Could the Patriots benefit from more QB movement next year?
Ever since Tom Brady left the Patriots, there has been an uptick in overall quarterback movement around the league, which could help the Pats in 2023. No matter who the player is and what position they play, the team should at least look at an upgrade.
I have advocated on this website for the Patriots to try and upgrade from Mac Jones after 2022. Jones has regressed a bit this year but seems to have found some footing in the offense. The blame does not fall on him, though, as Matt Patricia calling plays has been nothing short of a mild disaster.
It could be likely that the team brings in a legitimate offensive coordinator for 2023 and keeps Jones around. However, I do think this offseason can bring some more significant quarterback movement, and with the Patriots equipped with their cap space and draft picks, they are a prime candidate to make a move for an upgrade.
Let’s break down which quarterbacks across the league could be on the move this year.
Patriots can benefit from potential QB movement: AFC
The Titans recently fired their GM, Jon Robinson, which came as a bit of a shock. The team isn’t really married to Ryan Tannehill anymore because of that and his contract. Tennessee can cut him and save $27 million on their salary cap next year while they perhaps look to Malik Willis.
The Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson have yet to agree to a contract extension. The Ravens could simply tag him next offseason as they hold the leverage, but if the Ravens fail to do much in the playoffs again, could Jackson request a trade?
I think it’s possible. Baltimore would get an insane return and Jackson’s new team would have a contract extension waiting for him.
Las Vegas Raiders’ QB Derek Carr signed a contract extension this past offseason. However, the financials of the contract make it extremely team-friendly for the team to simply move off of him. They can save $33 million on their salary cap by trading Carr next offseason.
Carr has survived multiple coaching staffs and front offices, but perhaps his time in the silver and black is coming to an end.
I could see all of Ryan Tannehill, Lamar Jackson, and Derek Carr on new teams in 2023. Could the Patriots try and sign or trade for any of these players, and would they be an upgrade over Mac Jones?
Patriots can benefit from potential QB movement: NFC
The NFC is going to have some QB movement as well. The Carson Wentz experiment in Washington has not worked the way they hoped, and his contract has no remaining guaranteed money, so he’s an easy candidate to be cut.
The New York Giants might want to pursue a QB upgrade of their own and not bring back Daniel Jones. The former first round draft pick could find himself on a new team.
The Falcons could even save $12 million by cutting Marcus Mariota next offseason.
Tom Brady is a free agent in 2023 as well and does not appear likely to re-sign with Tampa Bay. Continuing in the NFC South, both Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton may not be in Saints’ uniforms next year either.
The Lions could save over $25 million against their cap by either cutting or trading Jared Goff. I don’t think they should, but he could be another candidate to be moved as well.
Lastly, in the NFC West, Jimmy Garoppolo may have to find himself a new home, and depending on what happens in Arizona, I could easily see Kyler Murray requesting a trade out of that disaster.
To me, all of Carson Wentz, Daniel Jones, Marcus Mariota, Tom Brady, Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, Jared Goff, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Kyler Murray could be on the move next offseason.
I am not saying that all of these players from the AFC and NFC are going to be upgrades for the Patriots, but the team should probably take a look.