*Teams with a Top 3 pick that are almost definitely selecting a QB (Patriots, Commanders) were not included.
Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins went down with a season ending injury in week 8, and the team struggled to find their footing. After the injury, coach Kevin O'Connell started three different Quarterbacks. Each of them (Joshua Dobbs, Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall) struggled significantly. If the team were to move on from an aging Cousins, the next guy will almost certainly come from outside of their current roster.
Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson was benched late in the season in favor of Jarret Stidham. If they were to keep him on the roster for next season, Wilson would be owed a horrifying amount of guaranteed money, so there is a very real chance he gets cut. Sean Payton's squad has options, though. They could keep Russ, role with Stidham, sign an impending free agent (although there will not be many starter-level guys available) or look for a QB in the draft. The decision that the organization ultimately makes will let fans know whether they are contending, rebuilding, or staying in the middle, where they are right now.
Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas signed Jimmy Garoppolo to try and make them a contender. Instead, rookie Aidan O' Connell was given the keys and ended up starting more games than Garoppolo. Head coach Josh McDaniels was fired, and Antonio Pierce was named the interim replacement (later hired as full-time). I believe that because Pierce was named permanent Head Coach, he might look to stay with O'Connell. Obviously, there is still the possibility that thy turn to someone else, but Pierce's promotion certainly didn't hurt those chances.
Pittsburgh Steelers
After Pittsburgh fans were forced to watch Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky struggle to put points on the board behind an elite defense all season, Coach Mike Tomlin opted to start Mason Rudolph over an injured Pickett and ineffective Trubisky. While starting, Rudolph threw for 719 yards, about 100 more than Trubisky, despite playing in one less game. He would go on to start again in the playoffs, even though Pickett could have played if needed. It is still likely that they ride with their young QB, but Rudolph certainly made the team think with his performances.
Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith looked shaky on more than one occasion this season, and he is an impending free agent. Drew Lock started over him in a big game against the Eagles, a game where Smith was coming off injury, but still active as a backup. With Head Coach Pete Carroll moving into the Front Office, nothing is guaranteed for Smith's future in Seattle, and it is becoming increasingly likely that he suits up for a new team next season.
Atlanta Falcons
Every Falcons fan's long-lasting nightmare is over. At the end of another disappointing season, Head Coach Arthur Smith was fired, spelling the end to a tenure that was riddled with bad decisions. This year, they were in a weak NFC South division, and were still unable to make the playoffs, largely due to their QB play. Both Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke were ineffective when given a chance to start, and they do not have a high enough pick to get a top tier QB via the draft. If this team has any hope of contending in the future, they need to find a QB, and fast.
New York Giants
After the best season of his NFL career, former top 10 pick Daniel Jones went right back to the form we saw early in his career. After his early season struggles, Jones went down with a season-ending injury. His replacements, Tommy DeVito and Tyrod Taylor, both outperformed expectations. Their performances proved that success could be found with their roster. Once again, it is likely that Jones remains the starter next season, but DeVito and Taylor's performances certainly made the Giants organization and their fans think.
Chicago Bears
The Bears are in an interesting situation. On one hand, they have the #1 pick in a draft with a supposed generational QB. On the other hand, they have Justin Fields, who has shown flashes (especially lately) of being the franchise guy, With their pick, they could take Caleb Williams, and hope he elevates them into playoff contention. They could take Marvin Harrison Jr., and give Fields an excellent new target to pair with Darnell Mooney, DJ Moore, and Cole Kmet. Or they could take one of the top 2 tackles (Joe Alt or Olu Fashaunu) to give Fields the pass protection he has been missing. No matter what, this pick will have a big impact on the Bears organization now and in the future.
- Eli Knight
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