2025 QB Carousel

[JaxRed]

Time for my Annual Look at the QB carousel.

AFC East

Buffalo - Set with Allen
Miami - Set with Tua
New England - Happy with Maye's progress
Jets - Dysfunctional Jets. Have already told Rogers they are moving on. A couple of disastrous years, trading for and over the hill QB, paying him way too much, and then letting him control the roster. He's got $49 million in dead cap if cut. But new GM and HC have decided to move on. Their best bet it go young/cheap. They pick 7th in a weak QB draft class.

AFC Central

Cincy - Set with Burrows
Balt - Set with Jackson
Pitt - Totally up in the air. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are Free Agents.
Cleveland - As always Cleveland is a mess. Watson is injured again and has $172 Million in dead cap as of 2025. Some talk that his injury may reduce cap hit which is BS. They still have Winston and DTJ. They have #2 pick in the draft. Either take someone like Cam Ward, or grab a game manager like Will Howard in Round 3. Do not sign a moderately expensive free agent.

AFC South

Jax - Set with Lawrence
Houston - Set with Stroud
Tennessee - Will Levis hasn't shown himself to be the guy. And Titans have the first pick. They have a lot of options, including giving Levis another year. Depending on direction, the backup could be very important.
Indy - Richardson has been seemingly always injured/inconsistent. They will give him more chances but another place where the backup could be key.

AFC West

Kansas City - Set with Mahomes
Chargers - Set with Herbert
Broncos - Set with Nix
Raiders - Wide Open. No QB and new HC and GM. Picks 6th in draft. A lot of talk they might go after a veteran QB.


NFC East

Washington - Set with Daniels
Philly - Set with Hurts
Dallas - Still set/stuck with Prescott and his massive deal for 4 more years
Giants - Daniel Jones finally gone. 3rd pick in draft.

NFC North

Green Bay - Set with Love
Lions - Set with Goff
Bears - Set while they evaluate Williams
Vikings - Probably set. They were going to turn team over to JJ McCarthy before he missed the year, and Darnold looked good, But Darnold is a FA


NFC South

Carolina - Saw great improvement from Bryce Young so they seem happy and resigned Dalton as backup.
Tampa - Set with Mayfield
Atlanta - Seemingly turned over QB to Penix but Cousins still on roster with 65 million cap hit
New Orleans - Two more years for Carr on his deal and as always Saints have worst cap situation in NFL. Carr has $50 mill in dead cap for 2025. They need to go young/cheap. 8th pick in draft. I'd go for someone like Dart if there.

NFC West

San Francisco - Purdy on his last year of rookie contract. They should sign him to moderate deal or move on, but I bet they way overpay and hurt themselves.
Arizona - Seemingly set with Murray
Seattle - Smith is mid. And he has a 10 million roster bonus in mid-March. Last year of deal with 14 mill in dead money. I'd try and find a longer/cheaper solution.
Rams - Stafford is signed for 2 more years. But all kinds of talk the he and/or Rams might move on. Meeting today. Might be trade bait. But trading for really old QBs is problematic. (See Aaron Rogers)

Free (or soon to be) Agents

Aaron Rogers
Sam Darnold
Russel Wilson
Justin Fields

[plantmanky]

Where does Stafford land. Lets hope not the Steelers. Raiders seem to be where all the talk is at this point.

[Sea Ray]

Where does Stafford land. Lets hope not the Steelers. Raiders seem to be where all the talk is at this point.

Stafford is staying in LA. Just signed an extension for probably about $50mill per year. That’s hefty for an aging QB


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[plantmanky]

Stafford is staying in LA. Just signed an extension for probably about $50mill per year. That’s hefty for an aging QB


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Saw that this morning. Hes worth it IMO. Also remember California tax, cuts the money in the deal in half.

[redsfan39]

Sources: Giants discussing veteran QBs, including Aaron Rodgers (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44055921/sources-giants-discussing-veteran-qbs-including-aaron-rodgers)

[Chip R]

Stafford is staying in LA. Just signed an extension for probably about $50mill per year. That’s hefty for an aging QB


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Could be a deal where, if they don't want to bring him back in a season or two, they don't have to take much of a cap hit.

