If you’re a fan of a group with a longtime quarterback: Congratulations. Seriously. We are quick approaching one of many wildest QB shifts in current reminiscence, with over a 3rd of the NFL both in want of a brand new passer, or being out there for one within the subsequent yr or so. Couple this with potential retirements and training modifications impacting organizational course and we actually might see as a lot as HALF the NFL needing a brand new beginning QB shifting ahead.
That feels like lots, and it’s as a result of it’s. We are at an enormous turning level across the league, with scant few groups having younger, dynamic, high-tier or franchise quarterbacks to solidify the place for years to come back. Let’s check out the classes of the needy groups, as a result of even these and not using a strong future plan fall into completely different conditions.
Five alarm fireplace: Need a quarterback IMMEDIATELY
Houston Texans
The Texans must be choosing No. 1 general, they usually’ve messed round making an attempt the Davis Mills experiment lengthy sufficient. There is not any wiggle room relating to their draft choose — it has to be a passer, and there are ok gamers in both Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud to justify spending the choose.
My finest guess for QB in 2023: Bryce Young
New York Jets
The Zach Wilson period is over and it didn’t even make it two years. This was a mistake choose, and the group has admitted it. Considering how good the Jets might be, discovering a quarterback is of paramount concern. I believe stability is the secret right here, and this group simply wants a dependable hand for a yr or two whereas they work in the direction of discovering a long-term possibility.
My finest guess for QB in 2023: Jimmy Garoppolo
Las Vegas Raiders
Derek Carr is being benched in Vegas, and this group is shifting on. Suddenly quarterback has turn out to be this group’s No. 1 want — outdoors of firing Josh McDaniels. Normally I’d say this can be a scenario the place Las Vegas must make a good move to leverage their gifted roster, however each McDaniels and the group like to make large flashy strikes.
My finest guess for QB in 2023: Will Levis
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts must cease present on signing previous quarterbacks and hoping it’ll carry them by way of. Indianapolis will seemingly be choosing within the Top 5, and will have entry to a extremely rated QB, until somebody trades above them.
My finest guess for 2023: C.J. Stroud
New Orleans Saints
If the Saints need one of many high passers within the 2023 draft they’ll have to commerce up. The group likes to deal on draft day, however I believe this may be a scenario the place they take an enormous swing on somebody with mammoth upside like Anthony Richardson, after which keep pat in 2023 for yet one more yr.
My finest guess for 2023: Jameis Winston
Washington Commanders
This group is in a bizarre spot. They are in main want of a QB improve, however shall be drafting too low to get a high passer. It’s simply not a great yr to look to the draft for them, however an incremental improve is on the market over the horrific QB room the Commanders have proper now.
My finest guess for 2023: Derek Carr
Need a QB improve, however don’t power it
New England Patriots
Mac Jones is just not nice. I don’t assume this can be a scorching take. From the second he was drafted any expectation for “greatness” was pressured, as Jones was all the time destined to be a excessive flooring, low ceiling participant. That stated, I do assume he’s much better than Jones has been allowed to indicate in 2022. Matt Patricia is killing him, and I believe some modifications to the offensive braintrust can flip him into an honest participant with some extra weapons round him.
My finest guess for 2023: Mac Jones
Detroit Lions
If the Lions have been nonetheless drafting within the high 5, as they have been trending for a lot of the season — then I’d say swing for a QB. Instead, Jared Goff has performed effectively sufficient to earn no less than yet one more season, possibly extra. This group remains to be establishing its id and has a variety of wants which might be extra urgent that quarterback.
My finest guess for 2023: Jared Goff
Carolina Panthers
It’s actually bizarre to not say the Panthers have a 5 alarm fireplace at QB, however the fact is that they’ve performed themselves out of a high passer at this level. There remains to be an opportunity they lose the ultimate two and land close to the highest of the draft, which makes Stroud or Levis a chance — however, wild because it sounds, Sam Darnold has performed effectively sufficient to get a brand new contract. No, not an enormous new deal to be the long-term starter, however a pivot that may carry them by way of 2023 whereas the entrance workplace assesses the scenario.
My finest guess for 2023: Sam Darnold
New York Giants
There’s a standard thread these groups have the place the present man isn’t good — however he’s higher than different choices obtainable. Like Goff (and to a lesser extent Darnold), Daniel Jones has achieved sufficient to maintain the established order in 2023 until a loopy supply comes alongside.
My finest guess for 2023: Daniel Jones
Could want a QB relying on outdoors forces
Green Bay Packers
Is Aaron Rodgers going to come back again and do that once more? I don’t assume anyone has any concept. This is only a scenario to look at as a result of there’s a probability he hangs it up and the Packers transfer on, particularly as unpredictable as Rodgers tends to be.
My finest guess for 2023: Aaron Rodgers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady shouldn’t have come again and achieved this. He’s been high quality, however this can be a unhappy, unremarkable finish for the GOAT. This is time to stroll away, but it surely’s as much as Tom whether or not he sees that or not. If Brady hangs it up I might see Blaine Gabbert and Kyle Trask having a QB battle in camp whereas the group regroups and plans its subsequent transfer.
My finest guess for 2023: Kyle Trask
Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford received his ring, and he’s placing any retirement speak to relaxation — however we’ve seen gamers change their minds after the season ends they usually have time to consider making a comeback from harm this late into their careers. Do the Rams have sufficient within the tank for one more run? Maybe, however within the NFC West that’s significantly harder.
My finest guess for 2023: Matthew Stafford
Miami Dolphins
This is a troublesome one to speak about, however the dialogue must be raised. Tua Tagovailoa has sustained two confirmed concussions this season, and yet one more that everyone knows occurred — however the Dolphins aren’t proudly owning as much as it. This is a really scary scenario and he might undoubtedly hold taking part in, however I additionally see an opportunity he makes the good transfer for his future and walks away from soccer.
My finest guess for 2023: Tua Tagovailoa
Denver Broncos
Can the Broncos admit they made the most important mistake in current historical past at QB? Nope. They’re going to maintain forcing this so far as it goes, as a result of they spent an excessive amount of cash to stroll away from Russ at this level. Still, there’s a really slight chance one thing results in a change.
My finest guess for 2023: Russell Wilson
Baltimore Ravens
Is Lamar Jackson okay with how he’s been handled? The Ravens didn’t prolong his contract, or negotiate in good religion this season — then they received their franchise QB injured. There’s an opportunity Jackson isn’t keen to speak about an extension anymore, however ultimately I believe each side reconcile their variations and get a deal achieved.
My finest guess for 2023: Lamar Jackson
The wild card …
San Francisco 49ers
The Niners are in a extremely bizarre spot the place they’re needing to sift by way of having too many quarterbacks. This group was dedicated to Trey Lance earlier than the season started, and now Brock Purdy is taking part in too effectively to disregard. It’s going to be a wild contained in the group, particularly in Purdy leads them to a deep playoff run.
Will the Niners return to Lance, a participant they believed in sufficient to commerce up for him? Will they try to deal Lance to a QB needy group? Will they identify Lance starter and get an enormous supply for Purdy?
I don’t know what the 49ers will do at QB, and proper now I’m unsure they do both. However, regardless of the group decides at QB could have a domino impact on the opposite groups on this record.
My finest guess for 2023: I’ve completely no concept