DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum QB Carousel

The QB Carousel will almost certainly kick off as soon as today because Derek Carr refused a trade to the Saints the other day and there is no way the Raiders will allow him to collect the $40.4 million that he would be due at 4 PM today. Carr has already said he won't extend the deadline.

Here are some QBs who could be on the move:

Carr
Aaron Rodgers
Lamar
Geno Smith
Jimmy G
Tannehill
Mike White
Daniel Jones
Jacoby Brissett
Baker Mayfield
Sam Darnold
Andy Dalton

Teams who could be looking for a new QB:

Carolina
NY Jets
Atlanta
Indy
Washington
Tampa Bay
Houston
Raiders
Saints
Baltimore
Seattle [if they can't sign Geno]
Tennessee

Top QBs in the draft:

CJ Stroud
Bryce Young
Will Levis
Anthony Richardson [think Baltimore]



Thoughts? Predictions?

Easiest to predict is that Aaron Rodgers isn't going anywhere no matter how many offseasons he has to bore us with the dramatics.

Lamar stays in Baltimore.

Tannehill gets released or agrees to a significantly reduced contract restructure.

Off the cuff predictions:

Brissett to the Saints
Carr to the Jets
Baker to the Colts after Matt Ryan gets released
Jimmy G to the Texans

I agree with Carr to the Jets, Jimmy G to Houston.

Hadn't thought of the Baker to Colts scenario, or Brissett to Saints.

I could see Rodgers in Vegas if he's willing. Reunite with DeVante

Here is one opinion...


Latest 2023 NFL QB Carousel Predictions After Super Bowl LVII

GARY DAVENPORT
FEBRUARY 13, 2023


There's still a shred of confetti or two falling at State Farm Stadium as they clean up from Super Bowl LVII. But the NFL is a perpetual motion machine. It never stops moving. As soon as the Lombardi Trophy was awarded to the Kansas City Chiefs, the calendar turned to the 2023 offseason. And as we saw quite plainly in that game, if you want to win it all, you'd better have a high-end quarterback.

Some NFL teams are thankfully set in that regard. But for others, the position languishes under a cloud of uncertainty. Maybe their Hall of Fame signal-caller retired. Or they have been searching for one for years.

Whatever the reason, there is no bigger need for teams without a reliable starter. And while some will look to the draft as the answer, others will turn to this year's quarterback carousel.

Last year saw the carousel spin at dizzying speed—with mostly disappointing results. Russell Wilson had the worst year of his career in Denver. Matt Ryan and Carson Wentz are both all but certainly one-and-done after miserable campaigns. But if you think that will stop teams from buying a ticket on this year's merry-go-round, then you don't know how bad the itch can be when teams need to upgrade at QB.

This year's carousel includes a Super Bowl starter. A former No. 1 overall pick. The reigning Comeback Player of the Year. And the possibility of a trade that could be even bigger than the Wilson deal.

Here's an early look at how the carousel could play out—beginning with that potential blockbuster of a trade.


Aaron Rodgers: New York Jets
1 OF 8

We might as well start things off with a bang.

Frankly, the most likely landing spot for Aaron Rodgers in 2023 could well be right where he's at. For all the talk of the Packers being ready to potentially move on from Rodgers just as they did from Brett Favre in 2008, trading a four-time MVP who led the team to 13 wins and the NFC North title as recently as 2021 is still the kind of move that can cost a general manager his job.

But the drumbeats continue that the Packers are at least open to considering a Rodgers trade, and he told The Pat McAfee Show last month he's keeping an open mind about his playing future.

"That's No. 1—if I want to play," Rodgers said. "No. 2, it's got to be mutual on both sides. What does a team look like with me? What are the proposed direction of players they want to bring in and where I fit in and the prospects moving forward? You want to be part of a team that's going to win a championship. ... I don't need all my guys to be there. ... It's kind of the feel of the team."

However, as ESPN reported, the New York Jets have already made inquiries with the Packers about Rodgers' availability. Team owner Woody Johnson called finding a veteran upgrade at quarterback the "missing piece" needed to get New York into the playoffs. And in offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and passing game coordinator Todd Downing, the Jets have recently hired a pair of offensive coaches who have history with Rodgers.