[Kingspoint]

Justin Fields is going to be interesting. He got a raw deal last season that might lead him to seek greener pastures, especially if there's more money in it for him.

[UKFlounder]

Seattle trades Geno Smith to Las Vegas for a 3rd round pick.

Seattle now needs a QB and may make a run at Sam Darnold per one report I saw

[Ohayou]

The more time that passes, the more likely I think it is that Shedeur Sanders slides to Pitt.

[WrongVerb]

The more time that passes, the more likely I think it is that Shedeur Sanders slides to Pitt.

As a Bengals fan, I hope so.

[JaxRed]

Seattle trades Geno Smith to Las Vegas for a 3rd round pick.

Seattle now needs a QB and may make a run at Sam Darnold per one report I saw

I don't like this move for Vegas. Trading a 3rd is no bog deal, and Geno is a decent QB. But's he's 34 and there's talk he's gong to get a big deal.

[WVRed]

I don't like this move for Vegas. Trading a 3rd is no bog deal, and Geno is a decent QB. But's he's 34 and there's talk he's gong to get a big deal.I can see him being this years Kirk Cousins.

Signs a big contract only for the Raiders to draft Shedur Sanders.

Considering Carroll is the coach there id be surprised if the pick is anyone other than Ashton Jeanty.

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[RichRed]

Darnold to the Seahawks.

[plantmanky]

Darnold to the Seahawks.

downgrade.

[UKFlounder]

Justin Fields to the Jets, 2 years $40 million, with $30 million guaranteed.

[WVRed]

downgrade.Only because he has no one to throw to.

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[Sea Ray]

Darnold to the Seahawks.

I wonder who he’s going to throw to?


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[JaxRed]

Darnold to the Seahawks.

Darnold is 3 years 100 mill, 55 guaranteed.

[JaxRed]

Interesting trade.

Trade: Eagles are trading QB Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns for a 2025 fifth-round pick and QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, per sources.

----------------

Pickett the backup I assume?

[WrongVerb]

Washed up Aaron Rodgers to in talks with the Steelers. Fingers crossed they make a deal.

[Slyder]

Washed up Aaron Rodgers to in talks with the Steelers. Fingers crossed they make a deal.

Why if he's washed then that will position to possibly draft the next Manning?

[JaxRed]

I swear Indianapolis needs to implement the Constanza rule for QB's. Whatever they think they should do, just do the opposite. So they've signed Daniel Jones on a 1 year, 14 million dollar deal to compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting gig. As an aside I saw one report that said Indy had shopped Richardson without much interest. Don't really know if that was true.

Let's just say Jones, wins the job. Likely to happen because Richardson is not very good, and Jones is getting paid way more. What do you do at the end of the year? If he's halfway decent you're almost forced to give Jones a big deal, and then repeat the Giants mistake. If I'm Indy i would have insisted on a 3 year deal, paying no more than 18 mill or so per year with easy outs. If Jones doesn't like that, ply your trade elsewhere.

[JaxRed]

Nick Mullen signed to be the new backup in Jacksonville. Minnesota QB who worked with our new OC.

[WVRed]

Why if he's washed then that will position to possibly draft the next Manning?Steelers will never be in position to take Arch Manning.

Rodgers will continue the line of mediocre QB play under Tomlin since Ben retired and even before. Good enough for Tomlin not to have a losing season and maybe get to the playoffs but not out of the first round.

On another note:

https://youtube.com/shorts/LZ6s5XdLfZs?si=abJBlAyN1khFCniZ

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[Sea Ray]

Steelers will never be in position to take Arch Manning.

Rodgers will continue the line of mediocre QB play under Tomlin since Ben retired and even before. Good enough for Tomlin not to have a losing season and maybe get to the playoffs but not out of the first round.

On another note:

https://youtube.com/shorts/LZ6s5XdLfZs?si=abJBlAyN1khFCniZ

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The Steelers have the worst way to get great in the NFL. Playing .500 ball and losing in the first rd year after year is how you stay mediocre. They need a crash and burn year like the year before drafting Roethlisberger


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[bucksfan2]

The Steelers have the worst way to get great in the NFL. Playing .500 ball and losing in the first rd year after year is how you stay mediocre. They need a crash and burn year like the year before drafting Roethlisberger


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Roethlisberger was drafted 11th. I wouldn't exactly call that a crash and burn season. But I do agree with your premises, they are good enough to be competitive, but bad enough that they aren't a threat. They aren't in a position to draft a top tier QB year in year out, but need a top tier QB.

