The NFL’s quarterback carousel continued earlier this week when the Jets finally traded former third-overall pick Sam Darnold to the Panthers. The 23-year-old became the fifth quarterback to switch teams via trade this offseason:
- Matthew Stafford, Lions to Rams
- Jared Goff, Rams to Lions
- Carson Wentz, Eagles to Colts
- Ryan Finley, Bengals to Texans
- Sam Darnold, Jets to Panthers
While teams have already shifted focus from veteran acquisitions to the draft, that doesn’t mean we won’t see another QB trade. Sure, it takes two to tango, and a number of teams already have already solidified their quarterback situation (or they will in the upcoming draft). Still, teams like the Patriots, Broncos, Bears, Saints, and Washington could be in the market for a signal-caller depending on what happens with the draft.
So who could be available? We know one name is definitively on the block: Teddy Bridgewater. Following the Panthers’ acquisition of Darnold, the front ofice gave the 2020 starter permission to seek a trade. It seems like a trade is inevitable, with reports indicating that multiple teams have reached out to Carolina about the veteran. Many of these teams are apparently eyeing Bridgewater as a backup, which could complicate a trade if the veteran is hunting for a suitor who will let hm start. Further, interested teams would also like to rework Bridgewater’s contract, adding another hurdle to negotiations.
It was widely assumed that Jimmy Garoppolo would be on the trade block after the 49ers made a blockbuster trade for the No. 3 pick. However, the organization appears to be playing hard ball. After declaring that the veteran would be sticking around San Francisco for the 2021 season, the 49ers are reportedly seeking a first-rounder for Jimmy G. This could obviously just be leveraging via the media, and the 49ers will be hard pressed to find a team that will give up that type of draft capital and inherit Garoppolo’s hefty deal. Either way, the rumors will surely persist, especially if Garoppolo’s former team, the Patriots, roll into the regular season with Cam Newton and Jarrett Stidham as their top quarterbacks.
What about Gardner Minshew? The former sixth-rounder took a step back from a team-record perspective in 2020, but he still proved to be a capable game manager, connecting on 66.1-percent of his passes and tossing 16 touchdowns vs. only five interceptions. The Jaguars will presumably take Trevor Lawrence will the first-overall pick in the upcoming draft, relegating Minshew to a backup role. Minshew has a low salary and plenty of upside, so Jacksonville won’t just give him away. However, if a team is willing to pony up for the mustached quarterback, the Jaguars will probably listen. For what it’s worth, we heard back in March that the Jaguars weren’t shopping Minshew “at this point” in time.
Those three quarterbacks appear to be the most realistic trade targets, but there are plenty of additional quarterbacks who have lingered in trade rumors. Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson were the biggest names thrown around this offseason, but it’s unlikely either player is dealt any time soon (Wilson because he’s a franchise quarterback and the Seahawks aren’t dumb, Watson because of the ongoing sexual misconduct allegations against him (and the Texans prior refusal to trade him despite demands)). Some less sexy names include Nick Foles, who could be displaced in Chicago after the Bears signed Andy Dalton. Matt Ryan, Derek Carr, and Drew Lock have also been tossed around, but it’s unlikely any of those players switch teams.
So that leads to our question: who will be the next quarterback to be traded? Let us know if we forgot anyone in the comments.
I’d keep Gardner as competition for lawerence, don’t want Trevor to get to comfortable or expect to be starter just because he goes 1 overall.
LOL!!!
Gardner would be fantastic in NE. Doesn’t turn it over, gamer & can sustain drives better than Cam can now.
Minshew on the Titans is the most logical move for staying power in the NFL.
Lol. The “competition” is over the moment Lawrence’s name is called.
That said, there’s value in Minshew only because he’s a vet that, theoretically, doesn’t need a whole lot of reps. But since it’s a brand new system, that probably doesn’t matter much. So, I don’t know…
Bridgewater to the Patriots makes the most sense to me.
Yep, Pat’s and Teddy or Saints if they had the .
Bridgewater. i dont see either of the other two moving.
Belichick breaks camp with a Newton, Bridgewater, Garopolo QB room.
You do realize that is a 55 million dollar QB room?
BB has shown a deftness with other rules. He’ll find a way.
Maybe he can clone Brady because he ain’t winning with any of those 3
Agreed. Except that I think the Patriots are going to have a first round QB fall into their lap. My guess is Justin Fields.
If not, Bridgewater makes a lot of sense. The ONLY reason He’s out in Carolina is because he can’t quite push the ball down the field enough for the Ruhle/Brady offense. Their goal is to be more vertical than most teams. Teddy’s not the guy for that. He can run Belichik’s West Coast-ish style O, though.
A first rounder for Jimmy G and his contract is pretty funny, especially because they paid a 2nd while he was on a rookie deal and had more potential
Why would u choose bridgewater? Darn old isn’t the obvious starter and bridgewater is a competent backup
They didn’t give up a 2nd, 4th, and 6th to not see if he can be the answer. And they weren’t fond of Bridgewater’s performance last season.
Darnold back to the Jets. Douglas, confused by the 9’ers move up to the 3rd pick, counters Lynch and moves the 2nd overall pick to Carolina for Darnold and their 1st rounder and states “let the 9’ers dwell on that for awhile – touché.”
I can’t see Cousins lasting much longer in Minnesota. He’d probably be gone already if the Vikings had any backups on the depth chart with potential.
What is Minshew’s trade value? A 5th rounder?
I’m still thinking Tua might go next. Miami has real talent, and might not want to risk the season on a sophomore that had some issues last year.
Minshew would become an instant fan favorite in New England! The Pats could offer Jacksonville Stidham and a 3rd Round pick for him. Or maybe even a 3rd, and one of their compensatory 4th round picks for Minshew and a 5th rounder back from Jax.
Belichick really believes in Cam; he’s going to give him every opportunity to win the job this year out of camp. Adding Minshew to the picture would be perfect. Cam would still have his chance to win the job and if Minshew beats him out, Cam won’t pout or demand a trade. He loves it here in New England and would support/mentor Minshew to the best of his ability.