This next offseason lacks the kind of blockbuster QB carousel lineup we knew was coming in January 2022, when Aaron Rodgers threatened to, and Russell Wilson succeeded in, forcing his way off his longtime roster to search for opportunities elsewhere. But it also features the kind of hysterical hype surrounding one blockbuster in particular—the potential whereabouts of the greatest player in NFL history—which will consume us all in an unhealthy way.
Why, on the eve of a new season, do we start talking about maneuvers that might happen following the playoffs? Just look at what happened this offseason, with the NFL penalizing the Dolphins for going after Tom Brady illegally, countless times, over the course of three years. Look at Sean McVay partying with Matt Stafford in Cabo San Lucas the year before. While one was against the rules, these kinds of massive, franchise-altering roster moves have groundwork laid well in advance. So much of what happens in early 2023 will be thanks to the agent, executive and coaching chatter happening now.
With that in mind, welcome to the first spin of the 2023 QB carousel. Below are all the names of players who could end up factoring into our conversation in the coming weeks and months, along with some guesses as to where they might end up playing 12 months from now. Expiring contracts, shaky coaching situations, rising college stars—everything is a factor.
