Matthew Stafford is no longer in Detroit. The 2009 No. 1 overall pick got traded to the Los Angeles Rams for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft, Jared Goff. And by the time that deal becomes official on March 17th, some other prominent quarterbacks could very well be on the move too.
Deshaun Watson desperately wants out of Houston, where the organization has authored a master class on how to alienate a young superstar. The Jets are allegedly pondering a change from Sam Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick in 2018 so they can use the No. 2 pick in 2021 to replace him. After seeing what return the Lions got for Stafford (two first-round picks, a third-rounder and Goff), the Las Vegas Raiders are now possibly shopping Derek Carr. The 49ers could deal Jimmy Garoppolo, the Broncos and Drew Lock could part ways. There are floating rumors Kirk Cousins could be had from Minnesota. Washington already dumped 2019 first-rounder Dwayne Haskins (now in Pittsburgh).
Then there are the retirees. Drew Brees sure seemed like a guy walking off the field for the last time in New Orleans’ playoff loss. Philip Rivers already announced he won’t be back with the Colts. So many big name quarterbacks won’t be back where they finished 2020, and it’s creating massive waves around the NFL.
One team is curiously, thankfully out of the wild offseason quarterback rumor mill: the Cleveland Browns.
After nearly two decades of having a new starting quarterback for Week 1 every season, the Browns have their man in Baker Mayfield. The only discussion involving the Browns and Mayfield is whether or not he gets a contract extension this offseason.
After fitting like a glove in coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense, Mayfield has answered any question about the Browns quarterback position. The team is picking No. 26 overall thanks in part to Mayfield’s strong play leading to Cleveland’s first playoff win in the 21st century.
It’s nice to sit and watch so much of the NFL burn on the QB carousel while knowing the Browns can watch the chaos spin without them buying a ticket. It sure beats being at the center of the maelstrom.
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