QB carousel: Finding a solution for every team in the market
The Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos got the quarterback carousel spinning Feb. 13 when Joe Flacco was traded to the Mile High City.
Flacco was the first domino in a long line of them expected to fall over the next several weeks. We've examined the signal-callers available in free agency, the trade market, the draft, and mapped out a solution for each team in immediate need of a quarterback.
Miami Dolphins
Release Ryan Tannehill, sign Teddy Bridgewater
After seven seasons, it's safe to say Tannehill has offered little as Miami's franchise quarterback. The Dolphins don't own a top-10 pick in April's draft, so selecting a rookie replacement could be an unrealistic task.
Signing Bridgewater makes sense for all parties. The veteran passer would finally receive an opportunity to start in hopes of landing a long-term deal in the future. Meanwhile, Miami can shift its focus to an elite crop of quarterbacks available in the 2020 draft.
Arizona Cardinals
Draft Kyler Murray, trade Josh Rosen, sign Ryan Tannehill
It's not every day a head coach says he'd draft a specific quarterback first overall and then has an opportunity to do it. The Cardinals would be silly to pass on Murray just because they spent a first-round pick on Rosen, who struggled as a rookie and is a year closer to free agency.
In a Rosen trade, Arizona could expect to acquire a late pick in the first round or multiple picks in subsequent rounds. Though his stock has dropped since last year, Rosen is still early enough in his career for other teams to view him as a possible long-term fixture.
Tannehill, meanwhile, makes sense for Arizona as a short-term starter/veteran backup.
Washington Redskins
Trade for Josh Rosen
The Redskins are in a tough spot. Alex Smith appears unlikely to suit up in 2019, leaving the team scrambling for a short-term, and possible long-term replacement.
Enter Rosen. Team president Bruce Allen has never been shy to make a bold move and could see the sophomore as a potential solution. Plucking Rosen also makes sense from a financial perspective. Smith's contract accounts for over $20 million against the cap, and signing another veteran could result in the Redskins paying two quarterbacks with similar cap hits. Rosen, meanwhile, would account for just $4 million against the cap in 2019.
Arizona wouldn't necessarily trade the UCLA product after drafting Murray, so Washington has options. The Redskins own the No. 15 overall pick, which isn't an ideal spot to select a quarterback, but could be floated in a deal for Rosen. If not, Day 2 picks or future first-rounders are other bargaining chips.
New York Giants
Draft Dwayne Haskins, retain Eli Manning for 1 year
Thankfully for Giants fans, there's a simple solution for their quarterback troubles. With the No. 6 overall pick in April's draft, Dave Gettleman can finally steer his franchise in the right direction by selecting the former Ohio State quarterback. Haskins would be the final piece of New York's offensive puzzle that already features Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr.
Manning has one year left on his current contract, which could help the rookie transition into the NFL. Haskins started just 14 games for the Buckeyes, so the Giants could use the former Super Bowl champion as veteran insurance if the team believes their first-rounder requires a season with the clipboard.
Denver Broncos
Release Case Keenum, draft Drew Lock
Denver's trade for Flacco may provide John Elway with an upgrade over Keenum for 2019, but the team would be foolish to stop there. Drafting Lock would provide the Broncos with the long-term stability they so desperately need, and the rookie could learn from a quarterback who fits the same player profile.
The additions of Flacco and Lock would make Keenum expendable after one year in Denver. It's a lot of money to devote to the quarterback position, but Lock is an excellent prospect that could solve the team's longest-standing issue.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Sign Nick Foles, draft Daniel Jones, release Blake Bortles
Any level of quarterback competence could get the Jaguars back in the postseason next year. Foles may not be a long-term solution for Jacksonville, but that's where Jones comes in.
Meanwhile, there's no sense in keeping Bortles around. Jacksonville ought to swallow the dead money on Bortles' contract - and its pride - and cut the former No. 3 overall pick.
Oakland Raiders
Bring back Derek Carr
The Raiders have nothing to lose by retaining Carr. He appeared more comfortable in Jon Gruden's offense in the second half of the season and is young enough that he can re-establish himself as the Raiders' franchise quarterback if he continues to progress.
Should he stumble next season, Oakland would be in a position to draft one of Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, or Jake Fromm and could release Carr without putting a large dent in the team's salary cap.
Where the leftovers land
Case Keenum: Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia will be a favorable destination for top backups given Carson Wentz's durability concerns.
Tyrod Taylor: Baltimore Ravens
Taylor spent the first four years of his career in Baltimore and would be a valuable veteran presence for Lamar Jackson.
Ryan Fitzpatrick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
No quarterback was born to play in Bruce Arians' "no risk it, no biscuit" offense more than Fitzpatrick, the ultimate gunslinger.
Blake Bortles: Tennessee Titans
Bortles is an upgrade over Blaine Gabbert and would be a fine backup to Marcus Mariota.