The Packers would receive a boatload of draft picks to use to build around Jordan Love. The Jets would get the veteran quarterback they so desperately seek. And Rodgers would get the opportunity to ply his trade in America's largest media market.

After his darkness retreat, Rodgers is headed for the bright lights of the Big Apple.

That should give Mike Francesa something to talk about.


Lamar Jackson: Baltimore Ravens
2 OF 8

And just like that, the quarterback carousel grinds to a halt.

Sure, there has been speculation that the Baltimore Ravens could use the exclusive franchise tag on Jackson and then trade him. Or that the Ravens could use the non-exclusive franchise tag, refuse to match an offer sheet for Jackson and then net two first-round picks in return. It has been reported that there's a wide gap in guaranteed money on the table and what Jackson (who serves as his own agent) is seeking.

Neither of those things is going to happen. Jackson isn't going anywhere. And head coach John Harbaugh made that clear while speaking to reporters.

"One hundred percent, 200 percent. There's no question about it," Harbaugh said Thursday. "Lamar Jackson is our quarterback. He's been our quarterback. Everything that we've done in terms of building our offense and building our team, how we think in terms of putting people around him is based on this incredible young man, his talent, his ability and his competitiveness."

The exclusive rights tag isn't cheap—close to $45 million. That whole knot would also hit Baltimore's cap all at once. But it would also buy the Ravens some time to work out an extension, as the exclusive rights tag is just that. Once applied, it's play for the Ravens or don't play at all.

Yes, Jackson has missed significant time each of the past two seasons. But he's also a 26-year-old former NFL MVP who may be the single hardest player in the entire NFL to defend.

Teams don't let players like that walk out the door. And they certainly don't push them through it.


Derek Carr: Washington Commanders
3 OF 8

If you enjoy rampant speculation involving more teams than you can count on one hand, then Derek Carr is your guy this offseason.

He is not, however, the Raiders' guy—months after signing him to a three-year extension that averaged just over $40 million a season, the Raiders benched Carr. And with the 31-year-old apparently not amenable to being traded and a fat chunk of that money set to become guaranteed on February 15, the clock is ticking on Carr's release.

And he won't even have to wait until free agency starts to find a new home—which potentially sets the stage for a feeding frenzy for his services.

The New York Jets could be interested as a Plan B if their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers hits a snag. The Indianapolis Colts have been swapping out one veteran quarterback for another seemingly since the Carter administration (that may be a slight exaggeration). Just about the entire NFC South has a need under center, and the New Orleans Saints already had Carr in for a visit.

But New York would be out if it can pull off a blockbuster for Rodgers. The Colts have the fourth overall pick and may finally look to add more than a stopgap quarterback. The Saints have the worst salary-cap situation in the entire NFL, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't much better off.

That leaves the Washington Commanders.

Yes, the Commanders have publicly endorsed second-year pro Sam Howell as their 2023 starter. But that's more the best of a bad set of choices than a ringing endorsement of Howell's talents.

Carr isn't an elite quarterback. But he's a step above what Washington has now. And with skill position talent, a decent offensive line and a stout defense, the Commanders aren't far off from competing for a playoff spot.

Sorry, Sam. It was fun while it lasted.


Daniel Jones: New York Giants
4 OF 8

Had you said at this point one year ago that the New York Giants would live to regret passing on the fifth-year option for quarterback Daniel Jones, you would have been scoffed at. Perhaps there would be a chortle and/or snort.

Funny how things work out.

To say that Jones had the best season of his career in 2022 is an understatement. His numbers weren't eye-popping, but Jones shined in his first year under Brian Daboll, setting a career high in passing yards while ranking fifth in the league in rushing yards among quarterbacks.

Per Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, former teammate James Bradberry believes that Jones has earned a fat payday after leading the Giants to the playoffs.

"I hope he gets it,'' Bradberry said. "I hope he gets 35 [million]. I definitely think Daniel's a franchise quarterback, and I think this season showed that and also gave him some confidence in himself to know that he is a franchise quarterback. And he's definitely got the guys over there supporting him as far as the coaches and the offensive players. I feel like he's the guy, and they should stick with him.''

