Just because the latest NFL season ended with the Super Bowl doesn’t mean that the 32 NFL franchises have stopped working. With free agency and the upcoming 2024 Draft closing in, several questions still sit in need of answering, with the quarterback situations of some teams being only one of them. The draft is said to host a plethora of signal caller prospects, as well as wide receivers, waiting to make their marks on the big stage.
Here are some teams with quarterback situations in need of resolving.
Biggest Off-Season Questions: The Quarterback
Chicago Bears: Greener Fields With or Without Justin?
The Chicago Bears currently boast the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, due to a lop-sided trade with the Carolina Panthers whereupon Carolina took Bryce Young with the starting pick of 2023. They have done pretty well in executing their rebuild process, going from 3-14 in 2022 to finishing 7-10 last season. But the question still remains as to what to do about their starting quarterback, Justin Fields.
Does Chicago continue building around Fields? Or do they find his successor in the approaching draft? Many experts predict that Chicago will most likely look to replenish their chest of draft capital by trading Fields. But the continuing radio silence only makes the NFL world more impatient.
Minnesota Vikings: Cousins Moving Out?
Kirk Cousins has no doubt found a career resurgence in Minnesota after being in Washington for six seasons. But an Achilles injury cut his 2023 campaign short, a time where he was turning things around after throwing a career-high 14 interceptions in the prior outing. With the injury and his 36th birthday months away, Cousins’ time in the Twin Cities is far from infinite.
Minnesota will have to look for not only which team is willing to take number eight in exchange for good draft capital, but also who to call upon to fill his shoes. Like the quarterback situation in Chicago, the NFL world is eagerly waiting for the Vikings organization to make their move.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Next Man Up?
The Pittsburgh Steelers went through a rather tumultuous phase at the quarterback position, utilizing Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph throughout 2023. With Trubisky released, Rudolph testing the free agent market, and Pickett still trying to find his footing, the quarterback situation has more questions than answers.
Experts from around the league have speculated that the Steelers may be inquiring to lure the likes of Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or Kirk Cousins. Only time will tell which route the black and yellow decide to take.
Atlanta Falcons: To Draft or Recruit a Free Agent?
After three consecutive seasons going 7-10, the Atlanta Falcons parted ways with then-head coach Arthur Smith (now Offensive Coordinator for Pittsburgh). The Falcons have a roster full of talent with All-Pro potential. But the efforts have been held back by inconsistent quarterback play.
The tandem of Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke is not an effective option moving forward. Change certainly must be made at the position, but how to do it? Does Atlanta reach out to a big-name free agent with an established track record? Or do they seek out their “Quarterback of the Future” via the 2024 draft? Hopefully, who they bring in will be the right fit.
Main Image: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
