It is almost the beginning of the new league year and the beginning of the NFL scouting combine. It is time to take a look at the NFL’s QB carousel looking at the Quarterbacks available this offseason and the teams looking for them.
Teams looking for a quarterback
In 2002, the Cleveland Browns selected Tim Couch #1 overall. Let’s hope things go better this time.
1. Cleveland Browns: The Browns have not had a stable quarterbacking situation since Tim Couch in 2002. The good news is that they have the most cap space in the NFL and the first pick in the draft. They will undoubtedly be looking for a quarterback.
2. New York Jets: The Jets have a couple of young quarterbacks on their roster in Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty, but neither is starter worthy. The Jets have the sixth pick in the draft and may want to trade up to take a quarterback and will still be able to get a secondary option at #6.
3. Buffalo Bills: It is not a secret that the Bills are looking for a quarterback as Tyrod Taylor was benched during the season for the unsuccessful Nathan Peterman. They made the playoffs, but you have to think they will want to upgrade from Tyrod Taylor this offseason. 4. Denver Broncos: The Broncos have a competitive defense and would like to get a quarterback quickly. You have to think they will want to sign a quarterback to get them back to the playoffs. If they cannot do that, they have the fifth pick in the draft.
5. New York Giants: The Giants have the second pick in the draft, and so it looks like they will go after a quarterback of the future. Eli Manning is still in town, but his best years are behind him.
6. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings are looking like they will not franchise Case Keenum and their other quarterbacks who were hurt are free agents. I wouldn’t be surprised if they resigned one of Case Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater or Sam Bradford. But don’t count them out in the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes.
7. Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals do not have a quarterback under contract; so, one way or another, they will need to get a quarterback this offseason. The rumor is that they may get a few lower tier starters to compete in camp.
I know there are teams like the New Orleans Saints, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers that could be looking for a quarterback of the future, but they can all go this offseason without getting a new quarterback.
Draft Options
1. Sam Darnold: The USC quarterback has been a favorite of scouts for over a year. He has a track record of success at USC, and with a good offseason, he could be the first pick overall.
2. Josh Rosen: Rosen is the other top prospect on the board and has the tools to be a franchise quarterback. He will have to answer questions about comments he has made and his love for football, but with good interviews, he could be the best quarterback in this draft.
3. Josh Allen: Allen didn’t light up the completion numbers at Wyoming, but he is a favorite of draft scouts because of his raw tools. He is tall, big hands and most importantly a strong arm. Look for him to be a quarterback of the future for somebody.
4. Baker Mayfield: Mayfield has generated a lot of buzz as the Heisman Trophy Winner. He has also had some off-the-field issues getting a DUI and making an obscene gesture at his opponents. He may not have the strongest arm, but he has shown he is a winner at the college level.
5. Lamar Jackson: He may be a wide receiver, but others like Mike Vick think he is a quarterback. He is fast and has won a Heisman Trophy, but there are some questions about his accuracy. He is projected to be a top 40 pick, but let’s see if that holds up.
Free Agent Quarterbacks
1. Kirk Cousins: Cousins will be the biggest contract this offseason as he has played himself into a role as a reliable starting quarterback. He looks like he will command $30 million a year and will need to like where he is going. 2. Case Keenum: The journeyman quarterback had his best year and led the Vikings to the playoffs. The Vikings will not franchise him, and so as a free agent, he can be a secondary prize to a loser in the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes. 3. AJ McCarron: He won a case that made him a free agent this offseason, and that is a big bonus for his paycheck. He has been a backup thus far in his career but has filled in well in his limited playing time. Look for him to get a starting job with somebody.
4. Sam Bradford: Bradford has been a starter in the league, but was hurt last year. Coming off an injury, somebody will have to roll the dice to potentially get a quarterback.
5. Teddy Bridgewater: Speaking of injury risks, Bridgewater has been hurt the last two years. He has been an accurate quarterback in his playing time in the league. He may become a free agent if his contract isn’t tolled from being on PUP the last year. He the ruling lets him be a free agent, he is young enough to come back and revive his career.
