I’m quite sure that all 32 NFL teams are aware that their chances of winning consistently and substantially are hindered significantly if they don’t have a so-called franchise quarterback on the roster. As a result, teams like New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams have used a wide variety of methods in order to attempt to find said savior.
But what’s become obvious is that some teams are stressing quantity in hopes that one quarterback will emerge from a group of seemingly non-elite players, while others are going all in one on particularly intriguing pivot. Let’s break it down.
Quantity over quality
Jets: Gang Green has now taken a quarterback in four consecutive drafts, but none in the first round. They have been proactively trying to bring veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick back, but only at a what most would consider a discounted rate. But in addition to second-round rookie Christian Hackenberg, they have 2013 second-rounder Geno Smith and 2015 fourth-rounder Bryce Petty on the roster. None are expected to become stars, but if you add up their respective chances, it’s a possibility.
Bills: They picked up Tyrod Taylor last year, and Taylor went on to have a Pro Bowl season. But 2013 first-round pick EJ Manuel remains on the roster and they added enticing Ohio State product Cardale Jones in the fourth round of this year’s draft. Taylor is only 26 and has a hell of a skill set, but they’ve got three very solid yet less than blue-chip options.
Browns: They signed Robert Griffin III at a bargain rate and drafted Cody Kessler in the third round. Also on the quarterback depth chart: Josh McCown, Austin, Davis, Connor Shaw and Pat Devlin.
Broncos: Peyton Manning retired and Brock Osweiler was too expensive, so they signed veteran Mark Sanchez at a reasonable rate and drafted Paxton Lynch late in the first round. Those two will work with 2015 seventh-round pick Trevor Siemian. But it’s anyone’s guess who’ll be starting in a year or two.
Eagles: On one hand, Philly gave a king’s ransom to Cleveland in order to draft Carson Wentz second overall. But on the other hand, they also threw a sick amount of money at veterans Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel. Is it possible to go all-in while also utilizing a quantity-over-quality strategy?
Quality over quantity
Rams: Like the Eagles, the Rams have sort of used a hybrid approach. They mortgaged a portion of their future in order to move up and draft Jared Goff first overall, so it’s obvious they’re gambling that he’ll be the long-term answer under center. But 2013 third-round pick Nick Foles, 2015 third-rounder Sean Mannion and veteran backup Case Keenum are also on the roster. Foles makes a lot of money, so there’s little reason to keep him around if you’re going all-in on Goff.
Texans: They went all-in completely by handing a four-year, $72 million contract to Brock Osweiler, despite the fact the former Broncos quarterback has started just seven games in four NFL seasons. Brian Hoyer is gone, and the only other quarterbacks on the roster — Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden — are not going to compete for the starting job.
It’s interesting, because the Texans for years went the other route. They refused to draft a quarterback early despite pressure from the fans and media. That still hasn’t happened, but instead they finally decided to make a huge splash in free agency.
Meanwhile, the Browns historically took big first-round shots on quarterbacks (Johnny Manziel, Brandon Weeden, Brady Quinn), but now they appear to be going in the opposite direction. Which strategy is better? Check with me in a couple years.
