Andrew Buller-Russ
On Thursday, Kirk Cousins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders to be the bridge quarterback until rookie Fernando Mendoza is ready for the starting job. With the four-time Pro Bowl QB off the market, who’s left? After all, there are still several NFL teams in need of either a starter or a high-level backup. Below, we evaluate the five best QBs available, while predicting where they’ll land.
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Anthony Richardson
No, he may not be as ‘available’ as others unsigned in free agency, but the Colts have made it clear that the No. 4 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft is on the trade block. Any team that does not have a defined long-term starter should be inquiring about the price of this cannon-armed QB who is arguably as dangerous with his legs. While Richardson has battled durability and consistency issues, he’s still just 23 years old. The Cardinals have Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew, but Richardson offers the highest upside of all.
Prediction: Traded to Arizona Cardinals
Jimmy Garoppolo
The Rams were one of several teams waiting out the market on Cousins. Coach Sean McVay admitted that he’d “love” to have Cousins on his team, but that won’t be happening this year. Now that Cousins is gone, the next best option is to simply re-sign Jimmy Garoppolo, who’s already spent the past two seasons mastering McVay’s system in LA.
Prediction: Re-sign with the Los Angeles Rams
Derek Carr
Before the offseason got underway, there were rumors that Derek Carr wanted to come out of retirement for the chance to play for a contender. With so many other inexpensive options becoming available (Geno Smith, Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Cousins), teams were able to fill their needs with ease. As a result, the only starting jobs available are in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Arizona. Unless Rodgers spurns the Steelers, it’s hard to find a competitive situation available for Carr. Barring an injury mid-season, he’ll likely stay retired.
Prediction: Stays retired
Russell Wilson
The Packers are still looking to replace Malik Willis’ spot on the depth chart. Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord don’t inspire any confidence should Jordan Love be forced to miss time. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson showed he still has plenty of juice in his arm last season in New York. Is it possible he could find a better playing opportunity, like Indianapolis, early on? Sure, but since Richardson is still a Colt, landing as the QB2 on a contender in Green Bay feels like a win for the 37-year-old.
Prediction: Signs with the Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers
This just makes too much sense not to happen. Aaron Rodgers would get to help Mike McCarthy start out on the right foot in Pittsburgh by giving them a chance to compete for a playoff spot again. If not Rodgers, the Steelers could find themselves in deep trouble at the QB position, but the four-time NFL MVP gives Pittsburgh their best chance to win this season.
Prediction: Re-signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Related: Pittsburgh Steelers ‘Hope’ To Draft a Quarterback