[Hoosier Red]

Saw that this morning. Hes worth it IMO. Also remember California tax, cuts the money in the deal in half.

Not for the team it doesn't. :)

[Sea Ray]

Roethlisberger was drafted 11th. I wouldn't exactly call that a crash and burn season. But I do agree with your premises, they are good enough to be competitive, but bad enough that they aren't a threat. They aren't in a position to draft a top tier QB year in year out, but need a top tier QB.

By Steeler standards it was a really bad season. It was bad enough to secure a QB like Roethlisberger.


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[JaxRed]

Backup talk:

Jacoby Brissett takes a break from his tax accounting gig, to sign 2 year deal with Arizona.

Mac Jones gets a 2 year deal to backup for 49's.

[RichRed]

Backup talk:

Jacoby Brissett takes a break from his tax accounting gig, to sign 2 year deal with Arizona.

Mac Jones gets a 2 year deal to backup for 49's.

Marcus Mariota returns as the backup to Jayden Daniels. By all accounts, he’s been a true pro and mentor for the youngster.

[JaxRed]

Aaron Rogers is officially a Free Agent.

[Slyder]

Justin Fields signs with the Jets 2 years 40 mil (30 mil guaranteed).

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story?id=44194622&_slug_=jets-reach-2-year-40m-deal-qb-justin-fields-sources-say

It's a bold strategy Cotton, let's see how it goes!

QBs usually leave the Jets to ressurrect careers, not join them.

[Sea Ray]

Justin Fields signs with the Jets 2 years 40 mil (30 mil guaranteed).

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story?id=44194622&_slug_=jets-reach-2-year-40m-deal-qb-justin-fields-sources-say

It's a bold strategy Cotton, let's see how it goes!

QBs usually leave the Jets to ressurrect careers, not join them.

Of all the options left out there, this isn’t a bad move. I doubt he’s going to become a huge success but that team is talented. He can probably be OK as a game manager

I will say that I noticed that after the Steelers transitioned to using him as a slash weapon, they rarely had him throw the ball. It was obvious they had no confidence in him putting the ball in the air. Not good considering the team had ample evidence to come to that conclusion


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[Chip R]

Aaron Rogers is officially a Free Agent.

Every NFL team has the chance to do the funniest thing.

[Chip R]

Mason Rudolph is coming back to Pittsburgh.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44236023/qb-mason-rudolph-reaches-2-year-deal-steelers-sources-say

[JaxRed]

Chiefs have signed Gardner Minshew and Bailey Zappe as backups. I assume Minshew is #2 and Zappe #3.

[Tuff Nut]

Chiefs have signed Gardner Minshew and Bailey Zappe as backups. I assume Minshew is #2 and Zappe #3.
Like those signings for KC..Minshew is likely the best backup in the league, and Zappe has spent time in the system.

[goreds2]

Steelers fans plead for polarizing Aaron Rodgers to sign with NY Giants

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/steelers-fans-plead-for-polarizing-aaron-rodgers-to-sign-with-ny-giants/ar-AA1ATApj

[redsfan39]

Jameis Winston to the Giants.

[JaxRed]

Giants strategy at QB seems to be adrift. They just had the Daniel Jones debacle. They witnessed the Jets disaster with Aaron Rogers, yet they seem interested in him. I'm not sure what Winston gives you even as a backup. I would hope they are trying to draft someone.

[Puffy]

I'm not sure what Winston gives you even as a backup. I would hope they are trying to draft someone.

They are. Winston is cheap bridge and good locker room guy. They will draft a QB early. Just sucks that this is a down year for QBs in draft

[Slyder]

Giants strategy at QB seems to be adrift. They just had the Daniel Jones debacle. They witnessed the Jets disaster with Aaron Rogers, yet they seem interested in him. I'm not sure what Winston gives you even as a backup. I would hope they are trying to draft someone.

Waiting on the next Manning draft.

