Here’s something that only happens every 50 years. ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared research from Elias Sports Bureau that the NFC South will be the first division rolling out entirely new starting quarterbacks since the AFC West in 1973.
Of course, this follows the New Orleans Saints’ signing Derek Carr as a big free agent pickup — and he’s expected to replace Jameis Winston, who is likely going to be released. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost Tom Brady to retirement (and he means it this time) while the Atlanta Falcons burned their bridge with Marcus Mariota. The Carolina Panthers are making every effort not to bring back Sam Darnold after investing in a new coaching staff.
Here’s the state of every quarterback room in the NFC South:
- Atlanta Falcons: Desmond Ridder, Logan Woodside
- Carolina Panthers: Matt Corral, Jacob Eason
- New Orleans Saints: Derek Carr, Jameis Winston, Jake Luton
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kyle Trask
Of those other three teams, Trask feels likeliest to start Week 1, though the Buccaneers could also get involved in the free agent market or make a surprise move in the draft. Look for the Falcons and Panthers to actively weigh their options; each has a top-10 pick in April. We’re in for an offseason of intrigue as the NFC South quarterback carousel spins.
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