NFL Prediction: Likely fate of Jameis Winston and other QBs

CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 04: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up before their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

The quarterback landscape could end up changing in a big way next year based on what’s been happening of late. The NFL prediction machine proves that.

Coming into 2018, it looked like most teams actually seemed settled at the position. A rare occurrence in this league. However, time always seems to prove otherwise and as the season has unfolded it’s become clear that the fate of several notable names are up in the air. So what could their fates for next year possibly be? Here’s a quick breakdown of each one and what will happen to them.

Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): TRADED

The fact that the Buccaneers went back to Ryan Fitzpatrick after initially benching him a few weeks ago for Winston is telling. That’s how poorly the former #1 overall pick has played. He played barely a month of football and threw 13 interceptions in that span, which is simply unacceptable. Combine this with his off-the-field issues, it feels like Tampa Bay has reached the end of their patience with him.

Winston is still on his rookie contract, which might help facilitate a trade next offseason. Despite all the current issues, former #1 picks always seem to have value. Ask Sam Bradford. There will be a team out there who’s willing to take a calculated risk on Winston.

Derek Carr (Oakland Raiders): STAYS PUT

There has been a ton of speculation around Derek Carr’s fate lately and it’s not hard to see why. The Raiders have already traded Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper. It’s apparent Jon Gruden is cleaning house to start fresh with his own roster. Most presume that it’s only a matter of time before Carr is next. Except one must remember circumstances always play a part.

Gruden does not like young quarterbacks. Never has. He’s always preferred veterans who already have their NFL feet under them. Combine that with what looks like a rather meh quarterback class in 2019, the odds favor him actually backing up his statement to keep Carr moving forward.

Teddy Bridgewater (New Orleans Saints): LEAVES FOR FREE AGENCY

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At first glance, the trade to grab Bridgewater from New York was brilliant for the Saints. However, as time goes on it looks like they may be faced with a big challenge. While Bridgewater would make for the perfect successor to Drew Brees, there’s a problem. He’s a free agent in 2019. That means New Orleans must somehow find a way to convince him to stay despite the likely fact that Brees has no plans to retire soon.

This means Bridgewater will be faced with a choice. Hit the open market and likely make more money than the Saints can afford to pay him right now. Or stick around, take a discount and be groomed to take over a proven offensive system. The one catch is it may take a couple years. Odds are Bridgewater is eager to play, so he’ll go where he can.

Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens): RELEASED

The Ravens drafted Lamar Jackson for two reasons. The first was to potentially push Flacco towards having a career resurgence. That worked early in the season but over the past month has lost a considerable amount of steam. Thus the other reason is coming into play. Jackson will end up being his replacement. Head coach John Harbaugh has stuck by Flacco since they came together in 2008, but he might not be around to do that anymore.

If Baltimore fails to reach the playoffs, it’s possible both could be gone in 2019. The Ravens will seek to bring in a coaching staff that can feature Jackson as a quarterback properly. Flacco could be traded but with his massive contract, that is unlikely. He’ll be released instead.

Ryan Tannehill (Miami Dolphins): TRADED

It’s not like he’s played poorly during his time with Adam Gase, but Tannehill has shown that he simply can’t stay healthy. First, it was his knee and now it’s a persistent shoulder issue. The veteran just can’t keep himself on the field. At what point does a team say enough? While Brock Osweiler may not be a long-term answer, it’s possible they feel they can do better in 2019.

Tannehill won’t have trade value for much longer. If they wish to get anything back for him and move on, this coming offseason will be the time to do it. So much depends on what happens the next few weeks in regards to that shoulder issue.

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