The Circle Game
By Peyton Schultze
Will an overwhelming offer force Seattle to trade their franchise quarterback in Russell Wilson? (via NFL Trade Rumors).
This current offseason looks like it is building up to be one of the most transformational time periods in recent NFL history. With star quarterbacks demanding trades and young superstars struggling to get deals done with their teams, all 32 teams are faced with an added sense of pressure to nail down the position for the future in order to stay afloat with some of the top teams in football.
This means that the future of the quarterback position around the league could turn completely upside down over the next few months, especially as more and more teams go in a new direction. While Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson may dominate the headlines right now, expect plenty of movement around the league at the game’s most important position.
With that said, here is a look at our predictions for who will suit up as the starting quarterback for all 32 teams in the 2021 season:
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tom Brady
The seven-time champion isn’t going next year, especially with the Bucs looking to go for back-to-back titles (via OregonLive.com).
He may not have anything left to prove at this point, but that isn’t stopping the great Tom Brady from suiting up anytime soon. Yes, Brady is 43 and had some rough patches over the course of last season before a phenomenal playoff stretch. But after playing through an unknown postseason knee injury, being surrounded by the league’s best cast of offensive targets in football, and with a sensational defense behind him set to return once again next year, Brady has everything he needs to potentially capture his eighth Super Bowl ring next season.
Barring something completely unforeseen, the GOAT will be right back in Tampa Bay next season for the most recent Super Bowl champions.
Who They Should Go With: Tom Brady
Wild Card Play: N/A
New Orleans Saints: Jameis Winston
Winston will face some pressure next season, but is in a good position to put up huge numbers in New Orleans (via Sports Illustrated).
For the first time in over a decade, the New Orleans Saints look like they’ll have someone other than Drew Brees suiting up center. Brees still has not announced his retirement, but with his arm strength eroding over time and his contract officially reduced for next year, the choice seems inevitable for head coach Sean Payton and the rest of the organization.
That leaves Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill in a likely quarterback competition between the two backups from a season. The Saints could have pipe dreams of somehow landing Russell Wilson from the Seahawks, but the likelihood of the team going out and re-signing their backup from last year seems much higher at this point with such a heavy package likely required for Wilson’s talents. Hill was a nice spark plug last season in relief of the injured Brees, but Winston’s ability to push the ball down the field gives the Saints the best chance of staying in contention and competing for a division crown next season.
Who They Should Go With: Jameis Winston
Wild Card Play: Russell Wilson
Carolina Panthers: Deshaun Watson
If Watson is moved, the Panthers may have the best package available on the table (via SB Nation).
If one thing is clear in Carolina after last season, it is that Teddy Bridgewater does not appear like he will be back with the Panthers. That leaves the team looking for answers at quarterback, and although the Texans claim that they are unwilling to move their star quarterback at this time, it appears like the clock is quickly ticking in Houston.
That leaves our first major surprise of our list, with the magnificent talents of Deshaun Watson heading to the Panthers. The Jets and Dolphins arguably have just as good, if not better, trade packages in the works for Watson, but the Panthers look like they are going to be very aggressive in the coming weeks. That could mean Watson, a player they have been tied to in rumors for weeks, could be their strongest play, and their best chance to return to contention in the NFC South.
With that said, the Panthers would likely need to give up major assets, including franchise cornerstone Christian McCaffrey. If the deal is too high for Carolina in the end, their other move could be through the draft. Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson will likely be off the board by the time the Panthers draft at #8 overall, but the team could be very interested in the future of the position in players like Justin Fields, trey Lance, and Mac Jones.
Who They Should Go With: Deshaun Watson
Wild Card Play: Justin Fields
Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan has been under fire this offseason, but should be back in Atlanta next season (via The Falconholic).
People may be jumping off of Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons a little too early due to their poor record from a season. Ryan has been rumored to be replaced by a rookie quarterback in the upcoming draft, but at only 35 years-old, the veteran signal caller still has some mileage left in the tank and is somehow vastly underrated at this point in his career with so many quarterbacks on the move around him.
In addition, with new head coach Arthur Smith coming off two great years with quarterback Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee, the current Falcons’ starter could be do for a resurgent 2021 season with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley still ready to suit up. The Falcons’ offense should not be moving many players from their loaded receiving group from a year ago, and while the team did have some real faults on offense a year ago, their single focus in the draft should purely be on improving one of the worst defensive units in all of football.