It's possible the Giants will indeed ink Jones to an extension—the team has other players to re-sign (including running back Saquon Barkley), and a multiyear deal wouldn't hit the 2023 cap as hard as the franchise tag.

But whether it's via a long-term deal or a non-exclusive franchise tag that would pay Jones $32.4 million, the Giants aren't about to hit the reset button at quarterback after what the team accomplished a year ago.


Jimmy Garoppolo: Las Vegas Raiders
5 OF 8

The Las Vegas Raiders are right at the center of this year's quarterback carousel. After severing ties with Carr following a wildly disappointing season in Josh McDaniels' first year as head coach, the Raiders are in the market for a new starter. The only question is who.

There has been no shortage of speculation that the Raiders could join the Jets in taking a run at Aaron Rodgers. But per Mike Sando of The Athletic, at least one NFL executive believes that Vegas could have its sights set on another veteran signal-caller—one who wouldn't cost the team any draft picks.

"Vegas would be fine for [Rodgers]," the exec said. "It just seems like a weird fit, Rodgers' personality and Josh McDaniels. I think Josh would probably rather develop his own guy than have Rodgers, and I think he'd rather have [Jimmy] Garoppolo than Rodgers."

That groan you just heard came from Raiders fans. But the reality is unless McDaniels is ready to punt on 2023 as well, Garoppolo may be the best option available to the team If Rodgers lands elsewhere. The Raiders pick seventh in April's draft, but it's entirely possible the top three passers in this class (Bryce Young, Will Levis and C.J. Stroud) will all be gone by then.

Durability is a legitimate concern with Garoppolo, who has missed at least six games in two of the past three seasons. But Garoppolo is still relatively young at 31. He was 38-17 over 55 starts in San Francisco. Garoppolo knows McDaniels' offense inside and out. And signing him would free up the Raiders' draft picks to address a defense that needs its own share of help.

Garoppolo may not be the player Raiders fans want. But that doesn't mean he wouldn't make the team better.


Geno Smith: Seattle Seahawks
6 OF 8

There wasn't a more surprising performance under center in 2022 than the season turned in by Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks. Smith was supposed to be a "bridge" starter—a fill-in who would tide the team over until they could draft a long-term solution. Instead, Smith led the league in completion percentage, ranked eighth in passing yards, was fourth in touchdown passes and won Comeback Player of the Year honors.

Now, Smith heads into free agency with exponentially more leverage than he had a year ago. While appearing at the Pro Bowl, Smith told reporters he is confident he and the Seahawks will agree on an extension.

"We've had talks, and we're in the process of getting all that settled right now," Smith said. "It's looking very good. We think we can get some things done, but obviously those things take time. This is the process that I hate about the NFL because I just want to play football, but it's a business as well, so we've got to take care of business and then we'll get back to the football."

In fairness, it wouldn't be unreasonable for the Seahawks to have some reservations about pulling a Brink's truck full of cash up to Smith's crib. Calling his 2022 numbers an outlier is an understatement. Prior to last year, he had made five starts over the preceding seven seasons combined. With the fifth pick in April's draft (courtesy of Denver), the Seahawks are well-positioned to consider a top-three quarterback in the 2023 draft.

But from all indications, Smith and the Seahawks are already well on the way toward agreeing to a new deal.

Call it a case of not fixing that which is not broken.


Baker Mayfield: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7 OF 8

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the most unenviable of positions this year—attempting to replace the greatest quarterback to ever play the game.

As if that isn't enough, Brady's retirement also leaves the Buccaneers with a dead cap hit of upward of $35 million in 2023. Due in part to that, the Buccaneers are over $50 million in the red against the cap.

There won't be any megadeal for Aaron Rodgers. Or signing higher-end free agents like Carr or Garoppolo. The choices are essentially stick with what they have in journeyman backup Blaine Gabbert and youngster Kyle Trask or go the veteran journeyman route. At least one veteran Tampa beat writer believes that the Bucs could choose Door No. 2—and a former No. 1 overall pick.

While appearing on The Dan Patrick Show, Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times pointed out that the Buccaneers kicked the tires on Baker Mayfield last year—and could do so again in 2023.

