Tarvaris Jackson to test free agency, per report

Seahawks longtime backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is going to test the waters of free agency this offseason, reports ESPN's Jessamyn McIntyre.

Sources close to Tarvaris Jackson tell me not to expect any deal before free agency begins. There was a strong market for him last year.

— Jessamyn McIntyre (@JessamynMcIntyr) February 12, 2016

Source also says TJack took less money last year to come back to the #Seahawks, where he made $1.5 mil total. Expects strong market this yr

— Jessamyn McIntyre (@JessamynMcIntyr) February 12, 2016

With the somewhat chaotic quarterback situation in 2015 for many teams, it does feel likely that a more stable and experienced veteran like Jackson could see his value on the rise. I had not heard that Jackson took less to stay with the Seahawks, which sort of points to him wanting to stick with a championship-caliber team, but I'm guessing that he did not pass up an opportunity to start anywhere to stay in Seattle. If this year's goal is not purely pay-based, he may be seeking a spot where he can compete to be a starter in 2016 as well.

Well, what's the mean for the Seahawks? If Jackson decides to leave in free agency, Seattle really does not have a real backup option on the roster. They had signed Phillip Sims to a futures deal a few weeks ago but is he a guy that they would depend on if Russell Wilson gets hurt? It seems unlikely. Instead, they may have to go outside and find a veteran option. Here's a list of the free agent quarterbacks, via NFL.com.

Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles
Matt Cassel, Dallas Cowboys
Jimmy Clausen, Baltimore Ravens
Kellen Clemens, San Diego Chargers
Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins
Chase Daniel, Kansas City Chiefs
Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets
Matt Flynn, New Orleans Saints
Bruce Gradkowski, Pittsburgh Steelers
Matt Hasselbeck, Indianapolis Colts
Chad Henne, Jacksonville Jaguars
Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks
Thad Lewis, Philadelphia Eagles
Ryan Lindley, Indianapolis Colts
Luke McCown, New Orleans Saints
Colt McCoy, Washington Redskins
Matt Moore, Miami Dolphins
Dan Orlovsky, Detroit Lions
Brock Osweiler, Denver Broncos
Matt Schaub, Baltimore Ravens
Drew Stanton, Arizona Cardinals
Scott Tolzien, Green Bay Packers
Mike Vick, Pittsburgh Steelers
Joe Webb, Carolina Panthers
Brandon Weeden, Houston Texans
Charlie Whitehurst, Indianapolis Colts
T.J. Yates, Houston Texans

Chase Daniel, Luke McCown, Colt McCoy, Matt Moore, and good old Chuck Whitehurst could make some sense, but the pickings are a little slim. We shall see what happens.