2024 QB Carousel: 5 NFL Teams Desperately Needing Quarterback Help
Paul Connor
Host · Writer
Las Vegas Raiders
After moving on from longtime starter Derek Carr last offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders inked former San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo to an eyebrow-raising, three-year, $72.75 million free agent contract. Garoppolo struggled mightily and was benched just six games into his lucrative deal, coinciding with the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels. Fourth-round rookie Aidan O'Connell started the final eight games, and while he played well down the stretch, he looked more like an above-average backup than a franchise-altering talent. Backed by an ever-improving defense, solid playmakers on offense, and a respected head coach in Antonio Pierce, the Silver and Black could be a QB away from making some real noise in the AFC West.
Super Bowl LIX Odds:
Las Vegas Raiders +8000New England Patriots
To put it mildly, the post-Tom Brady era has not been kind to the New England Patriots. Mac Jones selected 15th overall by the organization in 2021, has regressed since a promising rookie campaign and has reportedly worn out his welcome. Jones was benched multiple times this past year for Bailey Zappe, who also did not look the part of a franchise quarterback. New England moved on from legendary head coach Bill Belichick and holds the No. 3 overall selection in April's draft. Assuming the team does not trade for Chicago's Justin Fields (more on him later), landing one of this year's top QB prospects is a must if new head coach Jerod Mayo is to succeed.
Super Bowl LIX Odds:
New England Patriots +15000Washington Commanders
Currently holding the No. 2 overall pick, the Washington Commanders are fully expected to select a signal caller come April, and with good reason. Sam Howell was widely inconsistent in his first year as a starter, tossing a league-high 21 interceptions, 11 of those INTs coming in the final seven weeks. Howell also managed just four TD passes over that seven-game stretch, throwing for less than 200 yards in five of those contests. Granted, Washington's defensive woes left the 23-year-old routinely in catchup mode. However, his meltdown down the stretch, not to mention being outplayed by veteran backup Jacoby Brissett, did little to inspire confidence in his ability as a long-term starter. With USC's Caleb Williams the consensus first overall selection, several mock drafts have tabbed UNC's Drake Maye as the new face of the Commanders franchise.
Super Bowl LIX Odds:
Washington Commanders +15000Atlanta Falcons
It had to be frustrating for Atlanta Falcons fans watching Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke hold back an offense that is not starved for playmakers (although fantasy managers will also point to now former head coach Arthur Smith as a prime culprit). With the Bears expected to move on from Fields and draft Williams at No. 1, Atlanta becomes an obvious trade candidate for the former Ohio State star. While the Falcons will likely have to part ways with a first-round pick, Fields's upside could be worth the investment, particularly in a division that should remain wide open next season.
Super Bowl LIX Odds:
Atlanta Falcons +5000Pittsburgh Steelers
Like New England, the Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled to find a capable successor since Ben Roethlisberger left the game. Kenny Pickett has shown only flashes, at best, during his time in the Steel City, even being outplayed by perennial backup Mason Rudolph. While head coach Mike Tomlin said Pickett remains the starter, he was adamant the team will bring in competition for the former first-rounder. With owner Art Rooney II's patience wearing thin, don't be shocked if Pittsburgh goes with a fresh face under center in 2024.
Super Bowl LIX Odds:
Pittsburgh Steelers +9000Las Vegas Raiders
After moving on from longtime starter Derek Carr last offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders inked former San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo to an eyebrow-raising, three-year, $72.75 million free agent contract. Garoppolo struggled mightily and was benched just six games into his lucrative deal, coinciding with the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels. Fourth-round rookie Aidan O'Connell started the final eight games, and while he played well down the stretch, he looked more like an above-average backup than a franchise-altering talent. Backed by an ever-improving defense, solid playmakers on offense, and a respected head coach in Antonio Pierce, the Silver and Black could be a QB away from making some real noise in the AFC West.
Super Bowl LIX Odds:
Las Vegas Raiders +8000New England Patriots
To put it mildly, the post-Tom Brady era has not been kind to the New England Patriots. Mac Jones selected 15th overall by the organization in 2021, has regressed since a promising rookie campaign and has reportedly worn out his welcome. Jones was benched multiple times this past year for Bailey Zappe, who also did not look the part of a franchise quarterback. New England moved on from legendary head coach Bill Belichick and holds the No. 3 overall selection in April's draft. Assuming the team does not trade for Chicago's Justin Fields (more on him later), landing one of this year's top QB prospects is a must if new head coach Jerod Mayo is to succeed.
Super Bowl LIX Odds:
New England Patriots +15000
