For those teams that missed out on the playoffs, the end of the NFL’s regular season means the start of the offseason and the grind of rebooting or restocking their roster can begin.
An NFL quarterback is arguably the hardest position to play in all of sports, requiring a unique combination of mental and physical traits that only a handful of athletes on the planet possess. It’s little wonder then that this is a position that is often in flux across the league, with those not fortunate enough to have a franchise QB permanently on the lookout for one.
With a host of teams likely to be looking to address their quarterback situation this off-season, DAZN takes a look at some of those franchises who could be in for a new man behind centre.
Atlanta Falcons
A new quarterback could - and should - be the missing piece of the jigsaw for the Falcons after a disappointing season that saw Arthur Smith fired on Black Monday.
The combination of Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke was not enough to leverage the skills of Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts and Drake London and with a new head coach on the way, a new QB will surely follow.
Chicago Bears
What the Chicago Bears do with their number one overall draft pick will be one of the off-season big storylines, as GM Ryan Poles must decide if he sticks or twists with Justin Fields.
The third-year QB has shown flashes of game-changing ability but has lacked the consistency to end the debate over his future. Whether they reset and draft a new QB or reel in a king’s ransom for their top pick will define how the top of the draft will look.
Denver Broncos
Sean Payton benched Russell Wilson for the final two games of the season in what was seen by many as the prelude to a divorce between the two parties.
While the former Seahawks star improved last season after a desperately poor first campaign in Denver, it is clear that this trade has not worked. Whether they take the financial hit to remove him from the roster or just look to add competition to the QB room is the key talking point in Colorado right now.
Las Vagas Raiders
The Josh McDaniels-Jimmy Garappolo gamble soon turned sour in Vegas, with the former 49ers star managing just 168 pass attempts before injury struck, while the head coach was fired on Halloween.
Rookie Aidan O’Connell ended the season as the Raiders’ starter but is not a long-term answer. It would be a surprise to see Garappolo retained, so either a high draft pick or veteran attracted by the shiny lights of Vegas should be starting next year.
Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins’ torn Achilles ended his season prematurely and the veteran is now headed for free agency. With Joshua Dobbs and Nick Mullens failing to click in Cousins’ absence, it doesn’t take a huge flight of fancy to imagine the Vikings re-signing the 35-year-old and running it back - although expect them to have an eye on the market this off-season.
New England Patriots
While the NFL world waits to see if Bill Belichick returns in New England, what is clear is that their quarterback position needs addressing, whoever is in charge. Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe flattered to deceive this season and it is clear new blood is needed, via either the draft or free agency.
Tennessee Titans
Put a question mark next to this one, as Will Levis put in a competent, if not spectacular rookie season.
The Titans’ poor offensive line played a significant part here and the incoming new head coach may well be tempted to fix that, plus adding some much-needed youth in the other skill positions before bringing in a new QB.
Washinton Commanders
It’s going to be all-change in Washington as new owner Josh Harris rebuilds the franchise and their number two draft pick means Sam Howell is likely to lose his role as starter.