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The NFL offseason is in full force, and with the draft just a few weeks away, it’s time to check in on a few teams that have a glaring hole at quarterback. Quarterbacks are the most important players on an NFL team. Poor QB play can derail a season, while elite quarterbacks can elevate a flawed roster. Let’s look at some teams who are still in the market for a QB, and examine how they intend on securing their Week 1 starter for next season.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans hold the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. They’ve been sending smokescreens all offseason. When asked about the impending selection, team president Chad Brinker said, “We won’t pass on a generational talent with the first pick in the NFL Draft.” His specific wording led some to believe Tennessee could be leaning toward Colorado WR/DB Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter.
All signs since have pointed to the Titans ending up with Miami QB Cam Ward. The team was out in full-force during Miami’s pro day, and even held a private workout last week. HC Brian Callahan has praised the young QB in the media every chance he’s gotten. With the AFC South wide open, it makes sense the Titans take their chance now on a franchise quarterback who has a chance to instantly flip their fortunes.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are in a predicament. They could settle on the second-best QB in the draft — whether they think that’s Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart. Sanders has the higher floor as an accurate passer and quick processor, while Dart has more raw talent and a stronger arm. Several draft pundits don’t have a first-round grade for either Sanders or Dart.
Given the options, it makes more sense for the Browns to kick the can down the road at quarterback. Draft an elite talent in Hunter or Carter, and get ready for next year’s loaded class of passers. In the interim, they can add a veteran with Deshaun Watson set to miss the season after an Achilles tear. Kirk Cousins is the name most commonly associated to Cleveland. However, with Watson’s contract on the books, it’s unlikely the Browns move in that direction unless Atlanta is willing to pay most of the money Cousins is owed.
Instead, the Browns can welcome an old friend in Joe Flacco who is still a free agent. Flacco, 40, went 4-1 as Cleveland’s starter two years ago and led them to the playoffs. He’s a beloved locker room presence and an ideal bridge option for next season.
Cleveland’s 2025 Week 1 starter: Joe Flacco
Pittsburgh Steelers
With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both leaving to join New York teams, the Steelers have an obvious need at quarterback (again). Mason Rudolph was brought back this offseason after spending one year in Tennessee. Rudolph is a serviceable backup, but it’s unlikely the Steelers envision him as the Week 1 starter.
Aaron Rodgers landing in Pittsburgh is a pairing that feels inevitable. The Steelers added DK Metcalf to a receiver room that already has George Pickens. Two big-bodied wideouts who can win on the outside is a strong base for Rodgers to work with. With his options dwindling and his age increasing, the Steelers won’t have to commit to a long-term deal with the 41-year-old. In return, the Steelers get a former four-time MVP who will be two years fully removed from an Achilles tear and ready to prove his critics wrong.
Pittsburgh’s 2025 Week 1 starter: Aaron Rodgers
New York Giants
Three teams picking in the top-10 addressed their QB position prior to the NFL Draft — the Giants, Raiders, and Jets. The Raiders — who traded for Geno Smith — and the Jets — who signed Justin Fields — both shelled out multi-year deals for their new quarterbacks, signaling the possibility that they won’t be taking a quarterback with their first-round pick.
While New York projects to finish in last place in the NFC East, this isn’t a team completely lacking in talent. They have cornerstone pieces at WR, LT, and on the defensive line. Adding a young and exciting QB to this group would rapidly accelerate their timeline. And, whichever quarterback they pick wouldn’t have the pressure of starting early. The Giants could trot out Wilson to begin 2025, and ease their rookie into the fold.