Who They Should Go With: Matt Ryan
Wild Card Play: Justin Fields
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence
Clemson’s Lawrence appears to be the next answer at the quarterback position in Jacksonville alongside head coach Urban Meyer (via The State).
Will the Jaguars have any last minute doubts about selecting Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft? They shouldn’t, as the former college star looks like a franchise cornerstone who will be a member of the Jaguars for the next decade if he can help turn around their fortunes in recent memory.
The only way that this situation doesn’t happen is if the Jaguars overthink the pick and end up taking Zach Wilson or Justin Fields. While both players have their strengths and should be able to become decent starters in the league, none has the true pedigree of Lawrence coming off his stunning college career under Dabo Swinney. Jacksonville should be able to do the right thing and select Lawrence, which could give them a sudden wave of momentum in the organization.
Who They Should Go With: Trevor Lawrence
Wild Card Play: Zach Wilson
Indianapolis Colts: Carson Wentz
Heading into the offseason, both Carson Wentz and the Colts had some major about their futures. So what could be better than pairing those two together for the future? The Colts are making a major investment in Wentz after taking on his contract after his terrible 2020 season, but they seem locked in on surrounding him with plenty of talent to ensure success next season. Wentz is the Colts’ starter for next year, but his status after that remains a real question that does not have any answers right now.
Who They Should Go With: Carson Wentz
Wild Card Play: N/A
Houston Texans: Teddy Bridgewater
A potential Watson trade to Carolina could at least get the Texans back a decent starter in Teddy Bridgewater (via USA Today).
If Carolina ends up making the huge move for Deshaun Watson like we predict, the Texans should at least be able to receive a decent quarterback in return in the form of Teddy Bridgewater. The former Louisville star is likely not the future at the position in Houston, but he could be a nice stop-gap starter for the Texans as they look to rebuild their entire organization after losing most of their core talent.
Watson could always take back his trade demands, which could mean Houston would be able to retain their best quarterback in franchise history. But that seems unlikely at this point in their relationship, as Watson is ready to move on to a different location with a lack of resources surrounding him with the Texans. This means that the Texans need to find a quarterback who can fill in for the short-term future before they are able to draft a youngster to build around in the future. Bridgewater is the clear answer in a swap deal with the Panthers, but quarterback Sam Darnold may be available at a cheap price too. Either option is solid if Watson is moved, which seems almost inevitable with every passing month bringing us closer to the 2021 NFL Draft.
Who They Should Go With: Deshaun Watson
Wild Card Play: Sam Darnold
Tennessee Titans: Ryan Tannehill
Ryan Tannehill has been spectacular on the second team of his career and appears to be locked in for the near future as the Titans’ starting quarterback (via USA Today).
Since taking over for Marcus Mariota, quarterback Ryan Tannehill has put up gigantic numbers and become a borderline star as a member of the Titans. It helps that Tannehill has a supporting cast with two of the most elite playmakers in the league in Derrick Henry and AJ Brown, but that doesn’t marginalize his play whatsoever. Tannehill has been awesome during his time in Tennessee under head coach Mike Vrabel, and it does not appear like he will go anywhere in the very near future as long as his exceptional play continues.
Who They Should Go With: Ryan Tannehill
Wild Card Play: N/A
NFC North
Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers still has plenty of great football ahead and does not appear to be on his way out of Green Bay anytime soon despite the team drafting Jordan Love last year (via Madison.com).
There are likely going to be some kind of rumors regarding second-year quarterback Jordan Love’s playing time or a potential exit from Green Bay for Rodgers over the course of this offseason, but last year’s MVP will not be heading anywhere this offseason. At his peak, Rodgers makes a case for the best player in all of football and is a future Hall of Famer, which means that his Packer tenure will last as long as the team wants him.
Who They Should Go With: Aaron Rodgers
Wild Card Play: N/A
Detroit Lions: Jared Goff
After trading away Matthew Stafford, Detroit seems focused on getting new signal caller Jared Goff ready for the 2021 season (via USA Today).
