20. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts suffered a severe hit in the preseason when franchise quarterback Andrew Luck abruptly retired. Jacoby Brissett has stepped in and taken advantage of the situation, throwing for 1,797 yards and 15 touchdowns with only four interceptions. Brissett might be a viable long-term answer for the Colts. His contract has a $9 million roster bonus in 2020, but the Colts almost certainly will pay it. With a $6 million base salary, Brissett is a bargain for a starting quarterback. But it might be wise for the Colts to work out a long-term extension as soon as possible. “They were fortunate to have (Brissett) when Luck retired,” a panelist said. “He’s a quality starter. Lock him up as soon as you can.”
19. Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is enjoying a resurgence under new coach Matt LaFleur after feuding with former coach Mike McCarthy. That means the Packers are in great shape at quarterback at the moment, although backup Tim Boyle is an unknown. Rodgers, 35, is so good that he pulls Green Bay’s ranking up. But he’ll be 40 by the time his contract ends after the 2023 season. A decline could start by then, and at some point, the Packers need to find an heir apparent to Rodgers.
18. New York Giants
The Giants drafted Daniel Jones sixth overall this year to be the eventual replacement for Eli Manning. But with the team going nowhere, Jones supplanted Manning as the starter in Week 3 and won his first two starts while looking sharp. Although he’s lost his past six starts, our panel unanimously agrees that Jones will be a success in the long run. Jones is under contract through 2022 with the team holding an option for 2023. “They just need to put more talent around him besides (running back Saquon) Barkley,” one panelist said. Manning won’t be around as the backup next year. But the best thing the Giants can do is bring in another veteran who can serve as a mentor.
17. Oakland Raiders
Rich Gannon was the best quarterback Jon Gruden ever has coached in his previous stint in Oakland and his time in Tampa Bay. But Derek Carr is the first high draft pick that Gruden ever has guided, and he could surpass Gannon. He and Gruden already are off to a good start. Gruden has been notoriously tough on his quarterbacks in the past. But he’s been almost entirely complimentary of Carr, who is completing over 70% of his passes this year for the first time in his career. “Carr is the perfect quarterback for Gruden’s system,” a panelist said. “He’s very solid in the short- and medium-range game. That team is in the middle of making a leap forward and Carr is a big reason why.” Carr is under contract through 2022, providing the franchise with continuity after it moves to Las Vegas next season.