The Quarterback Carousel: Seven Teams in Search of Stability
The Cleveland Browns: Balancing Now and the Future
The quarterback carousel is about to start spinning, and the Cleveland Browns are among the first to jump on. The Browns are in a unique position, needing to start planning for life after Deshaun Watson, who is still under contract for two years and $92 million but is expected to miss the season due to an Achilles injury. The Browns have the second overall pick in a weak quarterback draft, and they must make a strategic decision. Plan A is to draft a promising young quarterback like Cam Ward or Shadeur Sanders, while also signing a veteran like Kirk Cousins to provide mentorship and stability. If Cousins isn’t available, Daniel Jones, the former New York Giant, could be a solid alternative. Jones is likely to be available for a reasonable price and could serve as a capable placeholder for the first few games of the season. This approach ensures the Browns have both a long-term solution and a short-term bridge to stability.
The Indianapolis Colts: Balancing Veteran Experience with Youth
The Indianapolis Colts are heavily invested in Anthony Richardson, their No. 4 pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, but they are not fully sold on his potential. To hedge their bets, they are looking to sign a veteran quarterback to both compete with and mentor Richardson. Plan A is to sign Sam Darnold, who had a resurgence with the Minnesota Vikings last season. Darnold’s young age and recent success make him an attractive option. However, if Darnold is not available or demands too high a price, the Colts could turn to veteran Russell Wilson. Wilson, despite his age, showed promise in the playoffs last season and could provide the Colts with the experience and leadership they need to remain competitive in a weak division. Wilson’s willingness to compete for the starting job aligns well with the Colts’ win-now mentality.
The Las Vegas Raiders: A Carrol-Wilson Reunion?
The Las Vegas Raiders’ pursuit of Matthew Stafford and their hiring of a 73-year-old head coach, Josh McDaniels, indicate their desire to win now. Plan A is to sign Russell Wilson, who would reunite with McDaniels. Despite past tensions, the chemistry and success they had together in Seattle make this a compelling option. Wilson’s talent and experience could turn the Raiders into immediate contenders in a weak division. If Wilson is not available, Aaron Rodgers is the next best option. Rodgers, at 41, is still a top-tier quarterback but comes with a higher price tag and potential drama. The Raiders might be willing to pay this price for a shot at short-term success, especially if co-owner Tom Brady can help manage Rodgers’ demands.
The New York Giants: A Trade-Up or Veteran Option
The New York Giants, under GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, are in win-now mode. Their attempt to trade for Matthew Stafford highlights their urgent need for a competent quarterback. Plan A is to trade up to the No. 1 overall pick and select Cam Ward, a potential franchise quarterback. While this would require significant draft capital, it offers the best chance of securing the Giants’ long-term future. If they can’t trade up, their Plan B is to sign a veteran like Kirk Cousins. Cousins, coming with minimal financial risk, could serve as a placeholder while mentoring the young talent. Aaron Rodgers is also an option, but his age and higher price tag make him a risky choice. The Giants need a balance of immediate performance and long-term development.
The New York Jets: Building for the Future
The New York Jets, with a new regime in place (GM Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn), are in a position to build around a young quarterback. Plan A is to trade up to the No. 1 overall pick and draft Cam Ward. This could cost a significant amount of draft capital, but Ward might be the only quarterback in this draft who fits their long-term vision. They could play Ward immediately or let him sit behind Tyrod Taylor for a few games to ensure his development. If trading up proves too costly, their Plan B is to stick with Taylor and free-agent Justin Fields. Fields showed promise last season with the Steelers and could be a solid option to build around.
The Pittsburgh Steelers: A Strategic Bet
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a unique position. They don’t have a quarterback under contract for 2024, and they are a win-now team. Plan A is to sign Aaron Rodgers, who could give them a final push to Super Bowl contention. Rodgers, despite his age and injury history, still has the talent to lead a team with good offensive weapons. If Rodgers is not available, re-signing Justin Fields is a viable Plan B. Fields showed flashes of potential last season, and the Steelers could build on that to remain competitive. This approach balances the risk of an aging veteran with the potential of a younger option who has already shown promise.
The Tennessee Titans: Maximizing Value
The Tennessee Titans, with the No. 1 overall pick, have a strategic decision to make. Plan A is to trade down for a king’s ransom, which could include a future first-round pick and multiple second and third-round picks. This would allow them to rebuild other areas of their team while signing Aaron Rodgers to lead them. Rodgers could make the Titans an instant playoff contender, and the extra picks would allow for simultaneous rebuilding. If they decide to keep the No. 1 pick, Plan B is to draft Cam Ward. While this is a safer choice, it might not provide the immediate boost the Titans need to compete in the short term.
Conclusion
The quarterback carousel is set to spin, and each of these seven teams has a unique set of needs and strategies. Whether they opt for a veteran to provide immediate stability or a young quarterback for long-term potential, the decisions they make will shape their futures. The upcoming draft and free agency period will be critical, and each team must have a solid backup plan ready if their top choice doesn’t materialize. The landscape of the NFL will be significantly altered by the outcomes of these decisions, and fans across the league will be watching closely to see how the pieces fall into place.