Head coach Dan Campbell seems all-in on the prospect of the Lions adding Jared Goff to the mix in Detroit, which means he is the clear answer at quarterback heading into the season.
Goff has been off-and-on during his short NFL career so far, but it worth considering that he has been a solid postseason performer with plenty of experience under his belt in his career. This is huge news for a Detroit organization that has struggled to make any playoff noise over the past three decades, which means that Goff could be a useful spark in the organization. It may be hard to find many people who would argue that Goff is one of the best signal callers in football, but he is a nice piece moving forward for the Lions as they look to transition away from the Matthew Stafford-era of football in Detroit.
The Lions could always draft a top quarterback in this draft to compete with Goff heading into training camp, but it seems unlikely that they will do so unless one slips to their selection. With that said, the former Ram is the starter for 2021 and is unlikely to face immediate pressure with such low expectations surrounding the Lions.
Who They Should Go With: Jared Goff
Wild Card Play: Justin Fields
Minnesota Vikings: Kirk Cousins
Despite a step backward in the win/loss department, Kirk Cousins put up some big numbers in the 2020 season (via San Diego Union-Tribune).
Kirk Cousins is not the ideal quarterback by any means, but the Vikings have no reason to move on from him right now after committing to him with a long-term deal. The Vikings have also surrounded Cousins with plenty of elite offensive talent, and while their offensive line is shaky up front at times, Minnesota has much larger problems on the defensive side right now. The Vikings’ current starter should be back next season, but will be under a lot of pressure to deliver a deeper playoff pursuit in the 2021 season.
Who They Should Go With: Kirk Cousins
Wild Card Play: N/A
Chicago Bears: Russell Wilson
A Chicago trade for Russell Wilson would immediately shift the Super Bowl conversation in the NFC (via The Spun).
Are the Bears ready to finally make a big move and acquire a top quarterback? One of the team’s least fortunate organizations when it comes to signal callers looks hungry for a new leader in the locker room, and the recent rumors surrounding Russell Wilson should be music to Chicago’s ears.
The Bears are the single team that seems the most desperate for Wilson right now, which means that the Seahawks could react very quickly over the next couple of weeks. Although the Seahawks may be hesitant at first, they would be wise to take the best possible package right away rather than standing by and waiting for things to potentially fold over in Wilson’s case. As for the Bears, a trade for Wilson would automatically place them in the conversation for a Super Bowl appearance in 2021. These signs point toward a deal getting done between these two organizations, which could have massive implications felt throughout the NFL.
The Bears have some cap issues to overcome in the middle of this deal, but the prospect of the Bears acquiring a new quarterback seem more promising with every day. Chicago needs a game-changer at the position, and there is no player available right now that more exemplifies this trait than the spectacular Wilson.
Who They Should Go With: Russell Wilson
Wild Card Play: Ryan Fitzpatrick
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson’s game-changing abilities are rare for the quarterback position, which should make him the Ravens’ starter for a long time (via New York Post).
Lamar Jackson has been a pure superstar since the moment he became the full-time starter for the Ravens in his rookie year, and although he still has some passing mechanics to fix, he is surely a franchise quarterback. Jackson is one of the most unique players in the history of the league, and it doesn’t even seem like the Ravens’ starter has come anywhere close to his peak yet. The former league MVP will be right back under center for Baltimore in the 2021 season.
Who They Should Go With: Lamar Jackson
Wild Card Play: N/A
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger
Even with a poor finish to the 2020 season, Big Ben is set to return as the starter for the Steelers in 2021 (via USA Today).
A week ago, this conversation could have been much more interesting. But after future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took a reduced pay cut for the 2021 season that will send him back to Pittsburgh for another year in the twilight of his career, the longtime Steelers’ veteran is penciled in as the starter for next season.
Roethlisberger, despite some bloated stats late in games, played poorly down the stretch of the 2020 season, which was capped off with a shocking loss at home to the rival Cleveland Browns. This could have meant that Pittsburgh would be willing to part ways with the veteran signal caller and move onto another player at the position like Mason Rudolph or through a trade in the offseason, but both sides ultimately agreed on a new deal in place. Roethlisberger is not the same player he once was at this stage in his career, and while he still has the occasional explosion on offense with a new group of receiving targets around him, consistency has been hard to come by. Big Ben is the starter for 2021, but you would have to think that the Steelers will have little patience with him moving forward.
