2021 NFL season: 5 quarterbacks already on hot seat
The 2021 NFL season begins in a month with 32 clubs beginning training camp, and these five quarterbacks are squarely on the hot seat.
5. Sam Darnold, Carolina Panthers
Darnold isn’t going to be benched anytime soon by the Panthers, who acquired him from the New York Jets this spring. However, the team has to make a decision on whether ornate to pick up Darnold’s fifth-year option, and if his play isn’t up to standard, the choice becomes clear. For the former No. 3 overall pick, he faces the most important year of his young career on a new roster. It’s a huge opportunity, but an equally large challenge.
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4. Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints
Winston sat last year and presumably learned from head coach Sean Payton and Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. Now, he gets a chance to revive his career in the Bayou, as Brees retired after almost 20 years in pro football. After throwing for more than 5,000 yards but also 30 interceptions in 2019 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the former No. 1 overall pick has new life. But if Winston doesn’t play well, the Saints could decide to give backup quarterback Taysom Hill a look.
3. Andy Dalton, Chicago Bears
Everyone knows the situation in Chicago by now. The Bears signed veteran Andy Dalton to a one-year deal in the offseason, inserting him as the starter with Mitchell Trubisky leaving for the Buffalo Bills. However, Chicago general manager Ryan Pace moved up nine spots in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, selecting Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. If Dalton doesn’t have a good camp, or simply fails to win in the first few weeks of the regular season, Fields will likely be inserted.
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2. Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are clearly ready to move on. After drafting Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick — and moving a bevy of other selections to do so — San Francisco sees Lance as the future while Garoppolo represents the present. However, if the veteran suffers another injury or the offense beings the campaign slowly, there’s a great chance the former North Dakota State star sees the field early and once he does, Garoppolo is all but officially out the door.
1. Drew Lock, Denver Broncos
This is easily the top choice, considering Lock might not be the starter come the end of July. The Broncos traded for former Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, and the veteran has clearly had more success than the younger Luck to this point in their respective careers. Lock might have more ups because of his arm and age, but Denver, looking to win in head coach Vic Fangio’s third year, could go with the more proven and less turnover-prone player.
