Fun With the Quarterback Carousel

01/19/2023 Fun With the Quarterback Carousel

By: Jeff Yoder

With Young Guns Still Playing, the Veterans Are Looking at Their Offseason Moves

Yesterday, we did a deep dive on the young quarterbacks taking over the playoffs. Today, we’re looking at the veterans ready to jump on the quarterback carousel. ‘Round and ’round we go with speculation. Five quarterbacks are rumored to be on the move (potentially) this off-season. Let’s have some fun projecting where they might land. Indulge us in a little scenario-scheming fantasy of the NFL landscape in 2023.

 

QB Aaron Rodgers → Raiders

With Aaron Rodgers verbally expressing his desire to finish his playing days in another situation, the Raiders — with Josh McDaniels, WR Davante Adams, and RB Josh Jacobs — could be the perfect place to close out his illustrious career. Vegas would have to give up a haul of draft picks to get Rodgers and win now.

 

QB Tom Brady → 49ers

TB12 has a big decision to make, too. He’s long been linked to his hometown 49ers, and with San Francisco turning to Trey Lance for the long haul, he’s still 21 and recovering from a knee injury. Brady could play one final season with the team that boasts the most weapons and best defense before riding off into the sunset.

 

QB Lamar Jackson → Falcons

I still don’t know how the Ravens could let Lamar Jackson leave town, but he appears to be over his time in Baltimore. Atlanta is the perfect spot for his skillset — an upgrade from Marcus Mariota — and they could try Jackson for a few years while developing QB Desmond Ridder. The Falcons could also capitalize on a weak NFC South if Brady leaves Tampa Bay.

 

QB Derek Carr → Buccaneers

There will be plenty of teams with interest in Derek Carr this off-season. I could see Atlanta, Tennessee, Houston, Tampa Bay, and Carolina as viable options, but I think the Bucs — if they wave goodbye to Brady — make the most sense for a veteran, win-now opportunity. Carr could revive his career in the NFC South.

 

QB Jimmy Garoppolo → Jets

The connection to Robert Saleh makes Jimmy G-to-the-Jets a possibility. With New York’s headache regarding QB Zach Wilson, the Jets have discussed bringing in a veteran. The Patriots (Bill Belichick) and Raiders (Josh McDaniels) also have a strong history with Garoppolo. I think he makes sense in New York.

 

Other Teams With QB Needs

The Texans (No. 2), Colts (No. 4), and Panthers (No. 9) all have top-10 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. I expect those three teams to target a quarterback in the draft and build for the future with three first-time head coaches yet to be hired. We’ve also seen Brock Purdy earn himself a shot to be a starter in 2023.

 

Additional Storylines

FOX Sports: NFL Odds on Lamar Jackson’s Next Team

B/R: Predicting the Biggest NFL Trades That Could Shape 2023 Season

SI: Top 5 Fantasy Landing Spots for Tom Brady This Offseason

 

Photo: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images