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Few may have predicted former No. 1 total choose Baker Mayfield would expertise a profession renaissance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he signed a one-year, $4M contract final offseason.
Mayfield, who bounced round amongst three groups in two seasons earlier than signing with Tampa Bay, exceeded all expectations serving as Tom Brady’s successor in 2023. Except for setting profession highs throughout a number of passing classes, Mayfield led the Bucs to the NFC South title and the divisional spherical of the playoffs, incomes himself a three-year, $100M extension this offseason.
The success Mayfield achieved is uncommon for somebody taking part in on a prove-it deal, not to mention a quarterback along with his resume. Even so, a number of QBs at comparable profession crossroads signed offers this offseason that would probably permit them to take pleasure in a turnaround like Mayfield’s.
With that in thoughts, listed here are 4 quarterbacks who may have an identical impression on their new groups in 2024, ranked from least to probably.
Drew Lock | New York Giants
Though Lock has denied Seahawks GM John Schneider’s feedback that he is being introduced in to compete for New York’s beginning job, the previous second-round choose may maintain the place by the tip of the season.
The Giants might determine to draft their long-term starter in April’s NFL Draft and reduce ties with Daniel Jones after the 2024 season. Jones ought to open the season because the starter, but when it is clear New York will not make the playoffs, the crew may bench him as Denver did with Russell Wilson to keep away from the chance of triggering his $23M harm assure for 2025.
Such a state of affairs may permit Lock to complete 2024 as a starter, offered the Giants redshirt their potential rookie. Ought to Lock reduce down on the turnovers and maybe string a number of wins collectively, he might play his method into securing a greater alternative, in New York or elsewhere, for 2025.
Gardner Minshew II | Las Vegas Raiders
In contrast to Mayfield’s state of affairs, Minshew will not be taking part in for a brand new deal this season as he signed a two-year, $25M contract with Las Vegas in free company. Nonetheless, with an underrated supporting solid on offense and the latest upgrades to what was already a formidable protection, Minshew’s addition may produce Mayfield-esque leads to the win column for Las Vegas, which completed 8-9 final season.
Final season, Minshew began 13 video games for the Indianapolis Colts, serving to them turn into the NFL’s Tenth-best scoring offense (23.3 factors per recreation) and stay in playoff competition getting into Week 18. Minshew will not gentle up the stat sheet like he did early in his profession, but when the Raiders get 2023’s model of him, they will be thrilled. And if their protection performs as anticipated, HC Antonio Pierce’s crew may capitalize on the rebuilds of the Broncos and Chargers to make a shock postseason look.
Sam Darnold | Minnesota Vikings
Darnold, the third total choose within the 2018 NFL Draft, will change now-Falcon Kirk Cousins as Minnesota’s beginning quarterback after spending final season as San Francisco’s main backup.
Whereas Darnold is a downgrade from Cousins, he’ll play with as proficient a receiving corps as he has had as a starter, and it is cheap to be optimistic about his potential in HC Kevin O’Connell’s system. In any case, Joshua Dobbs delivered a stretch of serviceable quarterbacking following his midseason commerce from Arizona in 2023, and Nick Mullens averaged 370 passing yards per recreation throughout three begins.
The Vikings will certainly attempt to add to their quarterback room by way of the draft, however relying on who they choose, it is attainable Darnold can maintain the beginning job all through the season. So long as he does, Darnold ought to have the passing stats to persuade one other crew he may be their bridge quarterback.
Russell Wilson | Pittsburgh Steelers
It would not be something close to the extent of Mayfield’s contract, however Wilson is essentially the most practical candidate on this listing who may garner a multi-year take care of a powerful season. In fact, that is assuming the nine-time Professional Bowler beats out Justin Fields for the beginning job; the expectation is Wilson is the starter, per NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero.
Wilson’s addition has surprisingly been met with some backlash, partly as a consequence of his disappointing Broncos tenure and now additionally as a result of Fields is becoming a member of the Steelers. Nonetheless, the very fact stays that Pittsburgh was already a 10-win crew regardless of having a flawed offensive system for almost all of 2023 and three quarterbacks who have been worse than Wilson.
Final season, Wilson improved in almost each main passing class in comparison with 2022, throwing for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions whereas posting a 66.4 p.c completion charge throughout 15 video games. If he can replicate these stats and lead the Steelers again to the postseason, Wilson may finally set up himself as their beginning quarterback for the foreseeable future.
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