5 NFL teams likely in the market for a new quarterback in 2019
By Peter Panacy
The 2018 NFL Draft saw a heavy run on quarterbacks in Round 1. But what teams around the league will be on the hunt for a new signal-caller in 2019? Here are five likely in the market for a new signal-caller.
Five quarterbacks ended up being selected in Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Teams like the Cleveland Browns (Baker Mayfield), New York Jets (Sam Darnold), Buffalo Bills (Josh Allen), Arizona Cardinals (Josh Rosen) and the Baltimore Ravens (Lamar Jackson) hope to have found long-term quarterback options this year.
But what about 2019?
Some teams, like the Pittsburgh Steelers, hope to have eventual starters waiting in the folds behind incumbent veterans. It’s why the Steelers tabbed former Oklahoma State QB Mason Rudolph in the third round, hoping he’ll take over for the incumbent, Ben Roethlisberger, at some point down the road.
Others, like the New Orleans Saints, hope aging veterans can hold the line a little while longer.
Teams’ lists of 2019 NFL Draft needs are hard to determine right now. But we can closely gauge what franchises should be on the hunt for a quarterback in the draft a little less than a year from now.
Before we get into the top five, let’s look at some teams likely exploring the idea next season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Roethlisberger, 36 years old, has muddled retirement for a while now and has had mixed words about Rudolph now joining the fray.
From Pittsburgh’s perspective, though, it makes sense to at least look at a long-term option. And if Rudolph doesn’t end up looking the part for the long term, the Steelers could be exploring the option once more in 2019.
New Orleans Saints
Unlike the Steelers, the Saints didn’t grab an apparent heir to the quarterbacking throne in the draft. This means 39-year-old veteran Drew Brees will, once again, be called upon to handle offensive duties for the foreseeable future.
Brees is signed through 2019, meaning it’s likely New Orleans explores the option once this upcoming season comes to a close.
Los Angeles Chargers
Like the Saints, the Los Angeles Chargers didn’t look to the 2018 NFL Draft for a quarterback to replace aging veteran Philip Rivers.
Rivers, 36 years old, is still playing at a high level and bounced back nicely last season from an otherwise forgettable campaign in 2016. And with a strong cast on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, Rivers probably won’t have to ponder retirement anytime soon.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots did draft a quarterback in 2018, taking LSU’s Danny Etling in Round 7.
It’s anyone’s guess whether or not he’ll be a successor to future Hall of Famer Tom Brady who, at 40 years old, hasn’t shown indication he’s ready to call it a career.
But if that’s sooner than later, one can think head coach Bill Belichick wishes he never traded fellow QB Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers last season.
New York Giants
Like the Patriots, the New York Giants waited until the later rounds to find a quarterback. The hope is Richmond’s Kyle Lauletta can eventually replace the veteran, Eli Manning, who is hoping to retain the starter’s role for the next few seasons.
It’s why the Giants used the No. 2 overall pick in the draft on Penn State running back Saquon Barkley.