Who They Should Go With: Sam Darnold or Kyle Trask
Wild Card Play: N/A
Cleveland Browns: Baker Mayfield
Mayfield appears to be the Browns’ long-awaited answer at the quarterback position after a very solid 2020 season in Cleveland (via USA Today).
If Baker Mayfield would not have put up the numbers he did in the second half of the season in 2020, this conversation might have been much more interesting. But ever since head coach Kevin Stefanski helped change the identity of the Browns’ offense with a run-first approach led by a powerful offensive line, Mayfield has evolved as a player and appears to be the Browns’ future at quarterback. The 2021 season could prove otherwise for Mayfield if he ends up struggling like he did in his second-year, but the local Cleveland hero, coming off his first playoff win over the rival Steelers, is a lock to be the Browns’ starter at quarterback next season after the magic of the 2020 season.
Who They Should Go With: Baker Mayfield
Wild Card Play: N/A
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow
Despite a knee injury, Burrow proved he is the star of the future in Cincinnati (via 247 Sports).
Joe Burrow may be coming off a devastating knee injury in the first year of his NFL career, but he showed plenty of promise in his rookie season to show he is the future at the quarterback position for the Bengals. If healthy upon his return to the starting lineup, Burrow and the Bengals should be able to take a step forward next season if he can get some protection up front, which is great news for fans in Cincinnati. The former Heisman winner is a star in the making, and will not be heading anywhere else any time soon.
Who They Should Go With: Joe Burrow
Wild Card Play: N/A
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers: Jimmy Garoppolo/Trey Lance
The 49ers have a lot of options at quarterback this offseason despite being tied to Jimmy Garoppolo for the long-term (via Yardbarker.com and ESPN).
Is Jimmy Garoppolo the future of the quarterback position in San Francisco? The 49ers seem a little weary of that prospect, as this offseason has already been full of rumors relating to Jimmy G’s future, as well as possible candidates who could replace him in the starting lineup.
Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousins has long been linked to head coach Kyle Shanahan, and while Minnesota does not appear to be interested in trading him, he could be of great intrigue to the 49ers. Cousins’ skillset is a great match with what the 49ers run, and while Garoppolo has played well so far when healthy in San Francisco, those injuries linger. This means that general manager John Lynch will at least explore adding another quarterback to the room in San Francisco, and quarterback Trey Lance looks like the best option in the draft. Pairing Jimmy G with Lance could be a great competition for the future, and the 49ers could benefit from developing Lance behind their incumbent before throwing him out on the field in the 2022 season.
The Niners have a lot of options that could make-or-break their 2021 season, which means they should be as aggressive as possible. Our guess is that they will play it safe by keeping Garoppolo and adding a youngster, which could bring some real intensity heading into training camp this year.
Who They Should Go With: Kirk Cousins
Wild Card Play: Kirk Cousins or Deshaun Watson
Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford
For better or for worse, the Rams are committed and rolling with Stafford as their starter for the 2021 season (via Detroit Free Press).
A couple of weeks ago and the Rams’ quarterback story would have been one of the most controversial ones on the board. However, after the team made the big move to trade for longtime Lions’ starter Matthew Stafford for a massive haul of picks and quarterback Jared Goff, it is clear who the starter is under center for the Rams in 2021. Stafford is the leader of the Rams’ offense now, and all the pressure is on him to deliver with huge production in his first year in Los Angeles.
Who They Should Go With: Matthew Stafford
Wild Card Play: N/A
Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray
Murray has been sensational so far in his young career as the Cardinals’ starter (via DraftKings Nation).
As soon as JJ Watt signed with the Arizona Cardinals, ridiculous rumors regarding Deshaun Watson heading to Arizona were bound to happen. Yet quarterback Kyler Murray has proven to be a true star in the making during his time in the desert so far as a member of the Cardinals, which makes him the long-term answer at the position in Arizona. The Cardinals are not that far off from being real contenders in the NFC if they can add some pieces around Murray on both sides of the ball, which could happen much sooner than people expect if they are able to put together a big offseason over the next few months.
Who They Should Go With: Kyler Murray
Wild Card Play: N/A
Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick is the ultimate backup plan in the event that Russell Wilson is traded from the team (via The Spun).
