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2012 Offseason Quarterback Predictions

2012 Offseason Quarterback Predictions

Updated March 7, 2012
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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.

Edo 02-09-2012 06:54 am xxx.xxx.xxx6.46 (total posts: 1)

Peyton would never go to the Redskins. The Redskins have a good defense; however, their offensive line is bad (average at their best.) In top of that, they are a west coast offense where their QB had to have legs to move out of the pocket. Plus, I bet Peyton would go to a team that have many pieces available (OL and Defense.)

GACardFan 02-09-2012 01:35 am xxx.xxx.xxx.250 (total posts: 2)

I know it's long but I think it's well informed and insightful. Enjoy.

Think the Manning's have the type of close family ties that Peyton would not enjoy the prospect of facing his brother twice a year. I do not believe that the Cardinal's will land Peyton but might, as things stand right now, be the best place for him if not the most likely. Arizona is tooled to win now provided they enjoy stability at QB, Beanie had begun to make strides toward consistency even when injured, R. Williams has tremendous upside and of course there is Larry Fitzgerald. The defense has shown that they can be great and should only get better going into next year. The Cardinals will have significant cap room as Levi Brown's contract will not stand, he will be release or restructured. The Cardinals offensive line is a major area that needs improvement but Manning a nack for making an O.K. line look good. The Cardinals also signed Frank Reich, formerly of the Colts, to be their new recievers coach. Peyton has always worked closely with both his QB's and WR's coaching staff and having a familiar face in the building will be a plus. Reich showed good work developing Garcon and Collie and has an understanding as to what Peyton will expect from his recievers. Not saying that Peyton will end up in Arizona but it does seem a very strong fit for him. Peyton will be able to choose his destination and does not seem the type who will consider the money the deciding factor in choosing a destination, especially after indicating he is not going to require a lot of guaranteed money. If an incentive deal could be reached Bidwill would likely be willing to consider a larger potential contract. Anyway that's my thoughts.

KC is limited? 02-08-2012 08:54 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.243 (total posts: 2)

Why is KC limited? Cassel has $0 left in bonuses that could against the cap if cut (it was all paid out in the first 3 seasons). Heck, he is getting just over $5M this season, so he is an affordable (albeit expensive) back-up.

Compare that to the Cardinals who have almost everything to still pay Kolb, and they are the 2nd team? Re-think this, and re-post. Heck, do it just to create more new content.

walterfootballrules 02-08-2012 06:08 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.118 (total posts: 1)

you guys are right on the MONEY

Mr Mabus 02-07-2012 10:52 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.117 (total posts: 1)

Jaguars should really consider picking up Case Keenum in the draft. They wouldn't even need to use a high draft pick.

Stick man 02-07-2012 10:49 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.255 (total posts: 1)

I wish you would elaborate on why kansas city is limited at the QB position. And why does pioli HAVE to give cassel another year? I agree that KC could be in the manning sweepstakes. TONS of cap room, talented receivers in bowe, breaston, and baldwin. A dallas clark type TE in tony moeaki. And a young defense led by romeo. I think Manning to KC is atleast worth mentioning/investigating. Give me one good reason why it's not. My $.02

big mull 02-07-2012 03:44 am xxx.xxx.xxx.135 (total posts: 1)

Imagine the manning bros. playing two times a year, that'll put the who better to rest.

I also think that the browns will stay put and hope griffen falls to 4th if the skins get manning and dolphs get flynn and i dont think pete carroll wants to use his whole draft on one guy. its a possibility.

eldopa 02-06-2012 11:02 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.0.6 (total posts: 1)

It is more likely that Cleveland will trade its 4th overall pick to get a number of mediocre picks. It will never be so bold to move up and get a potentially great franchise quarterback. It's scared about getting superstars who will later leave them. Your organization really has to work hard to achieve its level and duration of abject failure.

snopanther 02-05-2012 12:39 am xxx.xxx.xxx0.91 (total posts: 1)

You might be very mistaken about Manning going to Redskins..You forgot the richest owner is in SEATTLE,,ouch !

PCinOz 02-04-2012 12:09 am xxx.xxx.xxx1.29 (total posts: 1)

If you add the vets allowance ($1.5m) and the carryover from 2011 cap ($10.0m) to the $33m they are under purely on the 2013 number, the Skins are around $47m under. Plus can guarantee Trent Williams $11m salary and clear another $6m in cap space.

Jack 02-03-2012 09:23 pm xxx.xxx.xxx3.37 (total posts: 1)

131

Chiefs make the most sense for Peyton Manning in my opinion.

JohhnyDetroit 02-03-2012 08:39 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.190 (total posts: 2)

Gotta love Medicare!?

Medicare 02-03-2012 07:47 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.216 (total posts: 2)

@ Roy

You're missing the point. If Weeden were some king of freakish athletic talent like a Bradford or Stafford then there's be more reason for him to be drafted highly in spite of his glaring issues.

But he isn't an athletic talent, he's average to below average across the board. So in addition to being meh? athletically he'll also be 29 to start the season and with the loopy system he played in at Oklahoma State it'll take him even longer to become a decent QB, if he ever becomes one that is.

So he's an average prospect who's almost 30 who will likely take longer to adjust to the NFL than most QBs comming out of college. Seems like a great 2nd round investment to me.

sedeyus 02-03-2012 07:25 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.131 (total posts: 1)

I don't if I buy that money is gonna be Peyton Manning's first goal when he signs with a team. He could still end up on the Redskins because of Shanahan, but the Redskins are still rebuilding.

??? 02-03-2012 06:41 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.124 (total posts: 2)

The rules to a successful football team are: 1)Have a franchise QB. 2)Protect your franchise QB. 3)Get to the other team's QB. So, quarterback, blindside tackle, elite pass-rusher. In that order. Until the Browns wise up and pull the trigger on a possible franchise QB they will never be more that an also ran. This isn't the 1930's anymore you know.

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