Every team’s quarterback conversation becomes a main focus as training camp nears.
Both new and old signal-callers will draw the spotlight as teams ramp up in lieu of the 2024 campaign. While some franchises boast MVP candidates and rising stars, others find themselves on the opposite end of the spectrum. In a much more precarious situation.
For Kansas City, Baltimore and Cincinnati, concerns at the position are a thing of fantasy. For others, rapid improvement at the position will remain the storyline towards reaching a rosters performance ceiling.
We’ll dive deep into the murky waters of the NFL’s most troubling quarterback scenarios here, ranking the teams facing the biggest challenges under center. From unproven rookies to aging veterans, and from injury-plagued starters to underwhelming backups, we explore the dire QB predicaments that could define the upcoming season for these teams.
Starter: Kirk Cousins
Backup: Michael Penix Jr
Third String/Camp Arm: Taylor Heinicke
The Atlanta Falcons spent big during free agency under center, signing veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. Only to then select Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft, inviting unwarranted drama into Atlanta’s locker room.
The Penix selection was controversial, especially because the Falcons reportedly didn’t tell Cousins about the pick until they were on the clock. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Cousins’ camp was unhappy that the Falcons didn’t spend the No. 8 pick on a player who could help them win now.
Cousins should provide an immediate boost under center. He’ll have plenty of weapons at his disposal, including a trio of top-10 picks in running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. He’ll also operate behind one of the leagues most underrated offensive lines.
With nearly 40,000 career passing yards under his belt, Cousins could be the final piece to the puzzle that elevates Atlanta to its first division title since 2016. On the other hand, Penix’s arrival leaves him one snap away from leading the Falcons’ offense.
Penix remains Atlanta’s insurance plan, but don’t be shocked to hear fans clamoring for his services should things unexpectedly go south for the Falcons early in 2024.
Starter: Sam Darnold
Backup: J.J. McCarthy
Third String/Camp Arm: Nick Mullens/Jaren Hall
With Kirk Cousins gone, it soon will be J.J. McCarthy‘s time to run the show in Minnesota. However, he isn’t guaranteed to start in Week 1.
While the Vikings traded up one pick for McCarthy during the 2024 draft, the rookie has primarily worked behind veteran Sam Darnold in preseason workouts.
“It’s a good balance of both. … We’re going to have a competitive training camp, but we do have a plan for J.J., a long-term plan,” O’Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. “We see him as our quarterback of the future, and when that ultimately starts with him taking game reps under center will really be about his process of getting there and demonstrating that he’s got total comfort in the system.”
O’Connell’s comments don’t mean that McCarthy won’t start at some point as a rookie or that fans shouldn’t be following his progress. If the Vikings stumble early with Darnold under center, they could hand the keys to McCarthy earlier than expected.
For both Darnold and McCarthy, the supporting cast in Minnesota couldn’t get much better. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison headline the wide receiver room. Aaron Jones will contribute in multiple facets and work behind a front five headlined by tackle Christian Darrisaw.
If the Vikings are to raise an NFC North banner this year, it’ll be on Darnold and McCarthy to elevate Minnesota’s offensive ceiling.
Starter: Derek Carr
Backup: Spencer Rattler/Jake Haener
28 interceptions in 2021/2022 placed a dark cloud over Derek Carr heading into last fall.
While the veteran improved in a variety of metrics, Carr is now 33 years old (slated to be the sixth-oldest starter in football) whose best days could be behind him. Which in turn, has seen the Saints add talent to the quarterbacks room in each of the past two drafts.
Although 2023 fourth-rounder Jake Haener is expected to serve as an emergency option this fall, the addition of Spencer Rattler (fifth round) in this years draft has raised eyebrows in New Orleans.
Rattler, a former five-star recruit, enjoyed a roller coaster of ups and downs during his time at Oklahoma and South Carolina. A projected top five pick just two years ago, his college career left much to be desired. However, improvement in 2023 within an underwhelming South Carolina offense has forced many to hypothesize whether his skillset could lift the ceiling of the Saints’ offensive attack.
With Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Juwan Johnson and Alvin Kamara still in the building, the pieces are present for the Saints to succeed on offense. Additionally, the selection of offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga in the first round will bolster the front five on the edges.
Starter: Russell Wilson
Backup: Justin Fields
Third String/Camp Arm: Kyle Allen/John Rhys Plumlee
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to say that Russell Wilson will likely begin the year as their starting quarterback, with Justin Fields backing him up.
“It’s a competition,” Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith recently said. “I mean certainly I’m sure things will heat up, but both those guys knew that however they were acquired and they got here and I think it’s been pretty transparent.”
Competition only makes players better. While either Fields or Wilson will start the year holding a clipboard, whomever develops the hot hand during training camp and the preseason could ultimately earn the majority of snaps this fall.
While the Steelers have the most uncertainty at quarterback in the AFC North, you’d be remiss to think head coach Mike Tomlin expects anything less than a playoff berth in 2024.