Russell Wilson was once thought to be the true face of the Seahawks moving forward, but those plans have taken a massive hit over the past couple of weeks. A Wilson trade is not guaranteed, but trade rumors around the league could force Seattle to make a drastic move by trading their franchise quarterback for a collection of picks and talent moving forward.
This seems like more and more of a possibility leading up the NFL Draft, which could force Seattle to acquire a quarterback. If they are unable to land a player like Derek Carr or Dak Prescott in a Wilson trade, Ryan Fitzpatrick is the clear option on the market for the Seahawks. Seattle will not be looking to all of a sudden rebuild in the final stages of Pete Carroll’s career, so bringing in an experienced and battle-tested veteran like Fitzpatrick makes a lot of sense if the Seahawks want to stay in contention. The longtime journeyman has proven to give a lot to the teams that he has been a part of, and while not perfect by any means, he is a great locker room influence who could help soothe out problems in a locker room that could soon be losing their best player.
Of course the Seahawks should not trade Wilson by any means, but external pressure could force their hand in a desperate move to finally rid of the impending situation. Fitzpatrick has to be their emergency option, which is why a trade for Wilson could develop quickly over the next two weeks.
Who They Should Go With: Russell Wilson
Wild Card Play: Derek Carr
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
With two Super Bowl appearances in three years, Mahomes is a lock for the next decade in Kansas City (via Forbes).
This one is easy and does not require much explanation at all: Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the league right now and will return to the Kansas City Chiefs as their starter for the 2021 season.
Who They Should Go With: Patrick Mahomes
Wild Card Play: N/A
Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert
The Offensive Rookie of the Year was truly spectacular in his first year in Los Angles (via Las Vegas Review-Journal).
It surely did not take very long for the Chargers to find their next star quarterback, as Justin Herbert quickly rose through the quarterback ranks and appears to be the current and future answer at the position. With an Offensive Rookie of the Year award and a now-NFL record for touchdown passes for a rookie under his belt, Herbert is the future of the Chargers and has added another new layer on intrigue to a loaded AFC West.
The Chargers have some holes they need to clean up over the offseason, but they do appear to have an extremely bright future ahead with Herbert at the helm. Los Angeles’ new leader has all the makings of a generational quarterback, and with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs now carrying a target on their back at the top of the division after two straight Super Bowl appearances, the Chargers could be looking to make a serious leap forward next season.
Who They Should Go With: Justin Herbert
Wild Card Play: N/A
Las Vegas Raiders: Derek Carr
Derek Carr has been surrounded by trade rumors for years, but he remains a constant presence inside the Raider organization (via USA Today).
For as often as Derek Carr has been mentioned in direct trade rumors during his tenure as a Raider, it is surprising that he has lasted with the team for this long. That speaks to his true value as the leader of the organization, and while he may not be the perfect quarterback who is capable of throwing for five touchdowns in every game, he is certainly one of the best fifteen or so signal callers in all of football.
For reference to see how solid Carr actually is, look no further than both of his performances last year against the Kansas City Chiefs. Carr was magnificent in both games, and with the Raider defense sitting near the bottom of the league in nearly every category, it is clear what they actual problem is in Las Vegas right now. Never throw out the possibility of the team moving off of him at this point, but it seems likely that Carr will remain the quarterback of the Raiders for the next several years.
Who They Should Go With: Derek Carr
Wild Card Play: Russell Wilson
Denver Broncos: Drew Lock/Mitchell Trubisky
A new quarterback competition in Denver could be a good thing moving forward for the organization (via Mile High Report and Sports Illustrated).
Denver has a ton of options at the quarterback position this offseason. After already asking the Lions about Matt Stafford before he was traded to the Rams, all signs point to the Broncos looking to upgrade at the position. Will they look to make a big trade for a player like Watson or Wilson? Or will they turn their attention toward free agency and the draft?
One has to wonder how much Denver really has to offer in a trade to get one of those two star quarterbacks, which means that Drew Lock will likely make a return to Denver next season if the team doesn’t take a quarterback at the ninth overall slot in the draft. Nevertheless, the Broncos will surely bring in some kind of competition to put some pressure on Lock heading into the season, and a player like Mitchell Trubisky, despite his shortcomings, makes a lot of sense. This duo could lead to an intense battle in Denver, and while this may not be the move fans in the Mile High City are looking for, it could be a much-needed step forward for the organization.
