Panic Meter for Every Team's QB Situation Ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Most NFL quarterback situations are settled, and the remainder should be solidified in the forthcoming draft.
That doesn't mean they're all on the same ground, though. The situations vary greatly in terms of steadiness around the league.
Let's gauge them all in terms of a level of panic, from "nonexistent" to "red alert."
AFC East
1 of 8
Buffalo Bills: Nonexistent
Since 2020, 27-year-old Josh Allen has posted the highest approximate value total among all NFL quarterbacks.
Miami Dolphins: Nonexistent
Among 32 quarterbacks who have thrown at least 500 passes since the start of 2022, Tua Tagovailoa, 26, is the highest rated (102.9).
New England Patriots: TBD
If they do as they're expected and use the No. 3 overall pick in April's draft on a quarterback, this jumps all the way from "red alert" to "nonexistent."
New York Jets: Medium
Aaron Rodgers may be one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history, but he's 40 and coming off a major injury. Tyrod Taylor and Zach Wilson aren't likely logical successors.
AFC North
2 of 8
Baltimore Ravens: Nonexistent
Lamar Jackson is arguably a tad fragile, but he is a two-time MVP at age 27.
Cincinnati Bengals: Low
Joe Burrow is coming off a big injury, but he's 27 and entrenched as the franchise signal-caller with two triple-digit-rated seasons under his belt.
Cleveland Browns: Low
There's a decent chance Deshaun Watson never gets back to where he was at the start of this decade in Houston, but the Browns are contractually married to him for several more years so this has to remain low.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Low
This might surprise many, but it's just math. There's a not-so-wild chance Russell Wilson puts it back together in a new spot and a similar chance Justin Fields rises to the occasion in a fresh setting. Altogether, there's a decent chance the Steelers have their guy on the roster right now.
AFC South
3 of 8
Houston Texans: Nonexistent
C.J. Stroud just put together one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history.
Indianapolis Colts: Medium
The fact that Stroud is killing it makes you wonder about Anthony Richardson because it's so rare that multiple highly drafted quarterbacks from the same class pan out. Plus, we didn't see enough of him as a rookie in 2023. And Joe Flacco's presence doesn't change much.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Low
Trevor Lawrence still hasn't completely put it together, but the 2021 No. 1 pick is still just 24 and did shine quite a bit as a sophomore in 2022. This year could determine a lot for him and the Jags.
Tennessee Titans: High
Will Levis had some moments as a rookie and will have a shot in 2024. I don't like the way his production fell off later in the year, and Malik Willis certainly hasn't looked like the answer.
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AFC West
4 of 8
Denver Broncos: Red alert
Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci. And no top-10 pick. Enough said.
Kansas City Chiefs: Nonexistent
Patrick Mahomes is a decent option.
Las Vegas Raiders: High
The odds are pretty low that Aidan O'Connell or Gardner Minshew II comes through in the long term, and they're also picking outside of the top 10.
Los Angeles Chargers: Nonexistent
Contractually, Justin Herbert is realistically the guy for the next two or three years regardless of performance.
NFC East
5 of 8
Dallas Cowboys: Medium
It sure is looking as though this is a do-or-die season for Dak Prescott, which means the Cowboys need to consider their 2025 options sooner than later.
New York Giants: High
Daniel Jones does not appear to be the long-term solution, but there is talent there and his bloated contract keeps this from becoming DEFCON 1.
Philadelphia Eagles: Nonexistent
Jalen Hurts is locked in and even if that takes a major turn, there's an outside chance Kenny Pickett turns into something.
Washington Commanders: TBD
Similar to New England, because Marcus Mariota is about as much of a long shot as Jacoby Brissett. If the Commanders use this year's No. 2 overall pick on a quarterback, this jumps from "red alert" to "nonexistent."
NFC North
6 of 8
Chicago Bears: Nonexistent
At this point, it appears to be a fait accompli that the Bears are drafting a quarterback first overall or at least in Round 1.
Detroit Lions: Nonexistent
Among 32 quarterbacks with 500-plus attempts since the start of 2022, Jared Goff ranks fifth with a 98.6 passer rating. He's also in his prime at 29.
Green Bay Packers: Low
Jordan Love made a statement down the stretch in his first full season as a starter, but there's still a chance he's a one-year wonder.
Minnesota Vikings: High
I'm not completely ready to give up on 2018 first-rounder Sam Darnold at age 26, and Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens are also at least there. Still, the Vikings need to strongly consider another option in the draft.
NFC South
7 of 8
Atlanta Falcons: Nonexistent
It's Kirk Cousins for the next two seasons at the minimum.
Carolina Panthers: Medium
Bryce Young will have to show serious sign of progress in 2024. Otherwise, it's entirely possible the Panthers will bring in competition or even move him on.
New Orleans Saints: Low
This rating is mainly because they're sort of stuck with Derek Carr financially for at least two more years. It could get ugly real soon, though.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Treading
Baker Mayfield made some major strides in his first season as a Buc, and that new contract indicates they'll give the 28-year-old at least a couple years to build on that.
NFC West
8 of 8
Arizona Cardinals: Low
Kyler Murray is clearly the guy right now, and his contract indicates that will likely be the case for at least several years to come. Still, the rebuilding Cardinals may become desperate if he can't show some consistent signs of life in his age-27 season.
Los Angeles Rams: Low
At 36, Matthew Stafford has shown some signs of decline. This has to be considered a year-to-year thing now.
San Francisco 49ers: Nonexistent
Maybe you're not totally sold on Brock Purdy just yet, but he was the league's highest-rated qualified passer in 2024 and has started his career with two tremendous campaigns in a row. Not much reason for the 49ers to consider alternatives at this stage.
Seattle Seahawks: Medium
Both Geno Smith and Sam Howell have had their moments, putting Seattle in a situation similar to Pittsburgh's but with a lot less talent.
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