Assessing Each Team’s Starting Quarterback Situation Heading into the 2023 NFL Offseason

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Starter: Josh Allen

Barring unforeseen circumstances, Josh Allen will spend the next decade+ with the Buffalo Bills, eventually retiring as the best player in franchise history. Before then, he will aim to bring a Super Bowl title to Buffalo, with a few MVP trophies as the cherry on top.

New England Patriots

Starter: Mac Jones

While I believe the Patriots may look for an upgrade at quarterback, I do not view it as likely. Mac Jones has shown enough as a starter to maintain the top spot on the depth chart in 2023. Surrounding him with more weapons could do wonders for his development.

Miami Dolphins

Week 18 Starter: Skylar Thompson

From a medical standpoint, the concern around Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion history takes precedence over everything else. When viewing it from the football side of things, the Miami Dolphins must keep the door open for a change at quarterback. It is not Tagovailoa’s fault, but the team cannot commit to a player for the future if they are unsure of their availability going forward. I hope this is a section we can laugh at when Tagovailoa returns to the lineup and plays at a high level again for the Dolphins. Until then, the future is cloudy at quarterback, and no stone should go unturned.

New York Jets

Week 18 Starter: Mike White

Zach Wilson was benched after abysmal play to open the 2022 season. Although Robert Saleh said Wilson had a chance to regain the spot for 2023, few actually believe that. Given that the roster is as well-rounded as it is, the Jets can afford to trade up in the draft or put together a trade package for a veteran like Lamar Jackson in the offseason. If all else fails, Jimmy Garoppolo is familiar with the system and can serve as a bridge to the next starter for the Jets.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Starter: Lamar Jackson

Speaking of Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens have an important decision to make this offseason regarding its former MVP. Jackson is set to hit free agency, but the Ravens will slap the franchise tag on him in hopes of negotiating a long-term pact. If the two parties fail to reach an agreement, Jackson will hit the trade market and fetch a hefty return. My guess right now is that the Ravens and Jackson find a way to compromise and strike a deal.

Cincinnati Bengals

Starter: Joe Burrow

Joey Brrr has established himself as one of the best players in the entire NFL, regardless of position. He helped carry the team to the Super Bowl in his first full year as a starter, and no team is hotter than his Bengals entering January. There won’t be a quarterback debate in Cincinnati for a very long time.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Starter: Kenny Pickett

I am not the biggest Kenny Pickett guy, but he has turned his rookie season around in the past month. His ultimate ceiling is still a major question mark, but Pickett has locked himself into the QB1 role in Pittsburgh for 2023.

Cleveland Browns

Starter: Deshaun Watson

The Browns made their bed with Deshaun Watson, and they will be forced to lay in it for the next few seasons. After sitting out in 2021, Watson has looked noticeably rusty. His timing is off, his feel for the game isn’t there, and he is a far cry away from the player that lifted the Texans from obscurity. Watson will get a chance to turn things around next season.