Who They Should Go With: Deshaun Watson
Wild Card Play: Ryan Fitzpatrick
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott
Contract disputes have led to some real doubts if Prescott will return to the Cowboys for the 2021 season (via The Spun).
Could the Dak Prescott and the Cowboys actually part ways this offseason? This remains a real possibility as the Cowboys gain more and more leverage if Russell Wilson continues to garner interest on the trade market, which could be bad news for Prescott’s chances to stay in Dallas. However, there is just as much of a chance that Dak returns to become the face of the Cowboys for the near future by taking a massive deal that would make him one of the highest paid players in the sport.
This situation has a chance to be the top story of the offseason if both sides continue to have some real problems, but it seems like they will find a way to somehow get a deal done in some way, shape, or form. It might be through the franchise tag once again, but with nether side being completely desperate in contract disputes quite yet, it seems like Prescott will be the starter in Dallas when the ‘Boys take the field in September.
Who They Should Go With: Dak Prescott
Wild Card Play: Russell Wilson
New York Giants: Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones is still growing as a player and needs another year in New York as the full-time starter (via The Ringer).
If the Giants are going to continue their momentum from last season and into the 2021 league year, quarterback Daniel Jones will be a major reason why. It is hard to say that Jones improved much after a mediocre 2020 season, but he has shown flashes throughout his career so far in New York. If he can cut down on the back-breaking turnovers, this is a player who could be a franchise building block for years to come.
After he replaced a future Hall of Fame legend in Eli Manning in his rookie year and then helped the Giants try to overcome the loss of Saquon Barkley last season, Jones proven that he is capable of shouldering the load on offense. With that said, Jones has often been mocked for his style of play throughout his early career so far, but he has handled the pressure remarkably well in the sports media capital of the world. He needs to take a leap forward this season to prove to the Giants that he is the future, but he certainly deserves another chance this season under head coach Joe Judge.
Who They Should Go With: Daniel Jones
Wild Card Play: Alex Smith
Washington Football Team: Sam Darnold
Darnold has not worked out very well in New York, but could find a nice fit in Washington (via USA Today).
Washington was the surprise NFC East champions in 2020, which makes their quarterback situation very interesting heading into next year. Alex Smith and the team appear to be on their way toward parting ways, and although they do already have a nice quarterback on their roster already in Taylor Heinicke, Washington could be a major player for a quarterback on the trade market this offseason.
Enter Sam Darnold. The Jets’ quarterback looks like he already has one foot out the door in New York, with the Jets looking more and more likely to draft a quarterback this offseason. That means Washington has a clear path toward Darnold that should not involve an extremely heavy package, which could really pay off if the quarterback turns his career around in a brand-new situation under experienced head coach Ron Rivera. Darnold has a lot to prove to be considered an NFL starter, but Washington could be a great situation for him after the team made the playoffs a year ago.
Who They Should Go With: Sam Darnold
Wild Card Play: Taylor Heinicke or Cam Newton
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts/Alex Smith
The Eagles have an odd situation on their hands at quarterback after trading away Carson Wentz to the Colts (via The Spun and Bleacher Report).
The Eagles, simply put, had an awful 2020 season. After firing head coach Doug Pederson and trading away former starter Carson Wentz, the Eagles now appear to be on their way toward one of the worst records in the league next season unless they significantly improve through the draft. But with the NFC East still looking like the worst division in the league on paper, there is still hope in Philly that the team can quickly turn things around if they can just figure out the quarterback position.
After some nice appearances last season in relief of Wentz near the end of the year, quarterback Jalen Hurts should enter the year as the Eagles’ starter. However, in an attempt to put some pressure on Hurts in the quarterback room, Philadelphia would be smart to pursue a competitive veteran like Alex Smith. The Eagles could also take another unique route by taking a quarterback early in the draft, but Hurts showed enough promise last year to earn some future starts as an Eagle after being a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Eagles have some options across the board, but fans have to wonder just how encouraging each one really is.