As the late John Madden would say, however, “if you have two quarterbacks, you actually have none.”
A quote that could rear its head for the Steelers this fall.
Starter: Will Levis
Backup: Mason Rudolph
Third String/Camp Arm: Malik Willis
The Titans offense is expected to take a step this fall. And with new HC Brian Callahan in the building, the onus on Will Levis to elevate the group remains of the utmost importance.
This ranking isn’t to say we expect Levis to falter, he should be league average in 2024, but numbers are numbers and Levis ranked 24th in QBR among signal callers with at least nine appearances last fall. A ranking that saw him sit behind Cincinnati’s Jake Browning and the Giants’ tandem of Tommy DeVito and Tyrod Taylor.
With Levis now expected to be the surefire starter for the long haul, GM Ran Carthon aggressively sought to improve the offense around his young QB this offseason. Tennessee splurged on the likes of running back Tony Pollard, center Lloyd Cushenberry III, wideout Tyler Boyd and added offensive tackle JC Latham with the No. 7 overall pick. The team also agreed to terms with wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
Ridley, an explosive perimeter threat, will now pair with DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks and Boyd to make life easier on Levis, but it’ll be on the second-year QB to utilize his weapons correctly.
Starter: Anthony Richardson
Backup: Joe Flacco
Third String/Camp Arm: Sam Ehlinger/Kedon Slovis
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson made a strong early impression as a rookie last season. However, his rookie campaign ended in Week 5, when he suffered a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his right (throwing) shoulder.
When available, Richardson’s performance ceiling is as lofty as any quarterback in the league. Yes, that includes the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow.
Richardson, the 2023 fourth overall pick, is a herculean blend of athleticism whose rocket arm and dynamic lower half showcase an athlete that can dissect a defense in a variety of ways.
While there are a laundry list of outliers that can ultimately effect a quarterback’s success, availability is simply what it comes down to for Richardson.
While he remains a tick behind in his development process because of how few snaps he’s taken at the NFL level, his ability to create chunk plays should help the Colts to put their best foot forward in 2024. If he’s unable to stay off the shelf, however, questions will immediately be raised towards his future in a Colts uniform.
Starter: Jacoby Brissett
Backup: Drake Maye
Third String/Camp Arm: Bailey Zappe/Joe Milton
As it stands, the New England offense will be led by veteran Jacoby Brissett. However, sparkling talent Drake Maye will continue to garner the spotlight for the Patriots offense.
Maye’s first taste of the NFL has been a bit of a roller coaster. The No. 3 pick in April’s draft spent some time with the starters during OTAs, but he’s also been as low as third on the quarterback depth chart in New England.
While the veteran Brissett received the bulk of the work with the starters in OTAs, the arrow continues to point up for Maye. He operated as the backup to Brissett in minicamp—jumping over Bailey Zappe on the depth chart—and continued to flash the skill set that earned him All-ACC honors in his final two seasons at North Carolina.
“Every day he’s gotten better,” Brissett said of Maye, per CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan. “He’s just constantly trying to find ways to get better … he’s been here for what? Three-and-a-half weeks, a month? He’s made tremendous strides not only calling the plays but footwork, throwing the ball, and his overall understanding of this offense.”
The Patriots hope that Maye is their quarterback of the future but will enter training camp with four legitimate options, as Zappe (eight career starts) and the talented Joe Milton (2024 sixth-round pick) are also in the building.
Starter: Bo Nix
Backup: Jarrett Stidham/Zach Wilson
Expectations have drastically changed in the last 12 months for the Denver Broncos.
Denver is a year removed from trading for head coach Sean Payton to help get veteran quarterback Russell Wilson back on track. Now, he’s heading into the 2024 season with a retooled roster and a new signal-caller in town.
The Broncos spent the No. 12 overall pick on Bo Nix, who figures to take over as their QB1 sooner than later. The Broncos split first-team reps between Nix, returnee Jarrett Stidham and the newly acquired Zach Wilson during OTAs, but the job looks like Nix’s to lose this summer.
“I would say, you can feel his 61 games played in college,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said of Nix.
“With experience, a calmness comes along with it. So he certainly doesn’t feel like a rookie. He’s learning a brand-new system, so whether you’re a veteran or a rookie coming in, that’s common to all these people. He has seen a lot and doesn’t make the same mistake twice very often. There is a maturity level. I think when you draft a guy who is a little bit older, you hope that that comes with it, but he’s certainly shown that.”
While Nix looks to be the guy for the short and long term, the Broncos have found themselves in quite the conundrum as training camp approaches. Three quarterbacks, one spot to start, each signal-caller with questions in abundance towards their overall performance ceiling.
Starter: Deshaun Watson
Backup: Jameis Winston
Third String/Camp Arm: Tyler Huntley/Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Over the last two campaigns, the quarterback play in Cleveland has simply not been good enough.
The team has seen six different quarterbacks earn time under center, and presumed 2024 starter Deshaun Watson has thrown 14 touchdowns compared to nine interceptions in his last two campaigns combined.