[Slyder]

They are. Winston is cheap bridge and good locker room guy. They will draft a QB early. Just sucks that this is a down year for QBs in draft

My prediction at this point Winston is gap filler for 1 year. Position themselves for Arch next year. Run back the "Manning Magic" and Pray it works again.

[WVRed]

My prediction at this point Winston is gap filler for 1 year. Position themselves for Arch next year. Run back the "Manning Magic" and Pray it works again.I would agree with this with one caveat:

Let's say they take Travis Hunter. Shedur falls and the Giants have a chance to trade back into the first to get him. Do they do it?

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[Slyder]

I would agree with this with one caveat:

Let's say they take Travis Hunter. Shedur falls and the Giants have a chance to trade back into the first to get him. Do they do it?

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How high do they have Sheddeur rated? I honestly don't see Sheddeur falling past Dallas at 12... AT WORST. Jerrah is going to Jerrah. He wants to be the headlines and that would be the most Jerrah type pick he can make. If I was any of the teams "looking at qb" and didn't take Ward (Giants, Raiders, Titans, Browns, Jets, Saints) and Sheddeur is still there around 20... I'm definitely inquiring if for no other reason than that 5th year option.

[WrongVerb]

Something called "The Giants" is giving Russell Wilson at least $10.5M and up to $21M to lose games for them next season.

[JaxRed]

Giants strategy at QB seems to be adrift. They just had the Daniel Jones debacle. They witnessed the Jets disaster with Aaron Rogers, yet they seem interested in him. I'm not sure what Winston gives you even as a backup. I would hope they are trying to draft someone.

And now Russell Wilson added to the mix. Presumably the starter. But a 1 year deal, so this is a stop gap measure.

[WVRed]

Something called "The Giants" is giving Russell Wilson at least $10.5M and up to $21M to lose games for them next season.Was really hoping they would roll with Jameis Winston next year. Would have been entertaining even if they were tanking to get Arch.

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[RiverRat13]

The Giants are a good illustration of what happens when your coach and GM have to win the next season or they'll be fired, and then they end up making decisions that go against the best interest of the team long-term. The Giants should have either fired or extended both. 2025 should be a tanking year for them but instead they'll end up winning five or six games and end up cleaning house anyway.

[Kingspoint]

And now Russell Wilson added to the mix. Presumably the starter. But a 1 year deal, so this is a stop gap measure.

That's one way to tank for Manning.

- - - Updated - - -


Was really hoping they would roll with Jameis Winston next year. Would have been entertaining even if they were tanking to get Arch.

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I think Winston beats out Russell Wilson for the Starting job (unless they are serious about tanking for Manning, then they'll start Wilson).

[WVRed]

The Giants are a good illustration of what happens when your coach and GM have to win the next season or they'll be fired, and then they end up making decisions that go against the best interest of the team long-term. The Giants should have either fired or extended both. 2025 should be a tanking year for them but instead they'll end up winning five or six games and end up cleaning house anyway.

The best thing Schoen and Daboll could do was draft Shedur. I'm using past tense given the free agent signings.

You draft a rookie QB you essentially reset the timeline. That said the Bears and Jags are proof of the opposite.

Schoen may inadvertently set the Giants up for success even though he won't be around to see it. More than likely the pick will be Travis Hunter. If they tank then Arch Manning likely walks in with Hunter and Nabers to throw to. Not a bad situation at all.

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[JaxRed]

As we get ready to start the season, let's see how things shook out

AFC East

Buffalo - Set with Allen, Trubisky is BU. Shane Buechele PS
Miami - Set with Tua. Zach Wilson is #2, and Quinn Ewers who fell to Rnd 7 is number 3 on active roster.
New England - Drake Maye's #1, Josh Dobbs #2, and Tommy Devito #3. No PS
Jets - Sign Justin Fields to 2 year 40 million dollar deal. 2 year tryout. Tyrod Taylor backup. Brady Cook PS

AFC Central

Cincy - Set with Burrows, Browning BU, Rypien on PS
Balt - Set with Jackson, Cooper Rush now backup, with Hundley on PS
Pitt - Signs Aaron Rogers, Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as #2 and 3. This strikes me as a bad plan. I kind of expect Rudolph to be QB1 by end of year either by injury or performance. Will Howard on IR for at least 4 weeks.
Cleveland - Always fun in Cleveland. They sign Joe Flacco at 40, then draft Dillon Gabriel in 3rd round and stop the slide of Shaduer Sanders in the 5th. 24 hours before roster deadline they said they would go with 4 QB's, then traded Kenny Pickett (who they traded for earlier) to Raiders. And of course Watson and his contract loom in background. He is on IR.

