2012 Offseason Quarterback Predictions
2012 Offseason Quarterback Predictions
Updated March 7, 2012
Follow me @walterfootball
It's another offseason, which means a number of teams will be searching for quarterbacks. Here are my predictions for how each quarterback-needy team will address the position this spring, in 2012 NFL Draft order (excluding the obvious Colts):
Cleveland Browns: Sign Matt Flynn Everyone expects the Dolphins to sign Matt Flynn, and they very well could. Of course, Miami could agree to terms with Peyton Manning. And if they don't, what if they're too focused on courting Manning while Flynn is looking for a new home? And what if Joe Philbin doesn't even want Flynn as his quarterback?
If the Dolphins are set on pursuing Manning, Flynn could easily sign with the Browns. Mike Holmgren would love to bring in Flynn to run his West Coast offense. The Packer signal-caller is perfect for Holmgren's system.
Washington Redskins: Trade for Robert Griffin I had Peyton Manning going to the Redskins in my previous update. Washington remains a strong possibility because of its cap room, but Manning may not want to play for someone like Daniel Snyder. The fact that he would have to battle his brother twice a year doesn't help matters.
If the Redskins swing and miss on Manning, there's no question that they'll become the favorites to trade up for Robert Griffin. Snyder will do everything in his power to secure a blue-chip quarterback prospect, and unlike the Browns, he won't be scared to part with a draft pick that could be relatively inconsequential in the long run.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Sign Josh Johnson Josh Johnson has been linked to the 49ers because of the Jim Harbaugh connection. I believe Jacksonville is the favorite to sign the athletic, high-upside quarterback, however.
Greg Olson, the offensive coordinator for the Buccaneers last year, was recently hired to be the quarterbacks' coach for the Jaguars. Both Olson and Johnson love working with each other, and Olson will push for general manager Gene Smith to sign Josh Freeman's backup.
Olson will understandably want his own guy to compete with Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert showed no signs of becoming a legitimate starting quarterback in this league last year, so Jacksonville will need a fallback option just in case he doesn't improve.
Miami Dolphins: Draft Ryan Tannehill I already discussed Flynn to Miami. He could reunite with his former coach, but the Dolphins seem set on pursuing Manning.
I don't think it'll be Manning. It very well could be, but there are two reasons why I think No. 18 will play elsewhere. First, Stephen Ross is the same as Daniel Snyder. He's an overzealous owner who will have trouble maintaining (or ever achieving) success because he does stupid things. Snyder signs old, washed-up players; Ross is more interested in surrounding himself with B-list celebrities and presenting the Dolphins as a show rather than a football team. Why would Manning want to play for Ross?
Second, Manning will have to battle Tom Brady twice per year as a member of the Dolphins. It'll be difficult for him to reach the playoffs under those circumstances.
As for Robert Griffin, I doubt the Rams would want to miss out on Justin Blackmon by moving down to No. 8. Jacksonville won't hesitate to snatch the Oklahoma State wideout off the board.
So, if Miami can't net Manning, Flynn or Griffin, it'll have to settle for Ryan Tannehill. Ross' B-list celebrity friends won't be too happy about that.
Kansas City Chiefs: Sign Chad Henne The Chiefs aren't really in a position to do anything with the quarterback position this offseason. Scott Pioli will give Matt Cassel another year, as his options are very limited right now.
I do think Kansas City will sign Chad Henne to be a solid backup in the event of another Cassel injury. Brian Daboll, the team's current offensive coordinator, worked with Henne when the two were in Miami.
Seattle Seahawks: Draft QB on Day 2 Pete Carroll recently stated that Tarvaris Jackson will be the starting quarterback in 2012. But that doesn't mean that he won't spend a second-day pick on a quarterback.
But which one? Most of the prospects are in play. Ryan Tannehill is very talented, but Seattle will have to move up for him in the back end of the first round to get him. Carroll still has Pac-10/12 ties, so he will likely have inside information on Brock Osweiler and Nick Foles. Brandon Weeden had a great Senior Bowl week, so he's certainly an option in Round 2.
The current favorite is Kirk Cousins. He comes from a pro-style offense, and the Seahawks have shown interest in him. USC and Seahawks beat writer Scott Enyeart tweeted, "(Pete) Carroll has been evaluating Kirk Cousins since this summer at the Elite 11 camp in Malibu, where Kirk was a counselor."
Arizona Cardinals: Sign Peyton Manning There are five reasons why I think the Cardinals are the favorites to sign Peyton Manning:
1. Larry Fitzgerald. Manning and Fitzgerald are friends, and the two of them have met during the offseason, presumably to talk about playing with each other. Manning has to love the prospect of airing it out to Fitzgerald every week.
2. Cap room. Arizona has about $22 million available, so it can sign Reggie Wayne (and perhaps Dallas Clark and Dwight Freeney if they're cut). Manning and Wayne come as a package, and the Cardinals could use a No. 2 receiver.
3. NFC West. Manning gets to avoid Tom Brady and his brother. Even better, he'll be part of a division that was won by Alex Smith last year.
4. Dome. All of the teams on this page, save for the Cardinals, play outdoors. Manning has enjoyed having a roof over his head for all of his home games throughout his career. Why change now?
5. Proven success. The Cardinals reached the Super Bowl with Kurt Warner. The coaching staff knows how to handle a veteran, Hall of Fame-bound quarterback. Manning might have this in mind when he's making this difficult decision.
New York Jets: Sign Jason Campbell The Jets need some competition for Mark Sanchez. They've been linked to Jason Campbell for good reason. If Sanchez starts throwing multiple interceptions to 320-pound defensive linemen again, Rex Ryan will want to insert a quarterback with some experience. Campbell's not a great quarterback by any means, but he's solid enough to play the role of a game manager on a talented team.
