The 2021 NFL offseason has already led to plenty of movement, from the Colts trading for Carson Wentz to the Cardinals landing J.J. Watt’s services. However, the league will still see further movement, especially in the quarterback market. In this article, I’ll outline the remaining notable QB’s with uncertain futures and where they may land.
Deshaun Watson: Panthers
While I have believed that the Texans won’t trade him at any price since the rumours began, the seriousness of Watson’s plans to sit out has changed my outlook. It’s clear that Watson won’t be suiting up for the Texans ever again, and I think that the Panthers are in pole position to land the young star. The Panthers have the capital to trade: their next 2 firsts and seconds as well as Teddy Bridgewater and potentially Jeremy Chinn, and also have a talented enough roster to attract Watson. The Bears also have a decent shot at the QB given their good offensive line and defense, but the Panthers have the inside lane in my view.
Cam Newton: Broncos
The former MVP has struggled since his shoulder injury and put up abysmal numbers in an abysmal offense last year. With the Patriots apparently looking to trade for Jimmy Garoppolo, Newton could find himself competing with another Qb who struggled in 2020 in Drew Lock. Newton would have far better weapons in Denver and would at the very least prove to be a solid veteran presence in the QB room.
Dak Prescott: Cowboys
The Cowboys have to pay Dak. Jerry won’t let him go. This is a no-brainer.
Alex Smith: Jaguars
It looks as if Smith’s days as a starting quarterback are over, but his presence as a mentor will still be valuable. The Jaguars will have a young QB in need of a mentor and have Smith’s former college coach Urban Meyer at the helm. As an alternative, the Bears could snap him up to fill in. Smith has connections to Matt Nagy and if he is looking for playing time, this could be his best option.
Marcus Mariota: Football Team
The Washington Football team is in an interesting position in terms of QB. They don’t have an early first rounder or an experienced starter on the roster. Mariota could prove to be a cheap option to try out at the position in 2021. He looked like his Oregon self in his appearance against the Chargers on TNF and a starting role on a team with a solid young core could revive his career.
Jameis Winston: Saints
The Saints seem set to give Jameis a chance this year. I could only see him leaving if the Saints informed him of other plans.
Russell Wilson: Seahawks
While this situation is more serious than I first imagined, the Seahawks have no incentive to trade him at the moment. While the Bears will likely make a run at him, it would take a lot to force Seattle to part ways with the former Super Bowl winner.
Sam Darnold: 49ers
If the 49ers do end up trading Garoppolo, this would be intriguing for sure. Darnold has shown flashes of greatness in his time on the Jets, but with them likely about to draft his replacement, the 49ers could be the spot to provide Darnold a chance to prove himself.