The 2021 NFL off-season is shaping up to be a quarterback carousel. Teams will undoubtedly make decisions at the quarterback position that they will regret for years to come. Here is a list of who should be starting at the most important position for each team in 2021:
Arizona Cardinals
This one is easy. Kyler Murray has had an impressive first two seasons and should be the franchise QB on this team for years to come.
Atlanta Falcons
The answer for 2021 is Matt Ryan. However, this should only be the answer if his backup is Justin Fields. There is no reason for why the Falcons should not be thinking about the future at this position. With the 4th overall pick in the 2021 draft, Atlanta should do what Kansas City did in 2017. Draft the franchise QB and let him sit behind Ryan for a year.
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson. Until you have to pay him. After that, anyone else in the world with a heartbeat.
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen. He’s a stud.
Carolina Panthers
Deshaun Watson. This team showed flashes of being a contender in 2020. Teddy Bridgewater is not a NFL-caliber QB. Get him out of there and sell the farm for Watson.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow. Duh.
Cleveland Browns
Baker Mayfield is hot and cold. But this team is too deep into its rebuild to turn back now. If Mayfield stinks this year, though, it’s time to move on.
Chicago Bears
Russell Wilson. The Bears have had no problems overpaying for talent in the past few years. If Wilson is available, Chicago needs to pick up the phone and add the missing piece to what could be a Super Bowl contender.
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott. He does not deserve anything close to record-breaking money, but he is the best bet for a team that enjoys consistency.
Denver Broncos
Alex Smith. Drew Lock should not be considered the future at the QB position for Denver. He is erratic and does not have the coaching staff to develop him appropriately. The team would be wise to have a veteran transition QB and invest a draft pick on a future franchise player.
Detroit Lions
Jared Goff. He’ll be around for a cup of coffee before he plays himself out of the league.
Green Bay Packers
The 2020 MVP should start for this team in 2021.
Houston Texans
Mac Jones. Trading with Carolina will land Houston the 8th pick. The Texans love to replicate the New England model. Mac Jones has Patriot written all over him.
Indianapolis Colts
Carson Wentz. If his mind is right, this could be dangerous.
Kansas City Chiefs
Take a guess.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert. They found their guy.
Los Angeles Rams
Let it rip, Stafford.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence.
Las Vegas Raiders
Derek Carr. Not time to jump ship yet.
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa. He’ll prove he’s not the guy this year and it might be too late to get rid of him by the time 2022 rolls around.
Minnesota Vikings
Jimmy Garoppolo. Both Kirk Cousins and Jimmy G could benefit from a change of scenery. Give me a straight-up trade between them and let’s see what happens.
New England Patriots
Ryan Fitzpatrick. This team needs a transition QB as they groom a rookie. Fitzpatrick would be a great fit in 2021.
New Orleans Saints
Taysom Hill. Brees is retiring. Jameis would be a mistake. Let’s see what Hill can do with a full season of work.
New York Giants
Daniel Jones. There might be something there. Or he might just be Daniel Jones. We find out in 2021.
New York Jets
Sam Darnold. The Jets are not ready to groom a rookie QB. Darnold gives them their best chance to compete in 2021.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts. Let’s see what you got.
San Francisco 49ers
Kirk Cousins. Shanahan finally gets his guy.
Seattle Seahawks
Trey Lance. Trading with Chicago will provide the resources needed to move up in the draft and select a Wilson replacement.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger. One last time.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tompa Brady.
Tennessee Titans
Ryan Tannehill. It’s kind of worked so far, I guess.
Washington Football Team
Cam Newton. You know Ron Rivera is thinking it.
