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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Rich
03-05-2012
10:09 am
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I was listening to the Sports Reporters on AM 980 the other day (DC Sports Talk Radio). They called the Redskins signing Peyton Manning a "bondo patch over chicken wire held together with duct tape." So, no, they don't think the Redskins will head in that direction.
RJ
03-04-2012
12:16 pm
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I don't see why people think that Payton wouldn't want to play Eli twice a year. Dude is a competitor and nothing is as fun as squaring off against your siblings.
@Jon
03-03-2012
03:51 pm
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That's hilarious.
Jon
03-03-2012
09:43 am
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Redskins won't get Peyton Manning instead will get Drew Brees along with Marcus Colston because the Saints won't pay them and he fits our offense better. That is if we don't trade up for RGIII first. Peyton goes to his home town Saints with Reggie Wayne in tow. If the Skins actually do get Peyton then expect him to be Coach in 2 or 3 years.
Tuck
03-01-2012
04:01 pm
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I think you may be over estimating how much Manning is concerned about a paycheck, he has plenty of opportunities to make money and will still get a good sized contract in AZ, he is also a pro and understands its a business so while i'm sure he would love to have some old teammates tag along its not going to make or break the deal. Finally going to AZ may be appealing just for the conference he'd be playing in, while the media would love it I doubt Peyton wants to play Eli twice a year til he retires, plus playing against Dallas and Philie, in AZ the only real team he would have to play in conference is San Fran. Im NOT an AZ fan, far from it, but I think he would thrive in AZ and really enjoy passing to Fitzgerald.
cirenamtrah
03-01-2012
12:01 am
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if clev can keep 22nd pic pull the trigger on rg3 leverage is a great thing stl wants kalil or blackmon if they dont trade pic w clev min takes kalil clev takes blackmon stl misses on all top teir pics gotta love leverage
jaredstotle
02-29-2012
12:36 pm
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yeah... im a diehard skins fan but i dont see us getting manning... we'e just too far away from contending and brother eli (who just won SB #2...) is in our division
according to walt that means redskins get kevin kolb??? yeah... right.
saints2012
02-27-2012
01:28 pm
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peyton won't go to the redskins because eli manning plays for the giants. nfc east rivals? won't happen.
REDANDGOLD
02-25-2012
04:35 pm
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WHY NOT SAN FRAN FOR A DESTINATION FOR MANNING. THEY ARE A SB CONTENDER NOW. THE BEST D IN THE NFL. A NEW STADIUM BEING BUILT. THEY COULD BE THE FIRST NFL TEAM TO WIN 3 SB RINGS IN A ROW. WHY NOT
andrew
02-24-2012
10:12 pm
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i don't know if i'd want a guy named WEEDen anywhere near Santonio Holmes
Levi
02-24-2012
04:19 pm
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What about qbs like donavan mcnabb, David garrad and Kyle orton. What do you think will happen to them
jt
02-23-2012
06:51 pm
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Manning will NOT play for the SKINS !!!
He doesnt want to play his brother twice a year. I doubt he will be in the NFC. He would rather play Eli in the Super Bowl not in the NFC championship game
ike dog
02-23-2012
02:57 pm
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mike vick should get trade to the colts for andrew luck
isiaha beckwith
02-23-2012
02:55 pm
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you should draft trent ridcharson to the eagles.and trade julio jones to the colts
Mike
02-23-2012
02:51 am
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Chicago represents another interesting QB situation. Chicago needs a quality backup for Jay Cutler. This is a team which still has Super Bowl potential if all of the parts fall into place. What will the Bears do? Knowing the history of Chicago sports management (in all sports), the likely answer is something cheap that they hope will fool the fans and the media into thinking they did something. If the Bears had developed an adequate backup to Jim McMahon back in the 1980s, they might have won three Super Bowls.
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