As the Cleveland Browns look to jump back into competition in the AFC North and AFC in general, it will be interesting what changes are made around the league. The most important position, quarterback, is the biggest story for a reason.
With all the new head coaches in place, quarterback rumors take a look at the next big moves that could impact the landscape of the league.
The Browns have continually said that they believe Baker Mayfield will be their quarterback next year. After reportedly meeting with his agents during the NFL combine, that sentiment continues to be the expectation for 2022.
With that in place, there are still a good amount of teams that will be looking for a change at quarterback. Field Yates of ESPN (subscriber, $) has listed only six teams making changes this offseason. Of those, three are AFC teams including one in the AFC North:
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Indianapolis Colts
- Denver Broncos
With the Steelers almost always in competition in the division, Yates has them adding Jimmy Garoppolo via trade. While he doesn’t note the compensation, there has been talk that a second-round pick would be required. Garoppolo is also coming off of a shoulder surgery this offseason. With a good defense and weapons, adding Garoppolo could keep Pittsburgh competitive.
Yates also has the Colts, a team that has been a quarterback away from true high-level play since Andrew Luck retired, moving on from Carson Wentz (to Washington) and adding Mitchell Trubisky in free agency. Trubisky busted out of Chicago due to his own play and Matt Nagy’s offense. After sitting a year in Buffalo, Trubiksy’s stock has jumped despite little proof of improvement during that time.
Finally, the Broncos adding Malik Willis in the draft is the one new quarterback on the list that is a rookie. Denver has been rumored as the next stop for Aaron Rodgers but, in Yates’ prognostication, the Broncos start their rebuild. The Broncos have a quality roster but have been held back by quarterback play as well.
The Steelers, Colts and Broncos all have designs on competing in the AFC, like the Browns do, in 2022. While none of the three quarterbacks are the big names, there are realistic options for the team.
Yates also had San Fransisco and Tampa Bay joining Washington in having new starters in 2022 in the NFC.
Cleveland looks like they are staying the course at quarterback but could be fighting with a few teams in the AFC that are likely to be making changes.