NFL power rankings: Stacking up the quarterbacks heading into 2018 offseason
By Peter Panacy
NFL Power Rankings: Quarterback Nos. 20 – 11
These quarterbacks may not be in the top third of NFL’s best heading into 2018. But with some luck, development and a good supporting cast, a few might jump up into top-10 consideration by season’s end.
Let’s see how the next batch of signal-callers falls into place.
20. Quarterback Case Keenum became a hero for the Vikings in 2017, riding his <a href=. Quarterback. Pending Free Agent. CASE KEENUM
NICK FOLES. 19. Nick Foles is one of two Eagles quarterbacks on this list, because Philadelphia is faced with a unique situation. Coming off an MVP accolade in Super Bowl LII, Foles’ stock has never been higher. And the Eagles would be wise to at least explore trade options for the 29 year old. Even though he’s signed only through 2018, the financial impact would only be $7.6 million — a cheaper option than pursuing other well-known free agents. Can Foles replicate his heroic efforts from the postseason, though?. Quarterback. Philadelphia Eagles
Tennessee Titans. MARCUS MARIOTA. 18. Firing Titans head coach Mike Mularkey is likely going to be one of the best things to happen to quarterback Marcus Mariota’s young career. Mularkey’s offense has been outdated for years, and <a href=. Quarterback
17. The Texans’ 2017 season was absolutely derailed by injuries to major players, and none hurt more than the practice-related ACL tear suffered by then-rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson impressed enough early on to indicate he’ll be the real deal at the NFL level. If only we got to see him over the course of a full season. Still, the Texans have a lot of pieces in place, meaning Watson’s stock should be expected to rise if he comes back fully healthy. Thank goodness for being young.. Quarterback. Houston Texans. DESHAUN WATSON
Can Panthers quarterback <a href=. Quarterback. Carolina Panthers. CAM NEWTON. 16
15. So much of this is predicated where quarterback Kirk Cousins winds up in 2018. It won’t be with the Washington Redskins, though. Cousins will likely command the highest salary in the league, as there are more than a few QB-needy teams willing to spend top dollar. The Jets are one such team. So are the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars. If Cousins winds up in a good situation, we could see similar numbers to what he produced back in 2016.. Quarterback. Pending Free Agent. KIRK COUSINS
14. It’s hard to say whether or not Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s 2017 regression was the product of not having running back Ezekiel Elliott on the field for six games or if the rest of the NFL simply figured the second-year pro out. Perhaps a bit of both. Either way, Prescott still has plenty of upside to be excited about this season. And if Dallas can put some younger, more dynamic skill players around him, 2018 could wind up being a solid year.. Quarterback. Dallas Cowboys. DAK PRESCOTT
13. Technically, the Redskins’ deal for quarterback <a href=. Quarterback. Washington Redskins. ALEX SMITH
Detroit Lions. MATTHEW STAFFORD. 12. No longer the NFL’s most expensive player, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford still managed to have a very solid season in 2017, passing for 29 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Even with former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia taking over as head coach, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter remains in place. Continuity is good, especially if Stafford continues to play well. Now the trick is to help Stafford out with a strong running game.. Quarterback
11. Jimmy Garoppolo is getting paid like a franchise quarterback, and that’s exactly what the 49ers are hoping for out of him. The Niners still have a <a href=. Quarterback. San Francisco 49ers. JIMMY GAROPPOLO
Garoppolo misses out of the top 10 despite being paid like an elite quarterback. The only reason is because the next guy has just a bit more on-field success and experience.