Predicting The AFC Starting Quarterbacks For Next Season
A look at what the starting quarterback position will look like across the AFC next season.
Next season will definitely be a super interesting one, especially when we talk about the quarterback position. I think we could see an abundance of rookies start right away and old vets in new uniforms.
Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen: Not only will Allen be the man in Buffalo for the foreseeable future, he will win a league MVP in the next 3 years. He was an MVP contender last season and I can see next season being the year he actually does it.
New York Jets, Deshaun Watson: While the trade rumors around Watson have died down, I believe if any team is going to make a deal to land the superstar, it’s the Jets. If the Jets could land him and hold onto the number two pick, they can grab Devonta Smith and give Watson a great weapon.
Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa: I’m not completely sold on Tua just yet but, he was only a rookie last season. He has a boat load of potential and Miami holds the third overall selection so they can either grab a weapon for him like Devonta Smith or Ja’Marr Chase or they could get protection for Tua in Penei Sewell.
New England Patriots, Marcus Mariota: Mariota is set to become a free agent this season and Bill Belichick can bring him in for cheap on a one to two year deal. I don’t think he’s the guy that will bring the next Super Bowl to New England but, I think he could get them to the playoffs as a wild card.
Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson: Not much debate here, the guys a stud. I’m not a Lamar fan but I do respect his play style and the way he has taken over the Ravens offense since he stepped on the field at M&T Bank Stadium.
Cleveland Browns, Baker Mayfield: Much like Lamar, there is no debate. He brought Cleveland to the playoffs and even won them a game this in the playoffs this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger: This is definitely the last year of Ben Roethlisberger in the Steel City as a starter so, don’t be surprised if they take a quarterback like Jamie Newman or Kellen Mond in the later rounds of this years draft.
Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow: A torn ACL stopped Burrow from winning Offensive Rookie of the Year last season but, I believe he’ll be back better than ever. Watch out for the young Cincinnati offense with Burrow at the helm and Tee Higgins out wide.
Indianapolis Colts, Carson Wentz: The Wentz trade broke yesterday and Indianapolis looks like the big winner in this trade because they land a very talented player that has an elite core of weapons around him. Rivers got them to the playoffs last year but, I think Wentz could get them over the hump.
Jacksonville Jaguars, Trevor Lawrence: The Jaguars successfully tanked for Trevor this season and while I love Gardner Minshew, I don’t think he is the guy in Jacksonville. I can see Gardner being traded to a team where he would be a starter right off the rip.
Houston Texans, Sam Darnold: If Watson is dealt to the Jets then I can see Darnold being a piece of the trade. Darnold hasn’t had a great career thus far but maybe a change of scenery can change the way in which he plays.
Tennessee Titans, Ryan Tannehill: Tannehill is really good at what he does and what he does is hand the ball off to Derrick Henry. All jokes aside, Tannehill is part of the reason for Tennessees success the past few years and I can see him being the starter for the next three to four seasons in Nashville.
Las Vegas Raider, Derek Carr: Carr is a low key good player season after season and never really gets the recognition he deserves. Carr could lead Vegas to the playoffs next year if they can pull in another solid receiver.
Denver Broncos, Gardner Minshew: I mentioned earlier that I think Minshew could be dealt to a team where he could start and if Denver makes a trade for him, that is a legit possibility. I think we could see a back and forth duel at the quarterback position in Denver next season between Minshew and Lock but, Minshew will be the opening game starter.
Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes: Do I need to explain this one?
Los Angeles Chargers, Justin Herbert: Last seasons Offensive Rookie of the Year is primed for another huge season and in the next few year could make a run at the MVP.
Lots of changes around the league that I as a fan may not be prepared for. Later today, I will release my projected starters for the 2021 season in the NFC.