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

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles

Starter: Jalen Hurts

Before his injury, Jalen Hurts was in the top spot of most NFL MVP power rankings. As a precaution, and because the Eagles started so hot, Philly is being extra careful with Hurts. Still, the former Oklahoma and Alabama signal-caller showed that he is a top player in the league. A lofty contract extension should hit his bank account this offseason.

Dallas Cowboys

Starter: Dak Prescott

Dak Prescott has dealt with a few injuries in his career, but the Cowboys are fully committed to him for 2023 and beyond. He missed time earlier in the season, and Dallas never missed a beat, but they are a noticeably improved team when Prescott is behind center.

Washington Commanders

Week 18 Starter: Sam Howell

The Commanders are another team that has been in search of a quarterback for years. Similar to the Panthers, Washington has been competitive despite lackluster play from the most important position. Entering next season with Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke, and 2022 rookie Sam Howell would be a slap in the face to the passionate Commanders’ fan base.

New York Giants

Starter: Daniel Jones

Daniel Jones looks like a different player under the tutelage of Brian Daboll. The first-year head coach clinched a playoff berth last week behind stellar play from Jones, but the Giants cannot let this (or any postseason success) keep them from adding a better player at quarterback. Jones is doing what he’s asked to, but allowing Daboll to break the playbook wide open is why a more talented signal-caller is needed.

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings

Starter: Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins may not be getting any younger, but he has been a fringe top-ten quarterback for most of his career, and his compensation mirrors that. The tenth-highest-paid player at the position is locked in at nearly the same price for 2023. The Vikings are as successful as they have ever been with Cousins, so it would be a shocker to see them move away from him this offseason.

Green Bay Packers

Starter: Aaron Rodgers

The Packers committed an absurd amount of money to Aaron Rodgers this past offseason after the Hall of Fame quarterback won a second NFL MVP in as many seasons in 2021. There are some paths to moving his contract, but until it happens, assume that Rodgers will be back at Lambeau Field in 2023.

Detroit Lions

Starter: Jared Goff

Jared Goff is arguably the best bridge quarterback in the NFL, but at times in 2022, he has shown more than that. Goff’s play sparked one of the most high-powered offenses in the league, which could net him another year as a starter. That being said, even if Goff starts week one next season, it would be wise to have a young quarterback learning behind him. I’ll predict Goff as the starter, but I still see the Lions taking a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Chicago Bears

Starter: Justin Fields

The jury is still out on Justin Fields as a passer, but the former Ohio State star is already one of the most feared runners in the NFL. Fields’ rushing ability provides a stable floor to his game, but an offseason of proper NFL coaching can help him reach his ceiling as an all-around threat. We’ll see what it looks like after 2023, but Fields is locked in as the Chicago Bears starter for week one.

Final Tally

According to my count, the following teams will DEFINITELY be in the hunt for a new starting quarterback this offseason:
•Tennessee Titans
•Indianapolis Colts
•Houston Texans
•Las Vegas Raiders
•New York Jets
•New Orleans Saints
•Carolina Panthers
•Washington Commanders
•New York Giants

The following teams MIGHT be in the hunt for a new starting quarterback this offseason:
•Miami Dolphins
•Detroit Lions
•Baltimore Ravens
•Seattle Seahawks
•Tampa Bay Buccaneers
•Green Bay Packers
•Atlanta Falcons

This leaves 16 of the 32 NFL teams monitoring the quarterback situation this offseason. Between the veterans that should be available and the slew of NFL Draft prospects at quarterback, it is going to be a whirlwind. In just a few short months, the NFL will look considerably different than it does right now.