I Hate Mondays: Year of the Veteran QB

With the NFL combine in Indianapolis currently taking place, it's easy to focus on the plethora of youth that is about to enter the league, but even so, this offseason appears to have an aging theme:

It's the year of the veteran quarterback.

There's some here, there's some there, there's some everywhere.

It started with Drew Bledsoe, who got the boot from the Buffalo Bills, but he quickly found his feet in Dallas. While he is no more than a temporary solution, at least he's got a starting job.

Next is Jeff Garcia. It was only last summer that the Cleveland Browns outbid the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the services of this steady quarterback (four years/$25 million) and now he's merely looking for a single bid. He's clearly serviceable, but he likely won't be guaranteed starting duties.

Then there's Kurt Warner. After a one-year stint with the New York Giants, he's still trying to prove his little engine can, but there isn't exactly a lineup for this ex-Super Bowl MVP.

Brad Johnson is soon to be a free agent as Brian Griese and Chris Simms have hop-scotched him on the Buccaneers' depth chart. Only two years ago, he was useful enough to lead Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl championship, now he is no longer adequate for the team's roster.

Jay Fiedler was never impressive as a Dolphin, but maybe a change of scenery will change the impressions he's made. Another starting quarterback from last season, Vinny Testaverde, should be looking for work this offseason, but to think either of these players will be in a huddle next season is laughable.

In the NFC East, it is not the first time Daniel Snyder has made a poor judgment of player personnel as the Redskins' General Manager, but offering Mark Brunell a seven-year contract worth $43 million definitely ranks up there with his worst decisions. Redskins Head Coach Joe Gibbs has already named Patrick Ramsey the starting quarterback for next season, which means Mark Brunell may be packing his bags pretty quickly — even if the teams is forced to take a cap hit.

Rich Gannon has restructured his contract to stick with the Raiders, and Rodney Peete may rework his deal as well to remain with the Panthers. The erratic Saints may politely ask Aaron Brooks to do the same if they find the amount of $5.5 million not commensurate to his contributions.

But the list isn't finished there. Kelly Holcomb and (if you are really reaching) Kordell Stewart are also on the market.

The problem is that there are so many "“experienced" quarterbacks, but so few vacancies. Most of these ex-starters will sign on as backups and be ready to step in. If not at the beginning of the season, then mid-season injuries will definitely urge a few phone calls.

At least one things for certain, with so many veterans available, Jeff George will not likely be receiving any more telephone rings.

Surplus of veteran quarterbacks and insufficient openings mix like Mondays and me.

"It's true hard work never killed anybody, but I figure, why take the chance?" — Ronald Reagan