"I think a lot of it depends on who the [offensive] coordinator is," Stroud said, "but listen, they were looking last year for quarterbacks when Brady was out for those 40 days, and Baker was on that list."

The Buccaneers have already interviewed a pair of coaches in Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Rams assistant head coach Thomas Brown who have a history with Mayfield. Mayfield was admittedly awful in Carolina last year, but he played his best football of the season in Los Angeles.

Mayfield isn't going to make Buccaneers fans forget about Brady—at best, he's likely a bridge to the rookie Tampa will probably be using a high pick on in 2024.

But the rebuild has to start somewhere. And for all his faults, Mayfield is a better option than Gabbert or Trask.


Mike White: New Orleans Saints
8 OF 8

Mike White is hardly the biggest name on this list. Over five NFL seasons spent in Dallas and New York, White has started all of seven games—and four of those starts came in 2022 with the Jets. However, despite a lack of playing time, the soon-to-be 28-year-old White told reporters that he still believes he has what it takes to start in the NFL.

"Anytime you're named the starter, you wear that badge with honor. To be able to go out and lead these guys and just to know how hard these guys work and how important it is to them, you get that chance to lead them because every quarterback is the leader. I take that with a lot of pride and seriousness and professionalism. That's the coolest part about it for me, not so much the longevity of it, it's just the opportunity itself."

To his credit, there were times when White looked the part of a starter as well. In two of his four starts for the Jets in 2022, White surpassed 300 passing yards.

Mind you, this isn't to say that White is anyone's first choice at quarterback. Or even second. But the New Orleans Saints don't exactly enter the offseason negotiating from a position of strength. At $55.9 million in the red, the Saints have the worst cap situation in the league. Releasing Jameis Winston will clear a chunk, but it also leaves the Saints without a quarterback.

Oh, and the Saints don't have a first-round pick in 2023, either.

Is White as proven an option as Mayfield or even Jacoby Brissett? No.

But we know what those quarterbacks are—or at least have a pretty good idea.

White is more of a gamble—but it's just the kind of low-risk gamble the Saints need given their salary mess.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles...rousel-predictions-after-super-bowl-lvii

Derek Carr released by Raiders after nine seasons

https://www.nfl.com/news/derek-carr-released-by-raiders-after-nine-seasons

Carr may be the first puzzle piece to be filled in.

Wasn't there talk of him going to NOLA?

The answer is the very first sentence of the thread.

Rumor is Carolina is on his list.

I'm wondering if it's more he didn't want to go there or didn't want to help the raiders get draft picks...

Not sure if he goes to the Saints but I don't think he had any interest in helping the raiders by waiving his no trade cause..

The Tua concussion situation makes me wonder if Miami is a possibility for Carr.

The Jimmy G to the Raiders idea seems to make sense.

jay, I thought about that. It's certainly a possibility. I heard one guy saying that Carr could still end up there.

Edit: Jeff Darlington just said that New Orleans remains the favorite to land Carr.

Yeah, I saw that, but the thought of one of the reporters I read said that he wanted to be released then would consider NOLA

I am pretty sure New Orleans did not want to give the Raiders the compensation the compensation that was wanted by the latter.

The Jets are in a tough spot. They really want Rodgers. The owner has been quoted as saying so. However, can they afford to wait around for Rodgers to decide whether he is playing or not next year and if he would even want to go to the Jets and risk losing Carr, who is the second most desirable qb on the market?

One other thing about the Jets. In less than 2 years, the Jets have already given up on Wilson after making him the #2 pick in the draft. The times they are a-changin'.

Still hearing rumors that Carolina will be Carr's landing spot.

I still don’t understand how they thought Wilson was a better choice than Fields. I know other teams passed on Fields too, but he was still the better choice than Wilson.

Carolina makes sense, but they are a candidate to trade up for Stroud or Young. They might also go w/Levis, who should be available at #9.

j/c

I'm ecstatic that we aren't in the running for Stroud OR Young.

When did - or has - Justin Fields demonstrated the skillset of an NFL QB?

