16 QB Questions for the Offseason

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With training camp around the corner, there are key questions to monitor at the quarterback position. These questions may impact both season-long and dynasty leagues. Here are 16 questions to monitor at the quarterback position.

Is Marcus Mariota or Desmond Ridder the solution at the position for Atlanta?

The answer is likely not. Mariota reunites with former offensive coordinator and Atlanta Head Coach Arthur Smith. After Mariota signed with Atlanta, Smith was quoted as saying "I trust Marcus. He's going to come in here, and he's going to give us everything he's got. He's got high-end talent[.]” For a coach who benched Mariota in favor of Ryan Tannehill in 2019, the quote feels like faint praise. Atlanta also added Ridder in the third round of the NFL Draft, but the pedigree is more of a backup than a future starter. The team has one of the lowest team win totals in the betting market and could pick early in the 2023 NFL Draft class. With Drake London and Kyle Pitts, the team could be an exciting landing spot for a quarterback.

Is Lamar Jackson going to get extended?

Lamar Jackson is entering the final year of his contract. Jackson has an MVP on his resume, but questions remain about his progression as a passer, and an extension does not seem close. Baltimore can place the franchise tag on Jackson for the next two seasons.

How long is Deshaun Watson’s suspension?

Deshaun Watson has settled 20 of the 24 lawsuits against him and is in the final phase of the NFL disciplinary stage. Cleveland traded for Watson in March, and Cleveland structured his contract to protect Watson’s salary if he is suspended in 2022. With a continuous drip of reports of late, a year-long suspension seems likely. The fallout from the Watson suspension would have consequences on Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett, as well as the rest of the supporting cast.

Is Jared Goff a solution?

When Detroit traded Matthew Stafford to the Rams, much of the analysis assumed the Lions received additional draft capital because they were willing to take on Jared Goff’s contract, but there has been no evidence since the trade that is true. The Lions passed on a quarterback in the past two classes and have built a quality offense, including two first-round tackles, a first-round center, T.J. Hockenson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and DAndre Swift. Goff’s contract situation actually improves the next two seasons relative to the cap and could play his way into a multiple-year starting job with a good season in 2022.

Is Davis Mills a solution?

Trevor Lawrence was lauded as pro-ready and a generational prospect entering the NFL. Lawrence threw 1138 attempts through his three years at Clemson, more than double the 438 attempts Davis Mills threw at Stanford. Yet it was Mills (6.8 yards per attempt) who outperformed Lawrence (6.0 yards per attempt) as a rookie. From a growth perspective, Mills is multiple seasons behind Lawrence in passing development and already outproduced Lawrence in his rookie season. Mills is not a sure thing, but Houston is giving him a chance in 2022 and the team could be a big beneficiary of Mills’ development.

Does Trevor Lawrence develop?

Does Lawrence take a step forward? Lawrence will get the benefit of an actual coach, in Doug Pederson, instead of last year’s fiasco. Pederson oversaw the development of Carson Wentz in Philadelphia and should bring legitimacy to the coaching staff in Jacksonville. Lawrence continues to be overvalued by the dynasty market, compared to his redraft ADP and projections.

How does Derek Carr fit with the new look Raiders?

Derek Carr signed a 3-year 121,500,00 dollar contract extension with the Raiders earlier this offseason, but there are no guarantees in the contract after the 2022 season. With a change in the coaching staff and front office, Carr is a holdover without contractual guarantees after the season. Carr has upside this season with the addition of Davante Adams to go along with Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow and will be an attractive quarterback if he hit the free agency or trade markets. How the Raiders feel about Carr and how they structure their offense is a big watch over the next six months.