Who They Should Go With: Jalen Hurts
Wild Card Play: Justin Fields
AFC East
New York Jets: Zach Wilson
With rumors abound, it looks more and more likely that Zach Wilson could be the rookie starter for the New York Jets next season (via Niner Noise).
How much help has Sam Darnold really been given during his time as a member of the New York Jets? That has to be the first question that the New York front office asks before they make a brash decision this offseason, especially as rumors continue to flood the news that the Jets could take BYU signal Caller Zach Wilson with the #2 overall pick.
Darnold is not a great quarterback by any means right now, but the Jets must be careful before they suddenly decide to dump him off in the trade market. The Jets keep making the same mistake over and over again in each draft where they select a quarterback in thinking one player will solve all of their problems, and while that does happen at times in certain drafts, it is hard to count on any team for suddenly drafting the next Patrick Mahomes. It also makes little sense why they would want a quarterback that has many similar traits to their current quarterback right now, and although Wilson might be great in his NFL career, there are some major concerns like any raw prospect has. However, the potential of Deshaun Watson on the trade market has to be an interesting idea for Jets’ fans and front office members alike, which could change their idea of their 2021 starter in a hurry. It is hard to have a ton of faith in this team after their recent failures, so our best guess is that they take Wilson in the draft.
Who They Should Go With: Sam Darnold
Wild Card Play: Deshaun Watson
Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa was spotty in Year 1, but he will be called upon to deliver a step forward in the second season of his young career (via Cincy Jungle).
The Miami Dolphins have a huge question to answer this offseason: should they roll with the young and talented Tua Tagovailoa, trade for a star quarterback, or start over and select another youngster in the upcoming NFL Draft? None of these options come with an obvious answer, and it will be fascinating to see how Miami handles things.
Tagovailoa has some major question marks in terms of his aggressiveness and play in big moments, but it would be a major story if the Dolphins decided to move on from the quarterback in the second year of his career. However, it has seemed like the organization has had some doubts about the former Alabama product from the first day he was drafted by the team, which is why it would not be a surprise to see the Dolphins quickly move on. Tagovailoa has a lot of untapped potential, but if Miami has a chance to acquire a big name like Deshaun Watson, they should do whatever it takes to do so.
With that said, Miami seems likely to roll with their incumbent for another season. The Dolphins drafted Tua so early for a reason last season, and it seems like they will give him another chance to prove himself in the 2021 season.
Who They Should Go With: Deshaun Watson
Wild Card Play: Zach Wilson
New England Patriots: Cam Newton/Mac Jones
The Patriots have some options at quarterback, but it would not be a surprise to see them run it back with Cam Newton (via NBC Sports and Bleacher Report).
What are the New England Patriots right now? Are they fringe contenders who are a few pieces away from making noise in the AFC, or has the post Tom Brady-era left them in shambles for the near future? That question must be answered in the coming offseason for the Patriots, which could help determine who their quarterback will be next year.
His play was not spectacular by any means last year, but quarterback Cam Newton received rave reviews in New England last year and could be the top option for the team once again. If New England is unable to acquire another talent like Sam Darnold or Marcus Mariota to fill in at the position, Newton could see a return on another cheap deal to prove that he is still capable of starting in the league. Elsewhere, the Patriots are in a position to take a quarterback in this year’s draft with a solid crop of players available. Quarterbacks Trey Lance and Mac Jones could be the mid-round plays for the Pats, and head coach Bill Belichick’s relationship with Nick Saban could be a strong indicator that New England would be interested in pairing Newton and Jones for next year.
New England has a lot of pressure on them this offseason in an increasingly improving AFC East, and they must nail down the quarterback position as soon as possible if they wanted to be considered a legitimate threat in the AFC.
Who They Should Go With: Cam Newton and Mac Jones
Wild Card Play: Marcus Mariota or Trey Lance
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen
Josh Allen is certainly one of the best quarterbacks in all of football after his magnificent 2020 season (via Wyoming Tribune Eagle).
Much like Patrick Mahomes with the Chiefs, there is not much at all to dive into when it comes to Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills. After an MVP-type season in 2020, Allen is the face of the Bills’ franchise, one of the best players in the league, and a lock to be the Bills’ starting quarterback in 2021.
Who They Should Go With: Josh Allen
Wild Card Play: N/A