I agree w/you, but evaluating college qbs is so freaking hard. I've given up trying because I am usually wrong. LOL. Teams mess up all the time. Think about Mahomes not being picked until 10. It's really hard for anyone to know if these QBs will be able to make their pre-snap reads well enough. And it is even way harder to predict if any of these guys can process fast enough to make their post-snap reads of coverages and who will run open. They don't have to do that in college very often. It's more of a one-read look for them.

My statement said he was still better choice than Wilson. There isn’t anything wrong with that statement. He played better competition, bigger games, played great in those games, led comebacks, made huge plays with his feet, and a solid to great arm. His main drawbacks before the draft would be the unknown of reading an NFL defense and post snap reads.

As for NFL time, he is the Offense for the Bears. They haven’t given him any weapons and the line isn’t good. I would love to see what he could do with some weapons like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. Or giving him someone like Mark Andrews that LJ has at TE

Absolutely Vers. I tend to love the mobility/creativity QBs. I liked Mahomes (though I would’ve never guessed he would’ve been this good). I loved LJ like Swish did, that was my top choice. But like you said, I’ve been wrong many many times.

One of the off the wall reasons I like them is their mobility. LJ or Fields is that prime example for my thought process. I will stick with Fields for my explanation. He’s has explosive ability with his legs. If the QB can’t pre or post snap read coming out of college, which wouldn’t be surprising then I still know he’s still dangerous with his mobility. Those other areas will be a work in progress. As with this year, Fields was going off on teams with his running. I don’t know the Bears system, but as you alluded to from our previous QB in the beginning, his passing vision should’ve been just half the field if he can’t make those post snap decisions to try to help him out. The issue with them is they didn’t have any good weapons at all. Heck, they overpaid to trade for Claypool to give him some kind of deep threat.

But going back to the main point, I would rather have mobility and can’t make reads, than a QB that can’t make reads/decisions and his legs aren’t a threat. At that point, you don’t have anything to work around.

I have been reading WSU's posts, but I still have him on ignore and I missed his post. I thought you were replying to me when you posted about there be nothing wrong w/your statement. I was confused because I said I agreed w/you. LOL.......Glad I finally caught that.

Regarding your actual post to me.......I still value a guy who can process things quickly more than athleticism, but I do like athletic qbs who can beat you w/his arm, head, and feet. Fields is interesting. He averaged 7.1 yards a carry this year, which I believe is an all-time high for anyone. He actually ranked 11th overall in rushing yards this year. Not just for QBs, but for everyone. You know......guys like Chubb. Amazing. He has an excellent arm and great size and strength. He doesn't see the field well and holds the ball too long. What sucks for him is that Chicago's OL is beyond horrible and they don't have good receivers. They fired Nagy, who sucked, but they replaced him w/a defensive coach. I think they might ruin the young man.

One possible positive is take a look at what Hurts did this year. They are similar guys. Fields can make the same huge strides Hurts did this year. Not sure if that can happen in Chicago, but he has the ability to do so. I think he has the want-to, as well.

When did Chicago commit to Fields?

I've given this a little thought. Having a QB like Justin Fields or Jalen Hurts is very difficult to defend against.

Why not spend money on an offensive line? Add speed receivers and running backs. Design the offense similar to Shannahan's scheme and include a few "pro" spread concepts.

These types of QBs are found in the second or third round.

The great thing about it is if the QB doesn't measure up you draft a new one. You are not investing a great deal.

I think NFL coaches are committing too much to developing a "traditional" style QB. The percentages are so low in developing one. Owners are not willing to wait. Teams must create a way of streamlining the QB position.

Philly is making a strong argument. I can't say it is something that'll work. Teams must do something better than tanking a season in order to draft the best QB. And, the season they tank has a suitable QB to draft.

I have a little different feeling on these types of QB's. Though I, as with most fans, find the play exciting - I have a hard time looking past the longevity factor. If you look at Mahomes, he threw for 5,200 yards and rushed only 61 times for 358 yards and missed no games in 2022. He has that capability to escape because of his legs but he's getting paid for his arm and he does that quite well. The important part is he's only missed 5 games in 5-years and zero missed games the last 2-years.

