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It's an interesting quarterback free agency class this year with some potential starters and a few career backups. None of them should be on the market long.

1. Jay Cutler

We’re still not sure if Cutler’s future lies with the Chicago Bears or not. This weekend against Cleveland, we saw some evidence supporting the thought that it is time to move on (two interceptions, bringing the season total to 10 in nine games) and evidence that it’s worth hanging with him (three touchdowns and 265 yards).

All told, Cutler has probably had as many bad moments as good with the Bears. Head coach Marc Trestman seems like a guy who might be able to take Cutler to the next level.

But let’s assume for a moment that the Bears decide to move on and Trestman brings in his own guy.

Cutler could be an interesting option to several teams in desperate need of a quarterback. Maybe Cutler isn’t ever going to reach the level of Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady, but he has made some very nice plays and is a solid quarterback.

Sure, he'll cost a ton of money, but for a team with talent in place—perhaps Houston or Tennessee—that might be a worthwhile investment.

Cutler is also one of only two true starting-caliber free agents and the one with more tread left on his tires.

Maybe Cutler isn't the friendliest sort, and he may not care what you think, but he's a solid quarterback and the best pure starter in this class.

2. Michael Vick

We know Michael Vick is far closer to the end of his career than the beginning, but if a team is looking for a bridge or hoping to cash in on the “read-option” fad that’s no longer sweeping the nation, he's the guy in this free agency group.

In the right offense, he should have a few more years of starting productivity left. He also shouldn’t command heaps of money as a free agent, in large part because of his injury issues.

Given Nick Foles’ success, Vick will not be the starter in Philadelphia again. It’s hard to imagine he will stick around to be a backup.

3. Josh McCown

Someone, somewhere will give Josh McCown starting quarterback money.

It’s probably a phenomenal mistake, but if it happened for Matt Flynn (twice!), there’s a good chance it will happen for McCown.

McCown isn’t a bad quarterback—we saw him succeed under Bears coach Marc Trestman—so with the right guidance, he’s been effective.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett to throw to and Matt Forte to clear out the defense.

He’s a good backup who can clearly step in for a length of time in the right situation. Even if someone overpays him a starter this offseason, he's best suited as a backup.

4. Josh Freeman

Who is Josh Freeman?

The efficient 2010 player who threw for 3,451 yards and 25 touchdowns with just six interceptions?

The wildly inconsistent 2011 version with more yards (3,592) and way more interceptions (22) but fewer touchdowns (16)?

Or the dumpster fire from this year? The guy who was run out of one city and then only got a single start before his new coaching staff pulled the plug?

Freeman has ability and could have some value in a new situation.

Minnesota served him up in a position to do nothing but fail—starting shortly after his arrival, behind a struggling offensive line, with receivers who were either shaky (Jerome Simpson) or adjusting to the offense themselves (Greg Jennings).

His one-and-done implosion may not be a real sign of how he could perform with more support or time.

Freeman still has a chance to be a starting quarterback, but if he falls apart again, you get the feeling he may not even be a backup. Some guys just don’t ever make that transition.

5. Chad Henne

Of the potential backups on the free agency list—a group including Seneca Wallace, Kellen Clemens and Jimmy Clausen—Henne has been the most successful one over the span of his career.

While not likely a starter for any team, Henne has proven he can fill in capably if a team's starting quarterback goes down. At times, he's even done well.

He won’t cost you much and he could give you peace of mind.