AFC South

Jax - Lawrence with Nick Mullins as BU. Hennigen who was terrible on pre-season on PS.
Houston - Set with Stroud, Mills and Graham Mertz as #2/3 on active squad.
Tennessee - Titans sign Cam Ward #1 overall. Will Levis gets late surgery and is out for year I believe. Brandon Allen #2,
Indy - Daniel Jones signs 1 year deal and becomes #1, Richardson hurt/ineffective. Riley Leonard #3. Trevor Simeon on PS

AFC West

Kansas City - Set with Mahomes. Minshew as BU, Chris Oladokun 7th rounder on PS.
Chargers - Set with Herbert. Trey Lance now there as #2. DJ Uiagalelei on PS.
Broncos - Set with Nix, Stidham as #2, Sam Ehringher on PS
Raiders - Trade for Geno Smith and give him 2 year extension, so he's signed for 3 expensive years. Last minute trade for Kenny Pickett as backup. Jeff Driskell and Cam Miller on PS


NFC East

Washington - Set with Daniels. Mariotta as #2. Josh Johnson as #3 on active squad. Strikes me as strange. Why not PS or speed dial?
Philly - Set with Hurts, Sam Howell #2, Tanner McKee #3. Kyle McChord on PS
Dallas - Prescott #1, but now Joe Milton #2. Will Grier on PS.
Giants - Russell Wilson #1 on one year deal. But they take Jaxon Dart in 1st round who looked good in preseason. So it may not be for long. Winston #3

NFC North

Green Bay - Love #1. Malik Willis #2. Seems pretty shaky #2. Better hope Love stays healthy. Clayton Tune on PS.
Lions - Goff #1, Kyle Allen #2. No number 3. even on PS
Bears - Williams #1, Tyson Bagent #2, Case Keenum #3.
Vikings - JJ McCarthy get chance to be #1. Carson Wentz #2, Max Brossmer #3.


NFC South

Carolina - Bryce Young #1, Dalton as backup, Herndon Hooker on PS. .
Tampa - Mayfield, Bridgewater #2 Connor Bazelek on PS
Atlanta - Micheal Penix, Cousins #2. Easton Stick #2. It would seem if some team ends up needing a starter, Cousins might be trade candidate
New Orleans - Carr retired. Spencer Rattler #1, Draftee Tyler Shough #2, Jake Haener #3. No telling how this one ends up.

NFC West

San Francisco - Purdy signed to a big contract. Mac Jones #2. Adrian Martinez on PS
Arizona - Murray #1, Brissett #2, Slovis on PS
Seattle - Sam Darnold is new #1, Drew Lock #2, and Milroe #3
Rams - Stafford signs extension. Jimmy Garapolo #2, Stetson Bennett #3.

There's sometimes movement after Week 1 games, so backup situations might change.

[Sea Ray]

What did the Steelers do with Will Howard?

[Slyder]

Raiders also have AOC on IR (I think he broke his wrist and needed surgery), he's expected back 6-8 weeks.

[Revering4Blue]

Raiders also have AOC on IR (I think he broke his wrist and needed surgery), he's expected back 6-8 weeks.

NM. Replied to wrong post.


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[Revering4Blue]

What did the Steelers do with Will Howard?

He’s on the IR list.


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[JaxRed]

Updated Steelers for Howard. Forgot to check IR lists in most cases.

[JaxRed]

The first official non-injury move I'm aware of.

Giants bench Russell after 0-3 start and turn to Jaxson Dart ~~

[JaxRed]

Bengals trade for Joe Flacco.

So no matter what, it's Gabriel's and Sanders gig in Cleveland.

[JaxRed]

2nd Changing of the guard. Saints bench Rattler and are going to 2nd Rounder Tyler Slough who is older than Rattler.

[Assembly Hall]

2nd Changing of the guard. Saints bench Rattler and are going to 2nd Rounder Tyler Slough who is older than Rattler.

Who the hell is Slough?!