2023’s QB carousel could be league’s wildest dance yet with Tom Brady, Derek Carr (and Aaron Rodgers?) likely to be on the move
With the 2023 season wrapping up for Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, as well as Derek Carr, many are starting to turn their attention to what comes after the season. Of course, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are still alive in the playoff race and could extend their seasons.
However, unless they reach the Super Bowl in February, getting into the playoffs only delays the end anywhere from one to three weeks. In other words, the future is much closer than it feels. Meanwhile, Derek Carr's season is over after being benched for Jarrett Stidham. He will be away from the team. Therefore, his time in 2022 is at an end.
Where will Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Derek Carr end up?
Over the last several years, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers have both stood on the edge of the retirement cliff. The Buccaneers quarterback took a dive before returning to the team six weeks later. That was almost one year ago. Now, with the 2022 season wrapping up, the quarterback is in a similar situation.
Where will the Buccaneers be if Tom Brady leaves?
One could argue he's even closer to the edge this year than last year. At this time last year, he was a year younger and didn't have any future prospects lined up. He would be entering next season at age 46, if he chooses to stick around. He also has a ten-year contract with FOX staring him in the face the second he decides to walk away.
Tom Brady presents an ability to still be clutch in critical moments, as well as decades of playoff experience to draw upon.
Tom Brady on if he has any regrets about ending his retirement after 40 days this off-season. “Zero. No. Definitely not.” https://t.co/Zw57r4EQ6y
Aaron Rodgers has teetered on the edge of retirement or going to a new team in recent years as well. However, he ultimately chose to remain in Green Bay, signing a deal that links him with the team through the 2026 season.
That said, after the worst statistical season he's had perhaps since 2017 and Jordan Love looking more comfortable this year than in previous seasons, the team has a decision to make. Will Aaron Rodgers be wearing a new jersey via trade or could he decide that he's had enough of throwing the football altogether?
Meanwhile, Derek Carr is still aborbing the fact that, after nine seasons and four head coaches, he is likely on his way out of the Raiders. Based on the way his contract is structured, the team could save almost $30 million next year if they simply cut ties with him, according to Spotrac.
Of course, they'll likely try to trade him first. That said, no matter what the method is, the quarterback is on a path that will put him with a new franchise next season. Fans have started to speculate about potential landing spots. Could the New York Jets, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, or New Orleans Saints have interest?
Derek Carr must now complete his obligatory washed QB 1-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts.
Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr, and Tom Brady are all on the bubble, but one under the radar (for lack of a better phrase) name that could be on the move is Russell Wilson. In the past, many teams have backed their quarterback publicly and changed direction in the offseason.
After what could easily be a four-win season this year behind a nearly 1:1 touchdown to interception ratio, one would suppose that, if the right variables aligned, the team would be willing to take another gamble at quarterback.
Of course, whether he stays in Denver or not, 2023 will likely be his last chance at saving the remaining part of his career. That said, fans believe there is enough belief in him out there. Should the team decide to make a salary dump trade to the right situation, the quarterback could lead a surprise vintage performance on a new roster.