Ranking best NFL QB vacancies of 2024 offseason

By Andrew Buller-Russ

·Updated: March 9, 2024

NFL — Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL offseason always brings a flurry of activity, but there aren’t many moves bigger than changing starting quarterbacks. Just like in years past, there’s a large group of teams who either could lose their starter or are in desperate need of an upgrade or replacement.

Down below you’ll see a total of nine potential or current NFL QB vacancies teams will fill this offseason. We’ve ranked them from the worst to the best NFL QB vacancies at the very bottom.

New England Patriots have the NFL’s worst QB vacancy

The New England Patriots haven’t found success since Tom Brady departed. Much of their failure is due to a severe lack of top-end talent on offense. There isn’t a No. 1 receiver on the roster, and the offensive line is also uncertain.

With a receiving corps largely made up of slot receivers, anyone who takes over starting QB duties for the Patriots has a tough road ahead. The Patriots do at least have three selections in the first 70 picks in the NFL Draft and tons of cap space to spend, but right now, this offense needs a lot of work.

Related: 2024 NFL Draft order

Denver Broncos

Say what you want about Russell Wilson, but he’s not the sole reason for the Denver Broncos’ struggles over the past two seasons. Where’s Denver’s elite receiver? That was supposed to be Jerry Jeudy, but as Steve Smith will tell you, we haven’t seen the former first-round pick live up to his potential yet, and now he’s been shipped to Cleveland.

The Broncos don’t have a clear star receiver, but with Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims, their depth is respectable. However, the Broncos’ offensive line still needs work, and the rushing attack isn’t scaring anyone either. Denver’s offense needs a hero at QB.

New York Giants

The New York Giants may or may not have a QB vacancy, depending on what you think of Daniel Jones. But with so many rumors flying, they get to make the list. The whole reason why questions have popped up is because as Giants ownership can tell you, they’ve done everything they can to screw things up for Danny Dimes.

The offensive line needs work, both at right tackle and at the guard spots. Darren Waller isn’t a No. 1 target, and the rest of the receiving corps is made up of slot receivers. Without a bonafide playmaker, not to mention the potential loss of Saquon Barkley, the Giants’ offense will continue to be in shambles.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ receiving corps is better than many others on this list, and they even get a boost thanks to Mike Tomlin never leading a losing record. Yet, this offensive line is atrocious and the once-great Steelers running game has disappeared.

However, getting Arthur Smith in as the new offensive playcaller provides reason for hope. The next question is determining whether Kenny Pickett is part of the problem or the solution, but this offense has a solid foundation.

Las Vegas Raiders

Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Not many teams boast a receiver as good as Davante Adams. We haven’t seen him be his same dominant self since he benefited from catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, but he’s still recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Not to mention, Jakobi Meyers proved plenty capable as a No. 2 or third option, and even Hunter Renfrow has been a Pro Bowl player in the past.

The offensive line took a major step forward last season, and Kolton Miller has shown he’s capable of being elite. If Josh Jacobs returns, and to top form, the Raiders’ offense has a lot of potential, but not without a better QB than Aidan O’Connell and Jimmy Garoppolo.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

There isn’t a more consistent receiver in the NFL than Mike Evans. You can always count on him to tally 1,000 yards. That alone gives the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense a relatively high floor. Add in Chris Godwin and the return of Russell Gage, plus a bookend tackle in Tristan Wirfs, and there’s a lot to like about Tampa Bay’s core.

However, this team still needs a better running game, there are still questions along the offensive line, and until a consistent third receiver proves capable, there is still more room for growth. Plus, Evans (30) and Godwin (28) aren’t getting any younger.

Chicago Bears

It may feel odd to see the Chicago Bears rank so highly, but a closer examination reveals why. Adding D.J. Moore completely altered the wide receiver landscape in the Windy City. He showed he can be a No. 1 receiver even without consistent QB play. But it’s more than that.

The Bears also boast tons of cap space and the ninth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Chances are the group of pass-catchers we see today are not the same cast who will take the field in Week 1. Yet, the Bears do get docked here for having an unstable offensive line too.

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders would rank much lower on this list if it weren’t for Terry McLaurin’s presence. Scary Terry is an annual threat to top 1,000 yards, and Jahan Dotson could soon join him, depending on who is playing QB.

Yet, there’s still a need for a third option, and while Zach Ertz will help, more long-term investments are needed. Not to mention, the offensive line is among the worst in the NFL. But with five top-100 picks, plus over $90 million in cap space, this roster has a serious chance to be overhauled this offseason, and there’s already a solid foundation here.

Atlanta Falcons

It’s an exciting time to join the Atlanta Falcons. You get to play in a domed stadium, a great atmosphere for any QB. Then add in a trio of freakish playmakers like Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson and the Falcons have arguably one of the brightest futures at the skill position in the NFL.

New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson comes from the Sean McVay tree of coaching, and if he can enjoy a sliver of the same success as his mentor, the Falcons’ offense could take off in a big way. And it also doesn’t hurt that the Falcons already have a great offensive line, especially in pass protection. In other words, any QB would be lucky to take over in Atlanta.

Minnesota Vikings have the NFL’s best QB vacancy

How is the Minnesota Vikings’ QB vacancy the best opening in the NFL? Two words, Justin Jefferson. Any QB would want to play with the NFL’s best receiver, but only a select few get that chance. While pairing with Kirk Cousins has worked out very well for Jefferson, his 192 yards in Week 18 against Detroit while catching passes from Nick Mullens is the third-highest total of his young record-breaking career.

If you’re still not convinced, remember that the Vikings also have both offensive tackles under contract with Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill locked in through 2025. Not to mention, having a Pro Bowl tight end in T.J. Hockenson, even if he’s repairing from a torn ACL, and Jordan Addison as secondary weapons makes this offense good to go. All it needs is a quarterback, which may just be solved by the return of Cousins. Otherwise, a newcomer will be getting the keys to a very sweet ride.