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.
|
mike
02-22-2012
08:34 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx4.39
(total posts: 1)
 16
 93
I don't believe teams are willing to sacrifice their entire draft to move up to get RGIII. The Browns need players, not superstars who might bust (11 qb's in 12 years). Plus there is only 5 top teir players and SL or the Vikes need to stay put to get one, unless they move to 4, which might yield a 2nd round pick (and if that's the case, nobody is moving up, so save the pick). If I was the Browns (if I were, I would be picking at least 28th or 32nd in the first), stay put, pick RGII if he's there. I agree with the free agents though.
Skinsfan
02-22-2012
06:09 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx2.86
(total posts: 1)
20
59
Give John Beck another chance. He is Mormon. He is beast..
Skinsfan
02-21-2012
04:44 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.219
(total posts: 1)
29
98
Holy crap i had no idea the redskins had so much money to spare, i knew snyder was filthy rich but since they r the second most valuable team in the NFL i thought they payed their players very highly.
Anyway I see the redskins. - 45% chance of Manning - 45% chance of Griffin - 10% chance of a day 2-3 QB
matt vollmer
02-15-2012
12:43 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.244
(total posts: 2)
36
37
In fact the cards gave him a 2year 24 million dollar contract. They then offered him 20 million to not retire and comeback in 2010. This myth of the Bidwill's being cheap needs to disappear. Since the new stadium passed and brought in extra revenue with all the sellouts they've been big spenders in free agency and taking care of their own.
matt vollmer
02-15-2012
12:40 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.244
(total posts: 2)
25
229
How exactly did Arizona low ball Warner?
Ken James
02-14-2012
08:53 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.254
(total posts: 1)
58
25
Very interesting thoughts on the quarterback picture. All these moves seem to make sense. Good food for thougt.
Orange
02-12-2012
02:53 am
xxx.xxx.xxx4.52
(total posts: 1)
17
33
I doubt Garcon goes, since he's a younger guy that seemed to be Curtis Painter's first target while he started (not saying that Painter will start next year, but shows that he can thrive with a different QB). He'll be looking for a big payday, as will Mathis. I'd guess that teams won't want to take a chance on Clark (since he seems to have lost a step), but will probably sign Saturday and Wayne. In any case, I only expect teams to get at most 2 of the top three Peyton troupe.
M-Dogg
02-11-2012
07:33 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.145
(total posts: 1)
22
32
Normally i'd agree with those of you who say that Peyton wouldn't want to go to Washington but Walt made a very good point. Washington is the only team that is willing and able to bring on not only him but his entourage as well thanks to their cap room. You know Snyder will make a play for Saturday, Wayne, and Dallas Clark as well (possibly Mathis and Garcon also) and since they all have Manning to thank for the majority of their success I think we can all agree that they'll go where he does. He'll want them with him just as badly and will no doubt have the pull with his new team to get it done but what other team has the cap room and the will to spend? If Washington can manage to land Manning and least the 3 current Colts I mentioned their instantly a playoff team IMO even if Peyton is half of what he was in Indy. To make things even better they have the number 6 pick in the Draft to grab a LT to watch his blindside. If you add Saturday and Ratliff to that line it becomes manageable. If they can protect Peyton he'll have weapons to throw to, a better running game then he's had since Faulk to ride on at first untill he gets re-adjusted to the game, and an underrated defence (also with it being the 'Skins you can bet they'll land least one big name FA such as Mario Williams, Mathis, Avril, or one of the many talented FA CBs to make its defence even better). When you take everything into account the Redskins are easily the favorite in the Manning sweepstakes.
GACardFan
02-11-2012
02:37 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.250
(total posts: 2)
11
11
Don't count on it colaboy.
That's about as likely as a Namath comeback.
colaboy
02-10-2012
03:26 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.196
(total posts: 2)
257
679
manning goes J.E.T.S J.E.T.S J.E.T.S
colaboy
02-10-2012
03:25 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.196
(total posts: 2)
170
390
manning goes J.E.T.S J.E.T.S J.E.T.S
sheppie22
02-09-2012
09:18 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx30.2
(total posts: 1)
181
93
I like your take on the Phins here with Flynn! Now Hope it all falls into place! "PHINS WIN WITH FLYNN!!!
Ben Melman
02-09-2012
05:08 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx8.94
(total posts: 1)
44
56
The thing about the Browns trading up to get Griffen is not just that he will make all the offensive players better, but also that with him at QB the Browns will be a destination point for quality free agents for the next 10 years. What name free-agent WR wants to play with Colt McCoy or Senaca Wallace?
02-09-2012
10:57 am
xxx.xxx.xxx9.90
(total posts: 2)
10
14
@Edo
Also, some people improve and give their better effort in some situations. Example: if your a bodyguard, and you are protecting the President, it's probably you will give your life to keep him safe... but if you are protecting anyone else, i dont' know... Jeremy Piven, may be you will not give you best all the time... If the pressure it's huge, ok, kick his ass... He's an idiot anyway. Psychologically, I think tha Redskins OL would work better and harder for Manning than for that crazy bomber well known like Grossman.
Diego from Argentine
02-09-2012
10:39 am
xxx.xxx.xxx9.90
(total posts: 2)
19
10
@Edo
Indy Offensive Line it's not so good either; Peyton Manning makes it look better with his excellent skills, quickness to release the ball, and his unique ability to find that extra second makink Defenses guessing. I think that Redskins OL will not be an issue in case than Manning land there ans he's healthy. (Like allways, I apologise for my english) |
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 23
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
© 1999-2013 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
2 5 9
Leave a comment