NFL: The 2011 Quarterback Carousel Is about To Get Rolling

From my count, at least 10 teams are going to be dealing with their quarterback situation this offseason. For some, the draft will be the answer. For others, free agency is the way to go. Here are my predictions for what will happen.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Current Quarterbacks: Rex Grossman/Donovan McNabb

2011 Quarterbacks: Rex Grossman/Cam Newton

McNabb is out. Everyone knows that. The question is, did Grossman show enough in his three-game tryout to hold off another quarterback from coming in? He certainly looked more comfortable than McNabb, but even Shanahan has to know there is a ceiling to what Rex can do.

With the 10th pick in the draft, it’s hard to believe the guy who traded for Jake Plummer and drafted Jay Cutler in the first round won’t be eyeing some arms with that pick. Do you think Shanahan is going to pass up a chance to coach the Heisman Trophy winner?

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Current Quarterbacks: Joe Webb/Tarvaris Jackson/Brett Favre

2011 Quarterbacks: Donovan McNabb/Joe Webb

The popular pick is that McNabb ends up in Arizona. I’ve been saying no for as long as anyone will listen. The Vikings have championship talent on their roster. They just need a quarterback who will not turn the ball over.

McNabb’s best year’s are behind him, but he could be the steady veteran this team needs. This will also allow the Vikings one more year to groom Joe Webb, who has shown some nice skills over the last couple of games.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Current Quarterback: Jimmy Clausen

2011 Quarterbacks: Andrew Luck/Jimmy Clausen

I still think we’re judging Clausen too harshly. Sure he had a bad year, but this team and those receivers did little to help him. Having said that, Clausen could one day become a good quarterback. Andrew Luck has the potential to become a great quarterback. If you're looking for a best-case scenario, try Peyton Manning with legs.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Current Quarterbacks: Matt Hasselback/Charlie Whitehurst

2011 Quarterbacks: Charlie Whitehurst/Alex Smith/Jake Locker

Matt Hasselback is a free agent quarterback that’s old and can't stay healthy. I’m no expert, but that’s not a good combo. That’s why you would be hard-pressed to find a 2011 mock draft that doesn’t have Pete Carroll taking a quarterback in the first round. My gut says Jake Locker falls to Seattle. Pete Carroll still has nightmares of Locker shredding up his USC defense the year before.

I also look for Seattle to grab a free agent like Alex Smith and have the three young quarterbacks battle it out for Carroll’s heart.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Current Quarterbacks: Alex Smith/Troy Smith

2011 Quarterbacks: Troy Smith/Ryan Mallet

As I’ve already pointed out above, I think Smith and his small hands are done in San Francisco. The question is, do they grab a QB with the seventh pick in the draft? Any number of quarterbacks should be available (Mallet, Newton, Gabbert, Locker).

Mallet has everything you want in an NFL quarterback. He’s big, he’s strong and he’s smart. He understands the position. I think Troy Smith (who is also a free agent) gets the start, but Mallet will end the 2011 season as the starter.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Current Quarterbacks: John Skelton/Derek Anderson

2011 Quarterbacks: Kyle Orton/John Skelton

One year removed from a Super Bowl trip, the Arizona Cardinals are in no mood to rebuild around a rookie quarterback. Besides, they need a ton of help on the defensive side of the ball. The Broncos want a second-round pick for Orton. If Arizona was smart, they’d give it to them.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Current Quarterback: Chad Henne

2011 Quarterbacks: Chad Henne/Christian Ponder

Here’s the deal, the Dolphins need a quarterback, but I only see Jake Locker falling to them. Is No. 15 too early for Locker? The answer is yes. Unless they trade up, the Fins will just wait and hope to find a good one later. The next best arm in the draft is Christian Ponder, but he probably could be had in the third round.

CONTINUE READING AT FANSIDED.COM