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Cole
03-19-2012
12:20 pm
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Broncos just got peyton manning. Ha. Better change your mock up a bit.
49ers
03-17-2012
09:48 am
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There getting Manning. Case closed.
Tater
03-11-2012
04:05 pm
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What about the Broncos???
Romeo C.
03-11-2012
06:06 am
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I've heard talk of the Chiefs looking at Jason Campbell and Chad Henne. Which both sound like a nightmare and a waste of money. Especially Henne! But what about Vince Young? Very cheap back up who seems more capable (and mobile!) than the other two. Or at the least, just re-sign Orton.
Mr. Mabus
03-08-2012
12:06 am
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As for the Jags, I still believe they should draft Case Keenum. He would be a late draft pick. I also still have faith that Gabbert will be much better this coming season, but Keenum would be a quality back up, just in "case" :)
2MGoBlue2
03-07-2012
11:31 pm
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Browns - More than anything, I think they'll try to add a weapon for Colt McCoy, they'll be in a good position to add one too(Blackmon is likely to be on the board). Matt Flynn IS a better QB than McCoy, but I doubt even he can win under those circumstances. If they suck it up they can just draft Matt Barkley next year.
Redskins - They will probably be able to risk it all on Griffin. He is as good of a consolation to Andrew Luck as there is and legit dual-threats, not just HB who throw(Tebow). Jags - They need to add a weapon as well. They should still look to give Blaine some competition, but QBs still need at least 1 receiver to throw to. Michael Floyd is the likely addition Miami - Peyton is going to be taking his talents to South Beach. Faulk says that Manning really doesn't want to block ManningBowl. They have the best O-Line of the teams interested and would likely be able to bring Wayne with him too. KC - Will like to add depth. Henne can provide it, though I am not even sure he will be even good at that. However, I also think they will likely go after a 2nd or 3rd round QB. Seattle - Tannehill. He is no where near a late 1st rounder, particularly because all the late 1st rounders QB situations are well in hand. Seems like a guy they would pickup as well. Cardinals - Basically because Matt Flynn and Larry Fitzgerald would be amazing, and because Manning will reportedly NOT be heading to the NFC. New York Jets - Any legit backup QB or a player of Nick Foles. For whatever reason, I think if presented with some competition for his spot on the roster, he would lose.
Joe
03-07-2012
11:14 pm
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I think a team will sign David Garrard to compete with who they have now. That means he could go to the Broncos, Chiefs, Jets, or Seahawks. Probably a few others will take a serious look. Another possible (but less likely scenario) is that whoever drafts Tannehill or another mid rounder or maybe even RG3, signs Garrard in case their rookie isn't ready to start on opening day.
Parker
03-07-2012
09:42 pm
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Why isn't Denver in the mix? They have nearly 50 million dollars to spend. Not a day goes by where Fox, Xanders, and Elway say they are going to bring in a new quarterback. The team is also in desperate need of a number 2 wide receiver and has the money to sign all of Peyton's team mates to good contracts. It makes a hell of a lot more sense than anyone is giving credit for. Manning is the only guy that fans wouldn't riot if Tebow is replaced.
Mike Jones
03-07-2012
08:05 pm
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I think that you nailed the Redskins QB, and since the Redskins have $40 million+ in cap room, they can fix up their line with a guard like Grubbs or Nicks, and they'll sign a wideout like Colston or VJax. Also, they won't sign Manning because he is an offensive coordinator on the field, and the Shanananananahans won't tailor their offense for him. With those kind of free agency moves, and Snyder at owner, they'll mortgage some picks for a future superstar.
Vince
03-07-2012
07:09 pm
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If Ross surrounds himself with B-List celebrities, then a B-List quarterback like Tannehill is perfect!
Bob
03-07-2012
07:05 pm
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@John L
Though there are plenty of good reasons why Manning has a decent chance of landing with the Chiefs is plausible, my main point was that Walt doesn't do any analysis here, he just rules it out with no explanation as to why. Oh and their oline isn't that bad, they have this thing called the draft and plenty of money to spend to upgrade it if needs be, and you really think manning won't play there because it's a bit nippy?
TheTruth
03-07-2012
06:19 pm
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The only thing stopping manning from going to K.C. (his best option) is Pioli. Not sure if Manning would mesh with that type of GM. Here are several reasons why it should happen.
1. Best offense in the nfl with manning, Charles, McCluster, Bowe, Baldwin, Breaston, and Moeaki. Add to that: Wayne, and Clark if necessary. 2. KC finished 7-9 without Charles all year and Cassel for much of the end. (the 3 other teams in the league tied at 8-8) 3. As previously mentioned: ample cap room to sign Peyton and his entourage. 4. A nasty, talented, up and coming defense to create turnovers. That also allowed the fewest points scored in their division.
Leonard80
03-07-2012
05:50 pm
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Carroll never said Jackson was the starter next year. In fact he is on record saying they would bring someone else in to compete with him for the starting spot. I think Manning just might be able to win that competition. Check your sources.
walt can suck off stephen ross
03-07-2012
05:29 pm
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you dont make any sense -- just because some celebrities own some shares of the fins you hate stephen ross and therefore predict nothing but misery for the fins.
realistically -- their o-line is MUCH better (you think manning doesnt realize long and pouncey are on this team) marshall isnt far behind fitz and miami's d is MUCH better than arizona. if you think hes a package deal with wayne -- you know wayne would want to go back to the home of the U. and if you think manning is scared of tom brady you gotta be hanging out with matt millen too much or something. go suck it walt
Steve
03-07-2012
05:18 pm
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Kyle Orton to Jackonville, then draft Michael Floyd. Done and done.
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