2025 QB Carousel

[Brian wolf]

With free agent QBs moving around for this upcoming season, looking at signings, trades and upcoming draft picks that can affect the upcoming season.

--Will Aaron Rodgers finally sign with the Steelers? Could be a question of his compensation but you figured the ink would have been dry from his signing by now. Maybe he is still wanting to join Minnesota or waiting to see who the Steelers might draft?

--Russell Wilson joins the Giants and his starting days are numbered. I really felt he would re-sign with Pitts but they obviously didnt feel he would improve them with another year of continuity. Despite Metcalf joining the team, Wilson hasnt been able to develop any momentum with teammates since leaving the Hawks. Some question his ability to go through progressions and finding secondary receivers; others question his ability to work the middle of the field, either way, with his game moving to another team, you wonder if he can succeed again?

--Sam Darnold moves to the Seahawks replacing Geno Smith, who goes to the Raiders. Both QBs have the same problem, working with mediocre offensive lines. Can Smith succeed with the receiving weapons in Las Vegas? Can Darnold hope to succeed with only Smith-Njigba at receiver? Can Kenneth Walker stay healthy and get their running game on track?

--JJ McCarthy gets his opportunity with the Vikings, though they still could be in play for Rodgers. I think Flacco could be a great backup signing.

--With Watson making his millions while rehabbing another injury, can Kenny Pickett start all year in Cleveland? Will a rookie like Ward or Sanders get drafted to start quickly? Could Flacco or Kurt Cousins get signed to start? Atlanta may keep Cousins for another year but we will see?

--Very good team or not, Brock Purdy deserves a large contract in SF and should make over 40 million per season. Would he hold out if the 49ers played hardball? Could they bring in Cousins while delaying his extension?

--The Jets are rolling the dice moving on from Rodgers, while bringing in the athleticism of Justin Fields. Can he start all season or would they bring in another free agent or draft pick to challenge him?

--Daniel Jones signs with the Colts and will challenge for the starting job with Richardson. Surprised the Vikings didnt give him another chance to compete with McCarthy but the money probably wasnt right.

--Interesting that once again, Carson Wentz moves on from another team, while the Chiefs sign Garner Minshew in his place. Keenum is getting older, but gets to use some veteran savvy to help Williams in Chicago.

--Many feel the Titans will draft Cam Ward 1st overrall but could they trade down while getting more impactful players? Sanders could go to the Browns or Giants but despite poise and ability, many feel his arm isnt as elite as his decision making on college tape. Is he overrated? Did Hunter help his status similar to Evans helping Manziel at Texas A&M? It will be interesting with who decides to draft him.

Its still refreshing that a QB other than Brady and Mahomes has led his team to a SB win with the team that drafted him, with Jalen Hurts leading the Eagles to victory. Yes, he will never be a Marino type thrower but a nice resume with a SB to go with two NFC championships in five seasons. His 55 TDs scored are third all-time for QBs with another 10 in postseason. If the tush-push is disallowed in the NFL in future years, he will at least be remembered for being the best at running this style of short yardage conversion.

[Brian wolf]

Another backup that could be intriguing is Mac Jones in SF. A year of development with Shanahan could help get his career on track but was he signed to put added pressure on the Purdy negotiations? Purdy deserves his payday but if Jones were to pick up the offense quickly, the team could simply wait on paying him.
Jones also has to worry about Cousins joining the team, if he waives his no-trade clause, which I feel he would do. It would be something if he rejoined the Vikings ...

Jameis Winston also gets a chance to compete with Russell Wilson for the starting job in NY. Can he keep Wilson on the bench? Could the Giants still draft Sheduer Sanders?

Speaking of reclamation projects, Zach Wilson heads to Miami as insurance for any Tua Tags injuries? Can he develop and help win a game or two when called upon?

Can Joe Milton develop for the Dallas Cowboys? Short throw accuracy is a concern but he has talent. Trey Lance's days in the NFL could be numbered but maybe the Chargers can utilize his running skills? Will be interesting if he can develop ...

[Brian wolf]

Browns were smart bringing back Flacco but they still may go with a QB at #2 ... If so, can Pickett retain the starting job? Could they trade either veterans, later?*

*With Derrick Carr getting injured with the Saints--surgery?--Sanders could get drafted if he falls to the #9th pick? Its doubtful Aaron Rodgers would want to go with them over Pittsburgh but who knows? I doubt the Saints can afford him anyway ...