Derek Carr has signed a long-term contract with the New Orleans Saints and thus, the first domino has fallen in the quarterback market. The butterfly effect is already apparent, as later today, Geno Smith resigned long-term with the Seattle Seahawks. The Ravens are rumored to be close to franchise-tagging former MVP Lamar Jackson. And yet, with so many answers to teams’ QB problems, other teams are left more questions than answers. The New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and Carolina Panthers are at the forefront of these questions, as rumors surround these teams.

The Veteran Options

As with all QB-needy teams, these three teams have three options. The first option is to sign or trade for a veteran, and the second is to draft a rookie. There are two realistic options on the market right now regarding veterans with promise. Jimmy Garoppolo needs a new home after finally parting ways with the San Francisco 49ers. Garoppolo is coming off of a broken foot he suffered in December 2022. But before that, Garoppolo put up some rather impressive numbers for the Niners. In 11 games, he put up 2,437 passing yards and 16 touchdowns with only 4 interceptions, leading San Francisco to an 8-3 record.

One team that many are linking Garoppolo to is the Las Vegas Raiders because of his connection to coach Josh McDaniels. Garoppolo played under McDaniels when they were both on the New England Patriots. When Garoppolo was traded to the 49ers, McDaniels made it clear that he was going to miss his, at the time, backup QB.

“We understand the business side of it, but the human element is that you had a guy in your room that you really enjoyed being around, you coached, that spent a lot of time learning and grasping what you were doing, and you saw him grow and get better and mature and improve over time, and now he’s not here. I wish him nothing but the best,” said McDaniels. “I really, really think a lot of this guy. He’s got a bright future, he’s a great person and I hope he does well for himself out there.”

Aaron Rodgers is the other veteran option, the jackpot of the remaining options in many people’s eyes. The long-time veteran of the Green Bay Packers is uncertain of his future. For the past few months, Rodgers has contemplated returning to the Packers, retiring, and progressing his career on another team. The Jets, Raiders, and Panthers are all linked to the quarterback for various reasons. The Jets have given the impression that they think they’re a QB away, and many have reported Rodgers is their preferred choice.

The Raiders are linked due to star wide receiver Davante Adams‘ strong relationship and Adams admitted to recruiting his longtime friend. Even the Panthers have been doing their due diligence for the hottest commodity in football right now.

The Rookie Options

The Jets, Raiders, and Panthers have high enough firsts to make moves for rookie QBs in the draft. The Bears, who hold the number one pick, are working towards moving back in the draft in favor of collecting more picks. Whoever moves up to their spot is likely to draft either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud, the crown jewels of the draft. If they chose to sit back or trade up with another team in the top ten, they’d more than likely target one of Will Levis or Anthony Richardson. Those two are incredible athletes but with questions of consistency at the QB position, making them second-tier options.

But these three teams will probably not be alone in pursuing their next quarterbacks. They are the most talked about, but they are not alone. And nobody wants to be the left holding the bag.

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