerned about him in a mentor role.

Potential landing spots: Bears, Cowboys, Falcons, Browns

Brian Hoyer

Age: 31 Height: 6'2" Weight: 215 lbs.

2016 stats: 1,445 passing yards, 6 TDs

If the Bears move on from Cutler but opt to take a young passer instead of, say, trading for Jimmy Garoppolo, they'll need an experienced quarterback on the roster. Playing in relief of Cutler this season, Hoyer produced some of the best football of his career. While his play didn't exactly match his great numbers, Chicago and head coach John Fox could see him as the most logical candidate to groom a young quarterback. Outside of the Bears, Hoyer's market is unlikely to be strong, with only teams in need of backup possibly showing interest.

Potential landing spots: Bears, Cowboys, Falcons

Geno Smith

Age: 26 Height: 6'3" Weight: 221 lbs.

2016 stats: 14 pass attempts, 126 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

While no team will bring in Smith with the idea of making him a starter, he could land in a spot where he has a shot at competing. Smith hasn't seen significant playing time since 2014, and even then, the young pivot was a disappointment. But he does have an intriguing physical skill set, and at 26 years old, has the time to turn his career around.

Potential landing spots: Bills, Browns, Jaguars

Other notable free-agent QBs

• EJ Manuel
• Matt McGloin
• Blaine Gabbert
• Mark Sanchez
• Case Keenum
• Josh McCown
• Matt Schaub
• Matt Barkley
• Landy Jones
• Matt Cassel

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)