The NFL’s “legal tampering” period of free agency is here and the news is coming fast, with multiple stars receiving the franchise tag ahead of Monday’s deadline. It’s going to be hard to keep track of the comings and goings once the market officially opens on Wednesday, so let’s set the table with five things I care about and five things I don’t think are worth much attention in free agency.

5 Things I care about

Which QB is left without a seat?

The 2020 quarterback market is one of the most robust crops we’ve seen in years. Veterans of varying stature are poised to change teams. In a typical year, there are fewer than three free agents available on the open market who can reasonably be expected to compete for a starting job. This year, even with Ryan Tannehill getting paid by the Titans, we’re overcrowded with such players. That’s not even considering the two draft prospects destined to go in the top five picks.

While the look of this market benefits the teams itching to add another body to their passer room, the upcoming game of musical chairs brings with it one inevitability: Some quarterback will be left without a seat.

Jameis Winston feels like a wild card in that vein. In a typical year, a 26-year-old former No. 1 overall pick with a career 7.7 yards per attempt mark would be one of the most desirable picks of the litter.

In the current quarterback market, there are too many other options.

For once, teams have the luxury of thoroughly examining each available player’s flaws. Putting Winston under that microscope will reveal far too many flaws for an organization to feel it can sell a fanbase this is their unquestioned guy, for the short or long term.

Things will get really interesting if the Buccaneers decide they’re truly ready move on from Winston, which looks like the case with Tampa Bay franchising Shaquil Barrett. If the notably frustrated Bruce Arians isn’t ready to keep a seat open for him, where does Winston go next? Odds are he’d end up in a Tannehill-type mold as a backup behind a shaky starter in the hopes he can emerge for his own redemption after a mid-season benching.

Can Teddy Bridgewater change the tide of a team?

Teddy Bridgewater could be a stabilizing force for whatever NFL team signs him in free agency. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) More

A one-time first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, Teddy Bridgewater is on the cusp of writing a storybook ending to a tale filled with twists. Bridgewater showed last season in New Orleans that he is indeed all the way back from a gruesome knee injury that threatened to end his career. The Saints won all five of his starts in relief of Drew Brees. Bridgewater achieved a 7.5 adjusted yards per attempt mark during that span.

He looked every bit the part of the late 20s version of Alex Smith: a quarterback with enough individual talent to make plays on his own but at his best is an extension of a great offensive play-caller. We saw how Smith instantly brought credibility to a once-adrift Kansas City Chiefs franchise as their point guard simply by flawlessly operating Andy Reid’s system and limiting mistakes.

Bridgewater can be that player in the right spot.

A franchise might not secure their next five seasons of prosperity by signing Bridgewater. However, they can calm a storm before drafting a young player to develop in a few seasons. In the right situation, Bridgewater would bring a boost to the fantasy stock of players currently on his next roster while keeping the team closer to contention.

Quick top-five power rankings of spots for Teddy

Indianapolis Colts — Ideal fit as a facilitator paired with an excellent offensive innovator, but the team might be locked onto Philip Rivers. New England Patriots — Have already implemented the quick-strike passing game he’s used to but need to restock weaponry. Los Angeles Chargers — Depends on where L.A. views the trajectory of the team, but players like Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler fit Bridgewater like a glove. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — A bevy of weapons to work with, but while they could be looking for a contrast to Winston Bruce Arians’ downfield passing scheme may not be a match. Chicago Bears — Matt Nagy worked with Smith in Kansas City, the scheme would fit and receivers like Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller would rejoice, but this feels like more of an end to the Trubisky era than Chicago is ready for.

Where Robby Anderson lands

If Amari Cooper does indeed stay in Dallas, we’re looking at Robby Anderson as the lone available proven high-quality starting wide receiver that’s under the age of 30. As such, expect his market to be robust.

From a pure projection standpoint, we care about where Anderson lands because he’s a good receiver that will shake up a team’s target-totem-pole. Anderson hasn’t always put it together in the stat sheet, but along with his established deep game prowess he’s a full-field route-runner who is especially dangerous on crossing patterns. However, Anderson’s own skills won’t be the only benefit he brings to a new team. Vertical threats like him also open up opportunities for other players all across the offense.