Denver Broncos: 4 most likely quarterback rooms for 2021
4. Trading or signing an established veteran
The few quarterbacks who would fit this scenario are probably staying put simply due to their massive contract or contractual demands. Among the established veterans who would instantly be an upgrade over Drew Lock would be Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Prescott is currently recovering from a gruesome ankle injury, but had a career year in 2019 and was poised to have another strong year in 2020.
Prescott is certain to ask for a massive contract, and with the salary cap decreasing, he may not get what he wants, but a team will surely pay up, whether it is the Cowboys or someone else. As I write this, the Cowboys are set to pick 4th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, and with massive contracts already on the books, they could easily opt to save money and draft a QB.
This would allow them more flexibility with the salary cap to improve on defense, as their offensive weapons are strong.
In regards to trading for an established veteran, this is almost guaranteed to not happen.
The first name that comes to mind is Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has been rock solid since coming into the league in 2009. He turns 33 in February, and realistically still has some good years left. With the Lions recently firing head coach Matt Patricia and General Manager Bob Quinn, anything is on the table for Detroit.
The Lions could very easily strip their roster and acquire draft picks as the Dolphins did a couple of years ago. This seemed to pay off as the Dolphins are currently sitting in a playoff spot, so it is reasonable to think the Lions could do the same.
Stafford being traded simply may not happen because of the financial ramifications. According to Over The Cap, the Lions would take on a $19 million dead cap charge if he is traded pre-June 1, and a $13 million dead cap charge if he is traded post-June 1. A new regime in Detroit may not think this is worth it and would keep Stafford around for at least another year.
The next veteran QB who could be on the move is Carson Wentz. The only way a trade for Wentz could happen is if he is traded post-June 1, in which the Eagles would only take on a $9 million dead cap charge. Drafting Jalen Hurts in the second round of the 2020 draft was a puzzling move at the time, and with Wentz’s struggles, many Eagles fans and talking heads have called for Hurts to be named the new starter.
It seems like every year the Eagles are decimated by injury. This year was more of the same, as Wentz’s offensive line and receiver corps have been hit hard by the injury bug. Philadelphia is a tough place to play given the intense nature of the fan base. With that in mind, the Eagles may find it appropriate to part ways with Wentz. Doing this would save them $9 million against the cap as well.
While I do not think scenario #4 is likely to happen at all, I still believe there is a chance. John Elway is running out of time as General Manager, and if he cannot get the quarterback position fixed, he will not be our GM much longer.
He has drafted very well the past few years and has truly overhauled the roster on both sides of the ball, but has swung and missed repeatedly on the most important position in the history of professional sports.