2/22/23
Just like that, another NFL season is in the books and we are already sitting around Sunday mornings with nothing to do wishing we could just hit rewind and go back to September. First and foremost, shoutout to the Kansas City Chiefs on winning the Lombardi Trophy. If you are one of the fools who complain that the NFL is rigged, well then, I feel sorry for you. It was a great game played by both sides and fortunately there are rules in the NFL and anyone who actually watches the sport will tell you it that was an obvious hold at the end. But let’s be honest, if you aren’t an Eagles fan or Chiefs fan, did you really care about the outcome of the game? Sure, there is the sports betting aspect behind it, but if you listened to the Dollaboys from the start did you ever really sweat it out? We even doubled down at halftime on the Chiefs with a fat +290 moneyline, thank you very much.
Alright enough of the 2022 season talk, the Dollaboys are already looking ahead and are in the 2023 mindset and it starts with QB’s. Arguably the most important position in sports, it is absolutely vital for NFL teams to have a strong, impactful leader under center. Shockingly, a lot of teams struggle to find the right guy however. Only about 1/3 of the league can confidently believe they got their guy moving forward. With the rest of the league in limbo at the position, it’s likely we will see drastic changes across the league and a lot of QB’s on the move this off-season.
In this article, we will go over the QB situation for all 32-teams, including best fits, likely starters, and potential rookies that could flip a team around. Let’s get it:
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles – Obviously after their latest Super Bowl run, it is pretty clear the city of Philly knows who their guy is for the foreseeable future.
Week 1 Starter: Jalen Hurts
Other QB’s on roster: Jacoby Brissett, Ian Book.
Dallas Cowboys – I know most Cowboys fans never want to see Dak play another game for them after his mishaps down the line in the playoffs, but the reality is Dallas just gave Dak a $95-million contract that has the QB locked in for at least two more years. Even if the Cowboys tried trading Dak, who is willing to take on that contract/ cap hit? Likely, no one.
Week 1 Starter: Dak Prescott
Other QB’s on roster: Cooper Rush, Will Grier.
New York Giants – This decision seems pretty much self-explanatory after Danny Dimes played his heart out this past year, earning the Giants their first playoff appearance in over 10 years. Not to mention he added an away playoff victory to his resume and did it all with a lacking receiving core. However, it’s been a shaky start to contract discussions. If the Giants want to be able to re-sign Saquon Barkley as well as a big name WR, they might be forced to look away from Daniel Jones.
Week 1 Starter: Daniel Jones
Other Potential Fits: Lamar Jackson, Justin Fields
Washington Commanders – Call us crazy, but the Commanders might have found something special in the young quick gunslinger from UNC. He looked flawless in his first career start Week 19 and will hopefully keep progressing to claim the starting job next season. Although, don’t be surprised if Washington decides to bring in some veteran help to give Howell some extra competition. I can see Washington drawing the likes of guys such as Ryan Tannehill, Baker Mayfield, or even Teddy Bridgewater to bulk up the QB room.
Week 1 Starter: Sam Howell
Other QB’s on roster: Taylor Heinicke, Teddy Bridgewater.
NFC North
Minnesota Vikings – With one more year left on Kirk Cousins contract, it seems the Vikings are content with giving him one more shot at it. However, Minnesota has to start thinking about the future soon. They could be in the market to find a QB in the draft, or bring in some young talent to light some fire under Kirk.
Week 1 Starter: Kirk Cousins
Other QB’s on roster: Nick Mullins, Clayton Tune.
Green Bay Packers – Ah the Aaron Rodgers era seems to finally be in the closing stages as Rodgers goes away on a darkness retreat to ultimately decide where he wants to play next season. With all the Packers have invested in Jordan Love, it would only make sense to give him a full shot at it to see what he can do.
Week 1 Starter: Jordan Love
Other QB’s on roster: Andy Dalton
Detroit Lions – Goff doesn’t necessarily jump off the page at you when you are thinking about elite QB’s in the league but the guy stays healthy and keeps his team in games. Quite frankly, the Lions just aren’t in a position to switch up at the QB position right now.
Week 1 Starter: Jared Goff
Other QB’s on roster: Nate Sudfeld, Max Duggan.
Chicago Bears – The Bears own the first overall pick in this year’s draft and there has been a lot of talk about them trading and moving on from Justin Fields for a more young, controllable asset. Not only would the Bears be hitting the reset button, but they also have the chance to get back a big haul in return for Fields to really turn the franchise around.
