This NFL season unfolds like a dramatic film with QBs at the center. So many teams are out there searching for the perfect quarterback (because it’s the position that can get you Super Bowls). And not just one perfect QB, but two: a veteran and a young one. The veteran would teach the young QB to develop him while also winning some games for the team. And the options are not limited. Or maybe they are.
But the interesting thing is that from where the league stands, any one move, decision, or trade could trigger chaos for others across the league. So, how is this year’s quarterback situation looking? Quite messed up and crazier than ever. Everyone’s future remains uncertain, from Super Bowl champion Aaron Rodgers to Russell Wilson to the surprisingly good Sam Darnold.
Giants QB search
John Mara‘s team’s QB troubles started when they released Daniel Jones mid-season after he failed to put anything in the winning column. And when it rains, it pours. They turned to Tommy DeVito, but even he could not be of much help.
So now, the team has to find a new face to solve their QB crisis. They have the No. 3 pick, meaning they can pick Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward if the Titans or Browns don’t pick them. Otherwise, they might have to explore other QB options.
On the veteran side, there’s Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, and Sam Darnold. They might cross Rodgers off the list, as he has hit the 40+ mark. On top of that, they won’t like all the controversy that comes with the ex-Jets QB. Kirk is still to be released by the Falcons.
Dec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
For now, Russell Wilson might make a good fit if the Steelers don’t re-sign him. He had 2482 passing yards and 16 TDs, combined with a passer rating of 95.6. Now that will be a statement signing!
Kirk Cousins’s future
The Falcons are in a pickle over Kirk Cousins’s future. Not to mention that they did him dirty by signing young quarterback Michael Penix Jr. after bringing him on board without even giving him a heads-up. It surely irks players when franchises conduct business in this way. Now, after the regular season ended, the team’s HC Raheem Morris announced Michael will be their starting QB.
Well, that’s a bold move. But what are they going to do with Kirk Cousins now? They inked a four-year, $180 million deal with him just last year. Now, the team owes him $100 million in guaranteed money. If Kirk stays, his cap hit will be $40 million. And if Atlanta decides to release him, they’ll still face a $65 million dead cap hit.
Now, if the team decides to trade him after June 1 to free up $27.5 million in cap space, all that would be left for Kirk Cousins is to be a backup QB option.
Darnold-Minnesota saga
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell has ensured the team will let Sam Darnold test free agency. Despite being spectacular during the regular season, he’s caught up in all this chaos. The Vikings will most likely turn to J.J. McCarthy, but now they must decide what to do with him. They have until Tuesday to franchise tag him, but reports say the Vikings won’t do so.
The Raiders might be interested in him after Matthew Stafford shut his doors, deciding to stay with the Rams. So, Sam’s future is still up in the air. The player had 4319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns with a bullet arm throwing a longest pass of 97 yards.
Carson Wentz to Browns?
The Browns are most likely done with their quarterback, Deshaun Watson. They have the number 2 draft pick and could pick either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. The team at the NFL Combine did not drop much on whom they are most likely to go with.
But they will be fine with either of them. Coach Kevin Stefanski may also consider signing a veteran quarterback, specifically looking at the Chiefs‘ backup quarterback, Carson Wentz.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA 2024: Chiefss vs Jaguars AUG 10 August 10, 2024: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz 11 fumbles the ball in second quarter during game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, FL. Romeo T Guzman/Cal MediaCredit Image: Romeo Guzman/Cal Sport Media Jacksonville Fl USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20240810_faf_cg2_025.jpg RomeoxGuzmanx csmphotothree281225
The team might also give some thought to Kirk Cousins and Daniel Jones. Cleveland might keep him as the backup for Deshaun Watson instead of paying him the hefty contract money. They will probably let his contract expire before finally parting ways with him.
Steelers QB situation
Mike Tomlin‘s team might now go with a young QB. The Steelers have Justin Fields, who could be a starting quarterback in the upcoming season. Russell Wilson‘s one-year deal with the team has concluded, and looking at his performance, they might not want to return with him next season.
Multiple reports say Pittsburgh would most likely go with an Ohio State alum only. In that case, they will either keep Russ as the backup or let him go. Tricky times are ahead for the Steelers, who look to improve their 10-7 record.
The Colts eye QB
Indianapolis has received Anthony Richardson, but the team is looking for a veteran QB to modify their offense. Daniel Jones and Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett have popped up as options. They are also eyeing the Steelers’ top option, Justin Fields. Now, it will all depend on how they approach free agency.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 15: Jacoby Brissett #14 of the New England Patriots looks to throw a pass during the first half of a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on August 15, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
All in all, it’s quite chaotic at the QB end in the league. Every team is trying to build its best squad. The teams in need of QBs seem to be in more trouble than others.
As for the Titans, Browns, and Giants, they can go in as many directions as they want since they have top draft picks. Signing the right quarterback changes the fortunes of your team. It’s a crucial position in the league, and no franchise dangles with it.
For the rest, well, we might have to wait and see how the story unfolds.
The post NFL QB Dominoes: Steelers Want Justin Fields, Chiefs Star on Browns Radar, Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold & More appeared first on EssentiallySports.
