QB Carousel 2023: Who is going where?

The 2022-23 NFL season may be over, but there are still plenty of things to look forward to that will hold us over until next season starts. The NFL Combine is currently underway and runs until March 6th, the NFL Draft will be in Kansas City from April 27th to the 29th, and among all of that is the constant buzz and decisions all 32 teams make in preparation to set up another run at the Lombardi Trophy.

While this year’s QB carousel isn’t necessarily as star-studded and likely won’t be as noisy as last year’s, there are still a good handful of impact players that either have hit the open market or have tough decisions ahead of them.

With that being said, let’s take a look at a few of the top names in that boat and pick where they’d best fit in.

Derek Carr

To a lot of people’s surprise, Carr was benched in favor of Jarrett Stidham for the final two games of the regular season. Also to a lot of people’s surprise (including myself), it was with the intent for Carr to part with the Raiders following the end of this season.

It was clear that Carr wasn’t really meshing with new head coach Josh McDaniels’ system, throwing a career-tying-high 14 interceptions and posting an 86.3 passer rating; the lowest since his rookie season.

Now out of Vegas, an intriguing and likely option for Carr would be to head to New Orleans. They were the first team to express open interest to him and have a second meeting with him during this week’s Combine. What’s also interesting to note is the Saints have dug up almost exactly the amount of cap space Carr is looking for through several contract restructures.

Signing him would reunite Carr with Dennis Allen, the man who drafted him during his tenure in Oakland, along with plenty of quality weapons to quickly revive his career.

Prediction: New Orleans Saints

Jimmy Garoppolo

It was made clear come the end of the regular season and the playoffs that Brock Purdy would likely be the starting QB moving forward for the 49ers. With Trey Lance also set to be cleared of an ankle injury by OTA’s, where does that leave Jimmy Garoppolo?

In Tampa Bay. That’s where.

Tom Brady is done for good. Who better to replace him than Jimmy G? With Brady out, the only remaining QB under contract in Tampa is Kyle Trask, who was drafted in 2021 and hasn’t seen the field since.

While Brady leaving hurts, this Bucs roster still has the talent to contend in the NFC. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin pose as a solid receiving duo for just about any QB, and up-and-coming RB Rachaad White is a viable featured back. With as much talent still retained on the defense as well, Jimmy G could be the veteran QB they now need to still make a run.

Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Geno Smith

After Russell Wilson went to the Broncos, Pete Carroll and the Seahawks were left with Drew Lock and Geno Smith as options at QB. How painful is that to look at……right?

After being awarded the starting job, Smith never looked back as he had himself a career year in Carroll’s system, brought the Seahawks to the playoffs, and was rightfully named the AP Comeback Player of the Year.

While he’s not the youngest (32) and certainly not a long-term answer, Smith surely has the means to keep this team afloat and would be wise to stick with the squad and system that rejuvenated his career.

Prediction: Seattle Seahawks

Daniel Jones

Similar to Geno Smith, Daniel Jones flourished under first-year head coach Brian Daboll’s system and was able to carry the Giants to the playoffs (and a win) despite WR injuries all season. He saw career highs in completion percentage and passing yards.

Now, exiting his rookie contract, he’s hungry for a pay day.

While it’d be smart for the Giants to retain the QB who got them their first playoff win since 2011 and build on that campaign, Jones is seeking $40-$45 million per year, a price the Giants are likely unwilling to match. GM Joe Schoen reportedly would prefer a deal between $35-$38 million.

The two sides have until March 7th to come up with a solution, and my guess is with RB Saquon Barkley needing a new deal as well, Jones should settle to play on the tag.

Prediction: New York Giants

Lamar Jackson

Sometimes, us fans look at things in the NFL and say, “this should be a no-brainer.” This should be a no-brainer.

The Ravens are true contenders when Jackson is healthy, and even though there hasn’t been much to show due to injuries, there’s plenty of time for the Ravens to turn that around with Jackson under center.

Most noticeably would be adding some viable receiving options outside Mark Andrews for Jackson to throw to. If Baltimore can land a true WR1, an impact player in the slot, and stay healthy, they can shoot back into the now jam-packed AFC.

Don’t get me wrong, Jackson’s asking price is quite high, but to me it makes perfect sense that he feels he deserves at least the same as Deshaun Watson (5-year, $230 million). When you put it that way, it truly does sound like a no-brainer.

Prediction: Baltimore Ravens

Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers just finished up a darkness retreat. What the hell is a darkness retreat?

(Click here to find out what a darkness retreat is)

All 18 years of his NFL career, Rodgers has been a Green Bay Packer. Heading into this offseason, a lot of signs point towards him being on his way out as Green Bay seems on its way towards a rebuild. On the Pat McAfee show, he said, “If there’s a rebuild going on, I won’t be a part of it.” Way to be subtle, Aaron.

Another variable mixed into this equation is Jordan Love, the QB Green Bay drafted in the first round of the 2020 draft. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst seems to have high hopes for him and is eager to get him on the field. With the capital the Packers would undoubtedly receive from a trade for Rodgers, the opportunity for a fresh start sounds quite intriguing to Green Bay’s front office, I’m sure.

What’s stuck out to me the most in this situation is the fact that the Packers are reportedly “disgusted” with Rodgers amid this whole darkness retreat thing, and are apparently ready to move on.

The Jets are an interesting suitor to land Rodgers, with Zach Wilson already on thin ice and arguably the weak link for a soon-to-be playoff suitable team. Jets management has voiced their desire to land a proven signal-caller, head coach Robert Saleh knows Rodgers very well from matchups against the Packers while on the 49ers staff, and new OC Nathaniel Hackett was the Packers OC from 2019-2021.

The AFC might get even more interesting than it already is.

Prediction: New York Jets