Week 1 Starter: Bryce Young
Other QB’s on roster: Trevor Siemian, Nathan Peterman
NFC South
Let me just say, I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen a whole division in need of a QB. The NFC South will be one of the most interesting division to follow next season, and ironically the most frustrating to bet…
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – There’s no hiding from it, the Bucs are heading for a rebuild. It was expected once Tom Brady retired but at least they have a Championship to show for it. With rumors of Mike Evans being on the trade block, it’s only a matter of time before they blow the whole thing up and start fresh. The Bucs are looking for a bridge QB, aka, a backup QB looking for a shot at a starting job.
Week 1 Starter: Gardiner Minshew
Other QB’s on roster: Kyle Trask, Blaine Gabbert
Carolina Panthers – Carolina owns the 9th overall pick in the draft this year and could very well use it to try to find their next franchise QB. However, Sam Darnold did end last season strong and showed some potential. It may not be the guy Panthers fans want to see but he at least earned a new contract and a shot at starting next season. Unfortunately for Darnold, he would be just a fill in until something better comes around.
Week 1 Starter: Sam Darnold
Other QB’s on roster: Will Levis, Matt Coral.
New Orleans Saints – The Saints have been in a weird spot ever since Drew Brees retired. They have talented skill players but can never put it all together due to a lacking effort at QB. With their star RB Kamara set to receive a suspension and top wideout Michael Thomas on the decline we could be in for a super down year in the Bayou. I don’t leave them completely out of the running for some of the QBs in free agency, but with the cap expanding after next season, it’s likely they will hold off until then to make a big move.
Week 1 Starter: Jameis Winston
Other QB’s on roster: Taysom Hill.
Atlanta Falcons – It was yet another disappointing season for Atlanta, but the Falcons always seemed to keep games close last season and never gave up fighting. That alone should give Desmond a chance to progress next year.
Week 1 Starter: Desmond Ridder
Other QB’s on roster: Marcus Mariota
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers – I was totally ready to write Tom Brady’s name here up until he announced his retirement, the fit would have been perfect. Brady gets to play for his childhood team growing up, and the 49ers get a year to decide what to do with both Brock Purdy and Trey Lance as they get mentored by the Goat. I think if both were healthy, it would be a rather easy decision to go with Purdy, but with him likely out for the entire 2023 season due to his elbow injury, it may force San Fran to go with the guy they invested so much draft capitol in.
Week 1 Starter: Trey Lance
Other QB’s on roster: Brock Purdy
Seattle Seahawks – After winning CPOY and shutting up all the critics from last year, Geno has earned himself a new contract and possibly found a new home for the time being.
Week 1 Starter: Geno Smith
Other QB’s on roster: Drew Lock, Anthony Richardson.
Los Angeles Rams – After winning the Super Bowl in 2021, the Rams dealt with the injury bug last season. I believe Stafford will be ready to go by the start of next season, however, that doesn’t mean the Rams aren’t going to bring in extra help behind Stafford. After the sharp play from Baker Mayfield towards the end of the season, it’s likely they could re-sign him to keep around just in case if Stafford can’t go or gets hurts again.
Week 1 Starter: Matthew Stafford
Other QB’s on roster: Baker Mayfield, John Wolford, Bryce Perkins.
Arizona Cardinals – I am sorry Cardinals fans, but you’re stuck with Kyler for at least another year. 2029 is actually the next time Kyler can become an unrestricted free agent, so they better hope he can turn it around with a new coach in the desert.
Week 1 Starter: Kyler Murray
Other QB’s on roster: Colt McCoy, Trace McSorley, David Blough.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills – Not even going to dive too much into this one. The Bills are one of the few teams that has their franchise QB locked up for the foreseeable future.
Week 1 Starter: Josh Allen
Other QB’s on roster: Case Keenum, Matt Barkley.
New England Patriots – Although they will try to find an upgrade at the position this off-season, Mac will remain the guy in New England. I could see them being in the market for guys such as Jimmy G, Baker Mayfield, or Gardner Minshew however.
Week 1 Starter: Mac Jones
Other QB’s on roster: Bailey Zappe, Brian Hoyer.
Miami Dolphins – Barring any more concussion set-backs, Tua should still be the guy come opening weekend. Although his injury history does concern us and we think Miami will look for a strong back-up to have in place. Jimmy G would be a perfect fit in Miami and is already familiar with the offense from Mike McDaniel’s days in San Fran.
Week 1 Starter: Tua Tagovailoa
Other QB’s on roster: Jimmy Garoppolo, Skylar Thompson.
