When was the last time a franchise QB willingly left a team?

[teeray]

For all the over the top hand wringing over Cam Newton taking his talents to Dallas, NYJ, etc. it got me thinking.

When was the last time a franchise QB in his prime left a franchise unilaterally via free agency?

Has it ever happened?? It is a serious question, because I can't think of one and was wondering if a true franchise QB has ever said, "I am not signing an extension I am going into free agency." and signed with another team. Or has there ever been a franchise QB that was not tagged and allowed to walk without some form of compensation?

Anyone have an example of this happening??

[carpanfan96]

Drew Brees and payton Manning off the top. Both had serious injury question marks though.

[JawnyBlaze]

It doesn't really happen. For all that I disagree with Shula as our OC, I don't doubt for a minute Cam is happy with it. I also don't believe there's any chance Cam lebrons us.

[Awesomeness!!]

Eli

[Goondal]

Drew Brees and payton Manning off the top. Both had serious injury question marks though.

Their teams chose to go in different directions. I do not think that is what the OP was referring to.

[nctarheel0619]

Drew Brees and payton Manning off the top. Both had serious injury question marks though.

They had Rivers in San Diego and Payton got released. So, yeah not even close.

[JawnyBlaze]

Drew Brees and payton Manning off the top. Both had serious injury question marks though.

I almost said Payton, but he was cut.

Brees wasn't a franchise QB when he left. He was a guy that might have had the potential to become one.

In both those situations the teams they were leaving made it known they wanted the QB gone by drafting their replacements while they were still on the team. (Or making it widely known they were going to draft their replacement, in Paytons case)

The only other case that comes close to fitting the description was Favre leaving GB, but again it wasn't like GB was trying to keep him and Favre forced his way out. If we want to keep Cam we will.

[Kevin Greene]

Brett Favre, Kurt Warner

[JawnyBlaze]

Eli

Heh good call. What a douche.

[TheRed]

Drew Brees and payton Manning off the top. Both had serious injury question marks though.

Huh.

Brees was traded, and Manning was released at age what 36.. I wouldn't call either willingly.

[Awesomeness!!]

Prior to Lebron stars leaving their teams, periid was pretty rare

[nctarheel0619]

John Elway too.

[Marguide]

He is no longer rightfully called a "franchise QB" but Carson Palmer was considered one at the time he forced his way out of Cincy.

When is the last time a potentially elite QB had to endure years of losing? As long as we're talking in hypotheticals, let's go there too.

No one can say what will happen, but I don't see Cam staying a highly motivated, hard working QB for this organization if we don't have some success and if there is a perception that our FO is making a half-assed effort.

[Awesomeness!!]

JAKE DELHOMME HELLO PEOPLE