Now that the NFL draft is complete and the leaguewide quarterback carousel has essentially stopped spinning for 2023, it's time to take the temperature of every signal-caller situation.
After we looked primarily at age, trajectory, experience, contract, injury history and the state of the team itself, let's break down every squad's quarterback need level with a single sentence for each.
Prime Candidates to Pursue a New Franchise Quarterback Next Offseason
Atlanta Falcons: Third-round picks with questionable accuracy don't get much room for error, so it's a make-or-break year for Desmond Ridder, as Caleb Williams and Drake Maye will be in the mix for 2024 if he fails.
Green Bay Packers: Even with his new extension, Jordan Love received just a short-term commitment as Aaron Rodgers' successor, and the team could bail for an outside option next offseason.
Los Angeles Rams: Considering Matthew Stafford's cost and age, you get the feeling this will be his last year with the likely rebuilding Rams.
Minnesota Vikings: If Kirk Cousins doesn't get it done again in 2023, there's no way the Vikings will keep the 34-year-old at whatever premium he'd demand.
New England Patriots: There's already been chatter that Mac Jones could be running out of time, as Bill Belichick might be running out of patience.
New York Jets: Rodgers has flirted with retirement and could be one-and-done, which would send the Jets back to the quarterback market.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Even with the pedigree of a first-round pick, Kenny Pickett can't afford another poor season without expecting the Steelers to go back to the drawing board in 2024.
Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks hitched their wagon to Geno Smith, but his strong 2022 season could be an aberration, and they can get out of that new contract next offseason.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask are the only quarterbacks on the roster, and neither has done much to indicate they can be long-term starting options.