NFL Quarterback Changes
The National Football League has become a 24-hrs a day, 7-days a week, 365-days a year sports league.
Within a few hours of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning Super Bowl LV, most sports news organizations had written articles about the favorites and underdogs for Super Bowl LVI.
The NFL never sleeps, which is why even though Buccaneers players continue to party the days and nights away, NFL executives, including Tampa executives, are preparing for the 2021-2020 season. Part of that preparation includes finding a signal-caller ala TB, someone as close to Tom Brady’s quarterbacking talent as possible, who can lead their franchise to a Vince Lombardi Trophy victory.
With that in mind, let’s turn our attention to what many sports fans consider the most challenging job in all of team sports, calling signals for an NFL team. Which National Football League squads have ditched their starting quarterbacks, and which teams could very well ditch their QBs before April’s NFL Draft?
NFL Teams with new starting quarterbacks in 2021
Philadelphia Eagles
On Feb. 18, Philadelphia sent the 2016 second pick in the NFL Draft to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2021 third-round and a conditional 2022 second-round pick. The Eagles didn’t get what they had hoped for by shipping Carson Wentz to the Colts.
But things had soured between Wentz and the organization. Philadelphia fired Doug Pederson, the only coach to lead them to an SB title, shortly after their Week 17 games.
Philly opens the door for Jalen Hurts to prove he can wow NFL fans the way he did college football fans. Rumor has it, though, that Philadelphia wants to explore moving up in the draft for either Trey Lance or Mac Jones.
If the Eagles draft Lance or Jones, their Super Bowl odds should go down but only slightly. Philadelphia’s got a lot more problems than just replacing their quarterback.
Indianapolis Colts
It isn’t easy to know if Wentz helps Indianapolis. But the Colts are solid in every position. More importantly, it won’t hurt Carson to play behind one of the best three offensive lines in the league.
One of the reasons Wentz struggled is because the Eagles couldn’t protect him. With the Colts, Carson could rediscover his MVP caliber skills. Expect Indianapolis’ Super Bowl odds to drop the more we hear about Wentz developing a rapport with his new teammates.
L.A. Rams
The Rams’ Lombardi Trophy odds have already dived. After head coach Sean McVay pulled the trigger on trading for Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles’ odds dropped from +2400 to +1400.
The odds will continue to depreciate once Stafford becomes comfortable in McVay’s system. Staff is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He succeeded in a lousy organization, Detroit’s, so there’s no reason to believe he won’t succeed playing for a winning franchise.
Also, the Rams should field the same lockdown defense in 2022 that they did in 2021. If you like the Rams, consider backing them as soon as you can. Unless Stafford gets hurt, Los Angeles could become the NFC’s Super Bowl chalk by May.
Detroit Lions
The Lions got the Rams’ quarterback, Jared Goff. Goff wasn’t the biggest prize in the deal. In addition to Goff, Los Angeles sent Detroit a 2021 third-round pick and two future first-round picks.
Expect the Lions to put together a package and move up in the first round to draft Zach Wilson or Justin Fields. If Detroit makes a play for one of those guys, their odds will become worse than they are.
Even though Goff isn’t on Stafford’s level, he gives the Lions a better shot of winning the Super Bowl than a rookie would. Either way, the Lions will be one of the biggest underdogs on the board before the season starts.
NFL Teams who may get new starting quarterbacks in 2021
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers may be looking to move Jimmy Garoppolo. They owe Garoppolo a mint if they don’t cut him before June 1.
San Francisco doesn’t want to cut the guy. So, they may trade him. SF said they’re “okay” starting the season with Jimmy G. under center. Sure, but are they “okay” paying their current quarterback $24 million?
If the Niners cut Jimmy, their Super Bowl odds rise to the moon. If they trade Jimmy for a better fit, someone like Deshaun Watson, they could become a favorite to win the NFL title.
New York Jets
Sam Darnold could be out. The New York Jets have the second pick in the draft. NYJ figures to choose Trevor Lawrence if he doesn’t go first to the Jags or Zach Wilson if Urban Meyer drafts Lawrence.
If the Jets get Lawrence or Wilson, their SB odds will drop. If they stick with Darnold, their odds will rise. If the Jets somehow get Deshaun, they become a second-tier, after the Rams, Bucs, Packers, and Chiefs, Super Bowl choice.
Houston Texans
Houston is one of the longest shots on the board. Even if Deshaun Watson plays for them next season, the Texans will offer higher odds than the Jets.
Watson wants out of Houston. He’s likely to get his wish because the Texans can get two to three first-round picks, a star defensive player, and a starting running back in a trade.
Carolina Panthers
Carolina may want to move up in the draft and go for one of the top four quarterback prospects, Lawrence, Wilson, Fields, Lance, or Jones. The Panthers, like the Eagles, have more positions to worry about than just quarterback. Their odds will rise no matter who they draft to replace Teddy Bridgewater.
New Orleans Saints
We saved the Saints for last because they’re in an interesting position. Sportsbook operators who use pay per head bookie software have said if Drew Brees doesn’t retire, the Saints’ odds will rise.
Most feel that playing for Sean Payton, former top draft pick Jameis Winston could turn around his career. If Winston becomes the starter, and Payton employs Taysom Hill like he did this past season, who knows?
The Saints could be more of a favorite to win the Super Bowl with Winston and Hill under center than with Brees. New Orlean’s current signal-caller must retire for the Saints’ odds to change, though.
Keep an eye on the Saints’ quarterback situation before backing New Orleans to win the 2022 Super Bowl. Also, wait for the 49ers to move Garoppolo before taking a stab at San Francisco to win it all.
A lot will happen next month before the 2021 NFL Draft. It could pay to be patient.
