NFL offseason to be defined by veteran quarterback movement

The NFL is going to see seismic shifts across many markets this season at the game’s most important position.

Most years, the quarterback turnover is predictable. Older, declining veterans are moved into retirement or backup positions, depending on level of play and stature. Then the draft provides a few young guns to replace them, and the cycle continues annually onward.

This offseason, there might be more butts than chairs in the yearly game.

Looking around the landscape, the Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers could be the most fascinating situations to watch. In Carolina, the Panthers are looking for a new head coach. Former head man Ron Rivera was the only coach quarterback Cam Newton ever knew. Newton, 31, is coming off a year filled with a shoulder surgery and a foot injury which kept him out of the season’s final 14 games.

If the Panthers release Newton, they stand to save $19.2 million in the final year of his current contract. It’s enticing for a franchise which has the No. 7 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, something of a good spot to take a franchise quarterback.

In Los Angeles, it’s almost a certainty the Chargers will move on from Philip Rivers. Rivers is set to be a free agent for the first time in his career and with diminishing skills at 38 years old, he’s no longer the commodity he one was. With the Chargers struggling to sell Private Seating Licenses in their new stadium — slated to open in 2020 — a splash could do wonders. This could mean a first-round quarterback with the sixth pick, or a huge name. Speaking of the latter…

This brings us to Tom Brady and the Patriots. Brady is 42 years old and enduring the worst season of his career since 2001. While a lacking supporting cast isn’t helping, it’s fair to wonder if Brady’s best days are behind finally behind him. It’s also fair to wonder if head coach Bill Belichick is thinking about moving on, especially should Brady seek market value for his remaining talents this offseason.

With Brady scheduled for free agency, the Patriots could do the unthinkable and allow him to test the market. Should he do so, it makes sense the Chargers would be aggressive in pitching him. Los Angeles needs a marquee name, and Brady is a California native. The Chargers also have a host of playmakers including Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler and Hunter Henry (although the last two are pending free agents).

Three quarterbacks of varying accomplishments and age might hit the market in two months. Where they land could shape the offseason and beyond.