Hurts had a great year no question. There's a significant difference though between the players though. Hurts has averaged the last 2 years 3,422 yards passing but 772 yards rushing on 152 carries. That's 91 more times a season than Mahomes that Hurts is taking additional hits. Those extra hits have caused Hurts to miss 2 games each in the last 2 seasons.

Lamar Jackson has passed for an average of 2,562 yards per year the last 2 seasons and 2,752 average over the last 4 seasons. His running is spectacular having averaged 766 yards per season on 123 attempts. Sounds great but Jackson has also missed 5 games per season the last 2 years.

Fields in one year as being the full-time starter passed for 2,242 yards but rushed for 1,143 yards on 160 attempts. Fields also missed 2 games due to injury.

Now the excitement is there no question but all 3 of these guys are either at or moving toward huge contracts in the 40M plus per year category. That's a heck of a lot of money to invest in a QB that, to put it in context, is an injury waiting to happen. The other issue IMHO that raises cause for concern, when these guys can't run - can they carry the team with their arm?

As of today, that answer would have to be a resounding 'NO!" Example, the Chiefs adjusted their defense in the second half of the Super Bowl to shut down the run. Hurts rushed for 63 yards in the 1st half and a 10-point PHI lead. In the 2nd half, Hurts had 7 yards rushing and his team couldn't hold on to the 10-point lead. Hurts was only able to throw for 121 yards in the second half.

I know it's only one game on the league's biggest stage, but the question still remains, if Hurts can't run - can he carry the team with his arm? Not in Super Bowl 57 he couldn't.

There in that is my problem with these exciting running QB's. Being able to escape like a Mahomes and these other QB's is very exciting but when you need them to move the team through the air can they do it? Add in the increased injury factor then you really have to ask yourself - are these guys worth 40M per year and what will they look like in years 8,9, or 10? IMHO, that's the biggest issue that BAL has in dealing with Jackson. Healthy Jackson - very exciting and maybe worth 40M. Needing Jackson to carry the team with his arm and being available - HUGE QUESTION MARKS.

I think we'll learn a lot about this type of QB's future in the next few years. It only takes one to seriously burn a team before the league changes their approach to the handling of these contracts,

I hear what you are saying regarding durability. That's a huge question mark w/many of these qbs. On the other hand, I think the NFL has already transitioned to desiring QBs who are athletic. I don't see teams really drafting as many qbs who are not athletic and are throwback pocket passers.

Also, I don't want to get into a back and forth on this part, but the Eagles put up 35 points in the Super Bowl and Hurts probably outplayed Mahomes. I also think that Hurts grew by leaps and bounds as a passer this past year, so it's best if we look at last year's stats independently, rather than using the 2 year window. He's not the same player he was two years ago.

I think a lot of people [not saying you are in this group] kind of judge QBs by the color of their skin. I remember reading on here a couple of years ago how Herbert couldn't move out of the pocket. That is not a true statement. I look at a lot of the best young qbs and they are a combination of passers and athletes. Mahomes is a great passer, but he makes a lot of plays w/his legs, even if it is just buying time. Josh Allen is a great athlete and has perhaps the strongest arm in the league. Burrow is an excellent passer and his running abilities are vastly underrated. We've already talked about Hurts. Again, Herbert has a cannon and can run very well. Like Mahomes and Burrow, he also buys a lot of time in the pocket w/deft moves. Watson is another guy who can beat you w/his arm and legs.

Look at the recent drafts. What kind of QBs are teams drafting high? Traditional pocket passers or guys who have good arms and can also run?

Obviously, drafting quarterbacks is a tough nut to crack. I believe you must also have complementary players along with established coaching to have any real success. This is a tall order.

I get the durability issues and long-term stability. But, in theory, drafting a, for a lack of a better term, "spread" quarterback is allowing a team to create a functional offense. The objective here is finding a suitable QB that will get you wins. It may take several attempts to draft the chosen, but as a team, you remain competitive and still invest in adding quality players.

To me, teams are investing significantly in a quarterback they think will develop into a franchise quarterback. When their option fails, the entire organization collapses and they tear it all down and start over. This is insane. There are only so many Mahomes and Burrow types to be had.

