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The NFL may be about to experience an offseason unlike anything it has ever seen. It’s a quarterback-driven league, and the amount of change that may occur behind center over the next few months could leave everyone’s heads spinning.
The greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady, is set to test free agency for a second time. Two other former MVPS—Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson—are potential trade bait. Long-time starters with the Las Vegas Raiders (Derek Carr) and San Francisco 49ers (Jimmy Garoppolo) are definitely moving on from their previous setups. Two young, up-and-comers in Daniel Jones and Trey Lance need to find out where they belong. Finally, the potential NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Geno Smith, revived his career in Seattle with a massive payday coming his way. But where?
Even among the high-profile names just mentioned, each individual situation will have a profound effect on where each of these individuals land and how effective they can be upon arrival.
Some shouldn’t leave their current setups. Others require a fresh start. Either way, good and bad options will be available to all of them.
Make no mistake, teams are searching for lifelines. Some are in position to draft Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud or Kentucky’s Will Levis. The veteran route will be better for other franchises.
“The quarterback position was the No. 1 concern,” New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters Thursday. “We’re committed to finding a veteran.”
Who best fits the Jets and vice versa? That’s the question each quarterback must ask himself with each available opening. Let’s find out where these top names should land.
Tom Brady
Best Landing Spot: Carolina Panthers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are due for an overhaul. The organization maximized its three-year window with Tom Brady by capturing a pair of division titles and the franchise’s second-ever Super Bowl victory.
A new landing spot is in Brady’s best interests since his old squad is littered with pending free agents other than him. Whereas, he can go to another spot in the NFC South and be better set up for success for the next year or two.
David Tepper has been searching for a legitimate starting quarterback since he became the Carolina Panthers owner. The organization continues to fail in that regard. But Brady brings the entire franchise instant credibility, even though he’s a short-term solution.
The Panthers have the framework to be successful just by signing Brady. The offense already features a top-10 ground game. Its offensive line is young and talented. DJ Moore is a true No. 1 wide receiver. And Carolina’s defense is an up-and-coming unit. Throw another top-10 draft talent and the Frank Reich hire into the mix, and the Panthers roster becomes mighty enticing.
Worst Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas may be the logical spot for Brady based on his long-term relationship with head coach/offensive play-caller Josh McDaniels, but it’s not the best setup for the soon-to-be 46-year-old quarterback to excel.
Specifically, issues along the offensive line are not conducive to success when an aging pocket passer is starting to decline. Everyone saw how poorly the Buccaneers’ offense fared this season with their front five in upheaval. Las Vegas needs an overhaul, particularly to its right side.
Further roster changes could be forthcoming as well.
“McDaniels is big on ‘culture fits’ and will want his own guys,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported. “Teams will be keeping an eye on tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow in that process.”