Since Cleveland sold the farm for Watson years ago, things have only continued to spiral downward at the position. Watson has looked lost at times in the pocket, leaving many to speculate whether or not HC Kevin Stefanski should be so lenient in handing Watson the keys to the offense this fall.
The Browns enter the summer with four options at center. Behind Watson, the team added Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley in free agency. 2023 Day 3 pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson also remains.
While the latter in Thompson-Robinson looks like a long shot to earn snaps considering his youth and lack of experience on Sundays, the arrivals of Winston and Huntley have thrown a massive wrench into who could earn the bulk of the snaps this fall.
Cleveland has a talented roster on both sides of the ball, but a lack of improvement under center could keep the Browns out of playoff contention.
Starter: Bryce Young
Backup: Andy Dalton
Third String/Camp Arm: Jack Plummer
Year one for Bryce Young left much to be desired.
While important context is needed as Young’s surroundings were drastically less than optimal, the 2023 No. 1 overall simply failed to show flashes of stardom that would lower any initial caution flags from an organizational brass.
Young ranked 29th among 30 qualified QBs in QBR last fall, dead last in PAA (a number that isolates points contributed by QBs) and threw nearly as many interceptions (10) as he did touchdowns (11) in his rookie season.
Additionally, Young’s 11 touchdown passes were the fewest of any quarterback with at least 500 pass attempts. He also had eight games without a touchdown pass, the second-most in league history for a No. 1 pick.
Despite his lack of success in year one, 2024 should provide a sense of optimism for all involved.
Newly hired GM Dan Morgan made a long list of additions in the spring. New faces at wideout in Diontae Johnson and first-rounder Xavier Legette will make things easier on Young. More importantly, the additions of Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt at both guard spots should allow Young to sit comfortably in the pocket. A luxury that the former Heisman winner in Young failed to enjoy in 2023.
Another face in the fold is new head coach Dave Canales, who enters Carolina with an impressive track record of getting the best out of his signal-callers in recent years. Both Geno Smith in Seattle and Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay thrived with Canales as their quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, respectively.
With the level of talent, and coaching, drastically improved around Young this fall, it’ll be on the talented signal-caller to silence doubters and get Carolina back on the tracks towards relevancy.
Starter: Gardner Minshew II/Aidan O’Connell
Third String/Camp Arm: Anthony Brown/Carter Bradley
Attention was fixated on the quarterback position during minicamp in Las Vegas, as it will be all summer long.
Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew have been splitting first-team reps all offseason, but one of the two will separate themselves from the other at some point. At least, that’s the hope for first-year head coach Antonio Pierce.
The quarterback battle may come down to who finds the hot hand in camp. It may also come down to investment, as the team signed Minshew to a multi-year deal this spring worth upwards of $25 million. All in all, whomever efficiently operates Getsy’s quick-hitting passing attack the quickest should establish himself as Las Vegas’ starter.
Minshew, a wily veteran with 37 career starts, enters Vegas after serving as the backup in Indianapolis. O’Connell, a fourth-rounder in 2023, went 5-5 in his 10 starts as a rookie tossing 12 touchdowns (T-2nd among all first-year QBs) compared to seven interceptions.
After a failure to add talent to the position in this years QB-heavy draft, if Vegas is to raise eyebrows this fall, it likely won’t be due to the play under center.
Starter: Daniel Jones
Backup: Drew Lock
Third String/Camp Arm: Tommy DeVito/Nathan Rourke
An organization that was heavily rumored to take a quarterback in this years draft, the New York Giants will enter 2024 with Daniel Jones and Drew Lock as it’s 1-2 under center.
Jones signed a four-year, $160 million extension with the team in March of 2023, but questions continue to swirl about his future in the Big Apple. The Giants can also cut or trade Jones next offseason to save $19.4 million in cap space.
While Jones has shown flashes in his five seasons at the helm, injuries and a lack of consistent production have stopped him from cementing himself as the Giants’ long-term answer under center.
In six starts last fall, Jones threw two touchdowns compared to six interceptions before suffering a torn ACL. And while his legs have often been utilized to get him out of trouble on occasion, the willingness to accelerate off of his left leg could be compromised moving forward, further moving Jones into the bucket of a primary pocket passer and reducing his skill set.
Despite the long list of talent available under center in this years draft class, New York passed on drafting Jones’ potential successor with the No. 6 overall pick in this year’s draft, raising questions about their plan under center moving forward.
While Giants brass has remained steadfast in their support of Jones, it’s difficult to envision them reaching close to their ceiling as long as he holds the keys to the offense. Rather than draft a quarterback, they spent the No. 6 overall pick on wide receiver Malik Nabers, but the electric playmaker’s success will directly depend on Jones, or whomever starts at the quarterback position.
The loss of Saquon Barkley this offseason was already a massive blow towards the Giants’ attack, but the lack of attention to addressing the most important position on the roster with such an obvious limited ceiling (and a starter coming off of a serious injury) lands the Giants at No. 1 on the list.