NFL Rumors: Broncos, Buccaneers, Commanders, Panthers, Saints to Explore QB Trades

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers are expected to be among the teams to explore a trade for veteran quarterbacks this offseason.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported all three teams are expected to monitor the market for Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson and Aaron Rodgers, among other possible names that could be available.

The reported list of teams is of no surprise; all five have significant holes at the quarterback spot.

The Broncos, in particular, could be a starting quarterback away from being a Super Bowl contender with Teddy Bridgewater's contract up. Denver has a burgeoning young core of skill-position players, a solid offensive line and a stellar defense; the only negative is that the Broncos play in the AFC West, which already houses Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.

Rodgers has an obvious link to Denver after the team hired former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as its next head coach. Hackett has brought along several assistant coaches as well, making it a good talent and familiarity fit if Rodgers chooses to leave Green Bay.

The Panthers have been in search of a franchise quarterback since Matt Rhule's arrival and may be the team most desperate to add a difference-maker. Rhule enters 2022 firmly on the hot seat, likely facing dismissal without a major turnaround. Sam Darnold, who is on the books for $18.9 million next season, isn't the answer. 

The Bucs are leaving the door open for a potential Tom Brady return but are realistic about the fact that the 44-year-old has probably played his last game. Tampa has several veterans hitting the open market this offseason and spent a second-round pick on Kyle Trask last April, so quarterback might wind up being less of a priority than talent retention.

Financial constraints are likely to hinder any Saints pursuit of a veteran quarterback. New Orleans is an NFL-high $80.4 million over the cap and will have to make several seismic changes to the roster to simply get under the cap. It's unlikely any of the aforementioned names will want to join what's likely to be a depleted roster in 2022. Taysom Hill is the top quarterback currently under contract for next season, and Jameis Winston could be brought back on a short-term deal as he returns from an ACL tear. 

Washington also stands out as an unlikely fit for any of the top quarterbacks. The newly christened Commanders have a few solid players on both sides of the ball and a good coach in Ron Rivera but don't have the makings of a Super Bowl contender. Taylor Heinicke started 15 games for Washington in 2021 and is under contract for next season. 

Watson is the only name on the list of veteran quarterbacks whose situation would be improved by going to Washington. It would also be a public-relations nightmare for the Commanders to acquire Watson, who is being sued by 22 women for sexual assault and sexual misconduct, while at the same time their team owner is facing allegations of sexual harassment. It seems unlikely Wilson or Rodgers would be open to playing for Washington given the circumstances surrounding the organization.