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Which NFL teams will need a quarterback in 2018?

By Peter Panacy

Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) tumbles into the photographers after spiking the ball during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Arizona Cardinals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) tumbles into the photographers after spiking the ball during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Arizona Cardinals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) gestures to an official against the New England Patriots in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) gestures to an official against the New England Patriots in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Other NFL Teams Potentially in the 2018 Mix

There are a number of other NFL teams likely on the hunt for a quarterback in 2018. Perhaps not as an immediate replacement, but more along the lines of a long-term option to replace an aging quarterback.

Let’s take a look at some other possibilities next year.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Like Carson Palmer with the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers fans have to be concerned with the health of their start quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger was the subject of retirement rumors earlier this offseason, but he’ll be back in 2017. What happens beyond this year is anyone’s guess.

He’ll probably stick around for at least a couple more seasons, but the Steelers may want to start thinking about his replacement sooner than later.

Minnesota Vikings

Signs are pointing to quarterback Teddy Bridgewater recovering nicely from his devastating 2016 leg injury, which is great news for Minnesota Vikings fans.

His temporary replacement, Sam Bradford, is signed through 2017 and will likely remain the starter heading into this season.

Dec 24, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) hits Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) hits Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin via USA TODAY Sports /

But assuming Bradford walks in free agency next year, and if Bridgewater isn’t quite ready to go, the Vikings are likely to be another team on the hunt in 2018.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers are another team likely on the hunt for a long-term replacement for a veteran under center right now.

At 35 years old, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers probably has at least another season, or two, to offer at the NFL level. Yet it’s important to consider he tossed a league-leading 21 interceptions last year on a bad Chargers team needing a complete rebuild.

It’s probably going to be at least another couple of years before Los Angeles is good again, which means the Chargers may want to start thinking about who will be their franchise signal-caller once the page is turned.

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New Orleans Saints

Right now, the entirety of success for the New Orleans Saints is predicated on quarterback Drew Brees and the team’s potency on offense.

With an abysmal defense in 2016, Brees and Co. still managed to lead the NFL’s second best scoring offense (469 points) and best offense, in terms of yards gained (6,816).

But Brees is 38 years old and, like so many other QBs on this list, age has to be called into question.

Next: 5 NFL teams with the worst quarterback situations in 2017

The Saints largely invested in their porous defense this offseason, meaning the search for Brees’ replacement is likely tabled until 2018.