New York Jets – There is no hiding of the fact the Jets are interested in a top veteran QB option, who are willing to spend and give up whatever it takes. The main issue however, is the timeline of free agency and the snowball effect of where other QB’s available land. In order for the Jets or any team to get Aaron Rodgers for example, it’s likely they will have to wait and see after free agency is over, which is a huge risk. The Jets could go out and get Derek Carr right now to avoid that risk factor but I have to believe the Jets are trying to make a real run at a Championship these next few years,and that all starts with Aaron Rodgers. NY already has young impressive talent on both sides of the field, the only missing piece now is a veteran QB.
Week 1 Starter: Aaron Rodgers
Other QB’s on roster: Zach Wilson, Mike White.
AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals – Here is another obvious one, nothing to see here. The Bengals are set for the next decade or so.
Week 1 Starter: Joe Burrow
Other QB’s on roster: Brandon Allen
Cleveland Browns – Not a surprise here either. As long as no more sexual accusations pop up this summer, Watson will be looking to play his first full season since 2020.
Week 1 Starter: Deshaun Watson
Other QB’s on roster: Kellen Mond, Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Have to believe Pittsburgh will give the kid another shot after an average rookie campaign. Don’t be surprised if the Steelers look to bring in some extra competition though, those fans don’t like to wait too long for QB’s to develop.
Week 1 Starter: Kenny Pickett
Other QB’s on roster: Mitch Trubisky
Baltimore Ravens – The Lamar situation hit its peak late last season when he essentially chose to sit out and not give his team a chance in the playoffs. Lamar sat out due to contract disputes and the fear of getting hurt while not being signed to a long-term deal, understandable. However, it has left a sour taste in the mouth of people in Baltimore and most believe his days in purple and black are done.
Week 1 Starter: Justin Fields
Other QB’s on roster: Tyler Huntley
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars – A year ago I would have said let’s wait and see, but Trevor Lawrence took a massive step forward in his second year and is showing nothing but signs of progression from here on.
Week 1 Starter: Trevor Lawrence
Other QB’s on roster: CJ Beathard
Tennessee Titans – Ryan Tannehill’s name has been thrown around when talking about potential QB’s on the move this off-season, but the reality is, he is entering his final year of a deal and a team would still need to trade for him. I don’t see the trade market being too high for a guy like Tannehill so I think it’s likely he stays put and is the starter week one next season. Second year QB Malik Willis would really have to turn heads this summer to even have a chance of starting.
Week 1 Starter: Ryan Tannehill
Other QB’s on roster: Malik Willis, Joshua Dobbs.
Indianapolis Colts – With the 4th overall pick this spring, it’s likely the Colts could find their next signal caller through the draft. However, I don’t think it is crazy to believe they take a shot at getting an Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr, or Lamar Jackson type QB beforehand though. Indianapolis currently has a great run game and strong receiving core, a team some free agents could be interested in joining. To be able to sign a QB through free agency and use that 4th overall pick on a defensive stud or skill player might work out better in their favor.
Week 1 Starter: Derek Carr
Other QB’s on roster: Nick Foles, Sam Ehlinger.
Potential Rookie QB: CJ Stroud, Will Levis.
Houston Texans – It will be interesting to see if the Texans use their 2nd overall pick as trade bait to get a QB like Lamar or Dak. However, I think it’s more likely they use that pick to draft a QB. With Bryce Young likely going 1st overall, we then start talking about guys like CJ Stroud, Will Levis, and Anthony Richardson possibly being picked 2nd overall by the Texans.
Week 1 Starter: Davis Mills
Other QB’s on roster: CJ Stroud, Jeff Driskel.
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs – No further comment.
Week 1 Starter: Patrick Mahomes
Other QB’s on roster: Chad Henne
Denver Broncos – Bronco Country, Let’s Ride… again! Honestly just throw last year out the window and take it out of your mind. Sean Peyton is now in Mile High and wouldn’t have accepted the job if he didn’t think he could fix Russ. Early prediction, Wilson wins CPOY next season.
Week 1 Starter: Russell Wilson
Other QB’s on roster: Brett Rypien
Los Angeles Chargers – This is actually one division that has its shit together when it comes to QB.
Week 1 Starter: Justin Herbert
Other QB’s on roster: Chase Daniel, Kyle Allen.
Las Vegas Raiders – The Derek Carr experiment is over in Vegas and it might be best for everyone. Carr is talented but clearly something just wasn’t clicking. Now, the Raiders find themselves as a potential landing spot for Aaron Rodgers, mainly because of his history with star receiver Davante Adams. However, the Jets seem to be the better fit for Rodgers, forcing Vegas to go after the second biggest jackpot…
Week 1 Starter: Lamar Jackson
Other QB’s on roster: Jarred Stidham