If you think about it, the Steelers and Ravens have drafted "below expectation" quarterbacks for some time. Funny how they seem to continue to remain competitive searching for their next franchise quarterback.

In my opinion, teams must get smarter. The "Jacoby Brissett" of the world can win you games. Build your franchise and stop wasting money and resources searching solely for the "holy grail"!

No offense, but that doesn't make any sense to me.

The Steelers drafted Big Ben 11th overall and he played 18 years there. Lamar was also a first round choice and there were rumors Harbaugh was about to be fired. Lamar turned the fortunes of Baltimore around in his very first year.

Big Ben was gone this year and Lamar missed a bunch of games. Neither team made the playoffs.

Teams place a ton of importance on getting a true franchise QB.........and rightfully so.

and before Lamar the Ravens drafted Joe Flacco 18th overall... and had him for what? 11 years... before that I don't think they had much stability at QB... and after Big Ben the Steelers are hoping their 20th overall pick will be their long term starter... guess you can argue that they all came from smaller schools except Lamar... and he was what the 4th or 5th QB taken in the first round?? But still... all first rounders...

I was simply referencing Baltimore and Pittsburg has not made a huge investment in drafting a QB these past 20 years if not longer. They have done well building a foundation and succeeding with whatever QB they draft. Obviously, they have had better success with some QBs, but they are able to find something without having to invest draft capital and money.

I agree with you. Jacoby seems like a stand up guy and did a great job for the Browns as their starter. I wish him the best of luck except for when he may face the Browns.

Giants’ quest to re-sign Daniel Jones takes a turn

Updated: Feb. 19, 2023, 7:48 p.m.|Published: Feb. 19, 2023, 5:56 p.m.

Daniel Jones is ready to make a change.

With free agency looming for the Giants’ quarterback, he has decided to switch agents, according to a Tweet by ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.

Jones, who just finished his fourth and best season with the Giants, will become a free agent March 15 if he cannot work out a contract extension with the team. His rookie contract, negotiated by Jim Denton of CAA Sports, was a four-year deal worth $25.6 million. It included a fifth-year option worth $22.4 million, but Giants general manager Joe Schoen declined to pay that amount.

The thinking, of course, was that Jones needed to show the Giants more than he had during his first three seasons if the team was going to keep him around for a fifth year. Jones responded by establishing career highs for completions, completion percentage, passing yards and passer rating while also leading the Giants to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Jones threw 15 touchdowns and just five interceptions and also rushed for a career-high 708 yards and seven touchdowns. He played perhaps his best game of the season while leading the team to a 31-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild-Card round before struggling the following week in a lopsided loss to the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Schoen made it clear during the team’s end-of-year news conference that he wanted to keep Jones and he’d prefer to sign the quarterback to a long-term contract extension.

It is not known who will replace Denton and CAA Sports, but Ranaan speculated that the quarterback could turn to Athletes First, which represents more players than any other NFL agency. The agency’s list of top-paid quarterbacks includes Dallas’ Dak Prescott and Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson. Todd France and David Mulugheta are among the top agents at Athletes First.

If the Giants are unable to come to terms on a new deal with Jones, they have the option of using their franchise tag to keep him around for the 2023 season. That option would cost them $32.4 million. Starting Tuesday, the Giants have until March 7 to use the franchise-tag designation.

The Giants, of course, are also in negotiations to keep running back Saquon Barkley, who was among the finalists for NFL Comeback Player of the Year after having his best season since his 2018 rookie year.

Things should get interesting with both Jones and Barkley in the weeks leading up to the start of free agency.

https://www.nj.com/giants/2023/02/g...7vH7hM9c-dUkNjIFQLb-_8qkYOBMJcB6G_d_syo4

Agree completely. He will be an asset to whichever team he goes.

Though I have a feeling if he does get another shot as a starter somewhere (and he actually does start the season as the starter due to injury, holdout etc), it will be very, very temporary. Jmho.

Perfect back-up. Good guy. Not a bad living.

So in the May or June months, there will be a Mond vs. free agent signing discussion as our #2. For some reason, I wish we had kept Dobbs - if only for camp or preseason.

I’d love to see Brissett back here, but I think he’ll get a shot at starting still