Which Wild Card NFL Quarterback Might Land A Starting Job?
By Erik Lambert
Dec 15, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) takes the field before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Even as the 2014 draft class continues to get dissected, a number of NFL veteran quarterbacks are awaiting their own shots. Who has a leg up?
Michael Vick
He still believes there’s a starting job out there for him. Michael Vick isn’t the highlight reel he once was and he’s taken a lot of hits over the past few seasons but he’s still more mobile than half the other quarterbacks in the league and can throw the football as well as ever. The question is will any team take him on as a stopgap option? The short answer is, at age 33, probably not.
Starting job chance: 30%
Mark Sanchez
It’s very hard for media and fans to get images of the 2011 and 2012 seasons out of their heads. Mark Sanchez was at his worst during the bulk of those two campaign and then compounded it by getting injured and losing his job to Geno Smith. Based on that he seems like a career backup from now on. That being said, if the Jets do let him go there are things to consider. He will likely come cheap, he’s only 27-years old and he has a good amount of winning playoff experience on his resumé.
Starting job chance: 45%
Kirk Cousins
The Washington Redskins are waiting and hoping that some team places a phone call to them about Kirk Cousins. Indeed the backup to Robert Griffin III has flashed some great promise in his limited playing time. He does have some consistency issues, but Cousins is mobile, decisive and can manage the offense well. His experience combined with being just 26 means he could present a far better option than a raw rookie in the NFL draft.
Starting job chance: 65%
Josh McCown
If it were three or four years ago this would be a different story. That is how well Josh McCown played for the Chicago Bears in relief of Jay Cutler. He posted over 1,800 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and just one interception in eight games with five starts. That most certainly would’ve warranted attention but McCown turns 35-years old in July. No team is going to give up starting quarterback money to a player at that age unless his name is Peyton Manning.
Starting job chance: 30%
Ryan Mallett
Playing behind Tom Brady has certainly given Ryan Mallett a front row seat for how to play the position at its highest level. Considering what other Patriots backup Brian Hoyer accomplished in Cleveland, the more talented Mallett seems like he’s ready to get his own shot. He’s not too old at age 28 and by all accounts exhibits a live arm. He’s learned from one of the best quarterbacks and best coaches in the business. If he isn’t ready for the NFL now, he never will be.
Starting job chance: 60%