NFL Trade Rumors: 3 superstar NFL QBs linked with a move in summer 2023
It is that time of the year. No, not the Super Bowl weekend, but when trade rumors abound in the NFL. With two teams playing in the final game to determine who will be champions this season, 30 teams are left licking their wounds and pondering where to improve.
Naturally, the position that gets the most scrutiny is the quarterback. In a league that's more inclined to pass than ever, it's no surprise that we spend every season debating where a quarterback might find the best fit. Unlike other seasons, though, there's a difference.
Tom Brady, who has been a constant for more than two decades, has retired. In his words, this time 'for good'. That means we are spared the rigmarole of where the greatest quarterback of all time might end up at. Instead, we get to focus on other mere mortals who play in the same position who might end up elsewhere.
We know of some quarterbacks who will be changing teams, for sure. Jimmy Garoppolo will finally be moving on from the San Francisco 49ers. Coach Kyle Shanahan has already confirmed that he sees no scenario in which the veteran returns to the team. With Brady having retired, the Las Vegas Raiders might be a great fit for Garoppolo to get back into the Patriots system, with former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on the lookout for a new quarterback.
So, where does that leave the incumbent quarterback at the Raiders? There may be other players who are looking that way as well. Read more to find out more about the quarterbacks who may be on the move this offseason.
QBs that are currently churning the NFL Trade Rumor mill
#1 Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
After a dalliance over the last three years that would not have been out of place in a soap opera, Aaron Rodgers seems set to move on from the Green Bay Packers.
Ever since they drafted Jordan Love, instead of giving him the tools needed to win another championship, Rodgers has been stewing. He had two back-to-back MVP seasons before tailing off this year. However, he has failed to lead the team to another Super Bowl, and the team looks ready to move on from Rodgers.
There is a small matter about his bulky contract that any team would have to take on, but we can ignore that factor for the moment as he has expressed a willingness to restructure it, if needed.
Alluding to what we mentioned before, Rodgers has expressed a preference for moving to the Las Vegas Raiders to reunite with former receiver Davante Adams, if possible. He's reportedly putting that over a reunion with former offensive coach Nathaniel Hackett, who is now with the New York Jets.
HERE WE GO: #Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has real interest in being traded to the Las Vegas #Raiders, per source.
The feeling is mutual from both parties and now Las Vegas has to offer Green Bay a fair trade to part ways with their future Hall of Fame quarterback.
If the Packers allow, Rodgers may choose another NFC team as well, as the competition in the AFC is fierce. At his age, with his championship window closing in, Rodgers might prefer to go somewhere else. He has thrown open the possibility of retiring as well. By the looks of it, this saga still has quite some distance to run, though.
#2 Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders
Derek Carr seems to be on the way out of Las Vegas as well. After a patchy season, he was benched for the last two regular-season games with Jarrett Stidham coming in. His backup played noticeably better, which may have sealed his fate.
Nevertheless, he;s still a great quarterback with loads of NFL experience, and there are many quarterback needy teams out there. A look at the NFC South paints a good illustration of this reality. Not a single team, including the Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers, finished with a record above 0.500 in the regular season last year.
For what it’s worth: The Saints and QB Derek Carr have not agreed to contract terms and, obviously, Carr has not agreed to waive his no-trade clause. Carr gets to New Orleans tomorrow, will leave Thursday.
We’ll see where it goes.
Carr seems to be casting his eyes that way too. He's reportedly trying out with the New Orleans Saints. The New Orleans Saints have fallen a lot since the heady days of Drew Brees and would want a serviceable quarterback just to re-establish themselves. Carr might be what the doctor ordered.
#3 Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
If we look at quarterbacks falling out of their teams, we should definitely cast an eye towards Baltimore.
The Ravens thought they had their franchise quarterback, and Lamar Jackson thought he had his team. However, contract negotiations stalled last year, and it seems they're far apart in valuation this year too.
The #Ravens and QB Lamar Jackson "could possibly be" $100 million apart in contract talks over how much guaranteed money should be in his contract, according to @JFowlerESPN
"Those trade calls are coming." Fowler adds. https://t.co/NctB8e56BA
Memorably, there were accusations that the quarterback refused to put his body on the line in the playoffs against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. But who could blame him when he might be looking for a better offer from elsewhere?
An elite dual-threat quarterback will find many suitors. The aforementioned Jets and pretty much any team in the NFC South would be willing to look at him. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might opt for him, given their weakness this season was rushing and the offensive line, which is something Lamar Jackson could fix in an instant.
With just two years removed from winning a Super Bowl and now missing Tom Brady, this may be the best solution for all parties.