Assessing Each Team’s Starting Quarterback Situation Heading into the 2023 NFL Offseason
By Hunter Haas
The NFL offseason is merely a month away. When the dust settles on the 2022-23 season, how many franchises will be on the hunt for a new quarterback?
The quarterback position is arguably the most important in any sport. Teams can win with all different types of quarterbacks, but if the most recent track record is any indication, you MUST have one of the following to win a Super Bowl: a capable quarterback on a rookie deal OR a top-ten quarterback in the NFL.
Assessing Each Team’s Starting Quarterback Situation Heading into the 2023 NFL Offseason
There are a few exceptions to the rule such as Nick Foles and the 2015 version of Peyton Manning. The teams that lose the Super Bowl are no different. Over the last decade, Jimmy Garoppolo is the only quarterback to lose a Super Bowl while missing the established criteria from above. Simply put, win while they are cheap rookies, or make sure you pay a top-ten talent at the position when you open the checkbook.
With all that in mind, who will be searching for a new leader this offseason? Let’s break it down division by division, starting with the AFC West.
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
Starter: Patrick Mahomes
I won’t waste your time with this one. The Chiefs are set up with the best quarterback in the NFL for the next decade. Life is good in Kansas City.
Los Angeles Chargers
Starter: Justin Herbert
Another quick one here. Justin Herbert has his Chargers in the postseason for the first time in his short career. Still ascending as a talent, the Herbert-Mahomes Slugfest will dominate that division moving forward.
Denver Broncos
Starter: Russell Wilson
This one will be short and sweet too, but for a different reason. The Broncos inked Russell Wilson to a lucrative long-term deal after acquiring him from the Seattle Seahawks last offseason. After a disastrous first year in Denver, the team cannot move on from him even if they wanted to. Russell Wilson will start for the Broncos in 2023.
Las Vegas Raiders
Week 18 Starter: Jarrett Stidham
Here is where it gets interesting for the AFC West. The Raiders recently benched long-time starter Derek Carr, in favor of former fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham. Furthermore, Las Vegas is slated to pick inside of the top ten at the 2023 NFL Draft, giving the new regime a chance to get its “own” guy this offseason. Expect the Raiders to be active in free agency, on the trade market, and in the draft to find the next franchise cornerstone.
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars
Starter: Trevor Lawrence
In a complete change of pace, the Jaguars are the only team in the AFC South that currently rosters a franchise quarterback. Read that again. Doug Pederson has brought the best out of Trevor Lawrence in the duo’s first season together, with Jacksonville in a position to win the division with a week 18 victory. Things are pointing up for Lawrence and Co.
Tennessee Titans
Week 18 Starter: Joshua Dobbs
Veteran Ryan Tannehill suffered an injury-riddled 2022 season after leading the Titans to back-to-back division titles and 11+ win campaigns. However, approaching age 35 and with a potential out in his contract this offseason, the writing is on the wall. Third-round pick Malik Willis was passed over for Joshua Dobbs as the starter for the remainder of the season. With general manager Jon Robinson being let go, a new regime will have zero ties to Willis. I expect the Titans to take a big swing at Tom Brady.
Indianapolis Colts
Week 18 Starter: Sam Ehlinger
The Colts have been a mess at quarterback since Andrew Luck’s retirement, and 2022 is when everything finally collapsed on them. Matt Ryan is as good as gone, Nick Foles is nothing more than a backup, and Sam Ehlinger has proven to be a subpar NFL quarterback thus far. Indy currently holds the No. 5 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, and it is all but a certainty that they will add a quarterback with it.
Houston Texans
Starter: Davis Mills
For a few weeks, some thought the Texans had already found the answer at quarterback with 2021 third-rounder Davis Mills. Unfortunately, Mills’ second year in the league has been a disappointment. The Texans own the worst record in the league, putting them at No. 1 overall, and they also own the Browns’ first-round selection in 2023, which currently falls at No. 12 overall. One of those spots will see a quarterback taken.