Most NFL teams already know who will start under center in 2020. However, there is a handful of quarterback competitions set to kick off later this summer as training camps begin. These battles will in a large way determine the direction of each franchise, and potentially pave the way for a new era to begin.
These are the five hottest quarterback competitions we’re looking forward to watching unfold this coming summer.
Dwayne Haskins vs. Kyle Allen, Washington Redskins
For a while this past offseason, it looked like Dwayne Haskins’ days as a Washington quarterback might already be numbered. Instead, last year’s first-round pick will start training camp with a heated quarterback competition with Kyle Allen.
Haskins has a big arm and has shown he knows how to use it. Allen has experience playing for new Washington head coach Ron Rivera, and last year he passed for 3,322 yards with 17 touchdowns playing for Carolina. Given the fact that the offseason was effectively null due to COVID-19, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll win this battle.
Nick Foles vs. Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears
This isn’t an ideal situation. The Bears did not want to have to bring in a veteran to compete with Mitchell Trubisky. Heck, they famously gave up draft picks to move up one spot for him during the 2017 NFL Draft, eschewing Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson, among others. But here we are. Trubisky has been a bust so far in his career and it’s put-up-or-shut-up time for the former No. 2 overall pick.
Enter Nick Foles. The Bears gave up a fourth-round pick to trade for the former Super Bowl MVP, who lost his job to Gardner Minshew last year. Whether he still has that magic remains to be seen. However, Foles has won and will be respected in the Chicago locker room. He should be considered the favorite to win this quarterback competition.
Jarrett Stidham vs. Brian Hoyer, New England Patriots
Probably the least sexy of the coming quarterback competitions this summer, the Patriots are hoping lighting strikes twice. Tom Brady, the quarterback of the past two decades, is in Tampa. It’s time for a new era to begin.
Last year, New England drafted former Baylor and Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham in the fourth round. He appeared in three games as a rookie, attempting all of four passes. The word around the league is that the Patriots believe Stidham will be able to step into the lineup and lead the offense in 2020. However, the franchise brought back Brian Hoyer this offseason as an emergency option should Stidham not live up to the hype.
Tyrod Taylor vs. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Selected sixth overall this past April, Justin Herbert is clearly seen by the Chargers as the quarterback of their future. Whether he steps onto the field for even one snap this coming season remains to be seen. Head coach Anthony Lynn has talked up veteran Tyrod Taylor on multiple occasions this offseason. Furthermore, the Chargers have turned down chances to sign both Colin Kaepernick and Cam Newton.
Leading up to the draft, some people talked about how Herbert didn’t display the type of “fire” some people like to see in a quarterback. He’s more mild-mannered and leads by example more then being that “rah-rah” guy. With that in mind, it would be a shock if Taylor didn’t seize the starting job and never let it go when training camp opens up later in July.
Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
This one should be good. Don’t think for a second that Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to lay down so that Tua Tagovailoa can rise up as the savior of the Miami franchise. FitzMagic is going to give the rookie out of Alabama everything he’s got in training camp this summer.
In terms of pure talent, Tagovailoa is the kind of guy you want to start right away. He has the “it” factor, has played in (and won) huge games and possesses one of the prettiest deep ball we’ve seen in years. At some point this season, he’ll be the starter. Book it. But coming out of training camp, the Dolphins might feel more comfortable with Fitzpatrick under center following this necessarily short offseason.