Stock Up, Stock Down: NFL QBs in the AFC
The NFL offseason has been an eventful one with blockbuster trades occurring along with free agents landing with new teams. As a result, teams across the NFL have either improved or worsened, such is the nature of the NFL offseason.
With that said, quarterbacks across the NFL find themselves in new situations. Whether that be with new teams or with new pieces around them. Each offseason gives us an idea of where each quarterbacks’ stock stands. Could they be better with new weapons or with a better team, or is their situation worse compared to last season?
Stocks of quarterbacks across the AFC have been impacted in a big way.
As well explore a variety of other NFL AFC odds here to win!
AFC East
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: Stock Up
For the most part, the Bills’ roster is nearly unchanged on offense.
Buffalo did add the former Titans guard Rodger Saffold, which makes for a solid signing. The Bills moved on from the wideout Cole Beasley, but also added minor pieces like RB Duke Johnson, WR Jamison Crowder, and TE O.J. Howard.
Josh Allen will remain one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks next season. He could be better from start to finish after his flawless play at the end of last season.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins: Stock Up
Help is on the way for Miami. After hiring the offensive guru Mike McDaniel as their Head Coach, the Dolphins are in an offensive overhaul.
Tua Tagovailoa will be put in his best situation by far next season. He will have solid running backs with the addition of Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert. The Dolphins landed Tyreek Hill in a shocking trade, and Miami added WR Cedrick Wilson. Tagovailoa also got much-needed protection with the signing of the three-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Terron Armstead.
This will be a pivotal year for Tagovailoa, who has the weapons to prove he is a long-term starter in the NFL.
Mac Jones, New England Patriots: Stock Down
As of now, the Patriots have done virtually nothing to help Mac Jones. His weapons are still mediocre, at best. New England’s offensive line got no better.
Perhaps the Patriots will target a new shiny toy for Jones in the draft, like the speedy wideout Jameson Williams from Alabama. But for now, New England has done Jones no favors this offseason.
Zach Wilson, New York Jets: Stock Up
Zach Wilson will look to make a second-year leap with the Jets. New York has done quite well in free agency. The Jets added the tight ends C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin along with the guard Laken Tomlinson.
The Jets were reportedly in the running to land Tyreek Hill on Wednesday, which would have tremendously helped Wilson. Still, Wilson should have a solid offensive line next season with decent weapons. New York will need to add another wideout, which will likely be in the draft.
Wilson will have enough around him to solidify his standing with the Jets.
AFC West
Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos: Stock Up
The Broncos acquired Russell Wilson in one of the major blockbuster trades this offseason. Wilson will have worse receivers in Denver than Seattle, but the Broncos still have a solid group.
Plus, Denver’s defense is much better in comparison to Seattle. With a new environment focused on winning now, Wilson’s career could be reinvigorated.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: Stock Down
Patrick Mahomes is still one of the premier QBs in the NFL. However, Kansas City just moved on from one of the league’s best receivers, Tyreek Hill.
For Mahomes’ high standards, he could trip a little without his reliable weapon Hill. The Chiefs will need to add another receiver through the draft with one of their first-round picks.
Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders: Stock Up
Of course, a quarterback’s stock will go up when a team acquires the best wide receiver in football, Davante Adams. Derek Carr had one of his better campaigns, guiding the Raiders to the playoffs in a 2021 season filled with drama.
Carr did this with a below-average receiver group and Darren Waller was hurt for a portion of the season. Next season, Carr should have a healthy Waller and Adams. Las Vegas looks primed for another playoff appearance and Carr should provide good QB play once again.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers: Stock Up
Even with little winning behind his belt, Justin Herbert is widely known as one of the upcoming superstars in the NFL. Going into his third season, Herbert could have a massive breakout season.
In addition, Los Angeles has gotten remarkably better as a team during the offseason. This only further helps Herbert in his development.
AFC South
Davis Mills, Houston Texans: Stock Down
Houston finally moved on from Deshaun Watson as he continues to deal with serious allegations. Going forward, Davis Mills currently looks like the starting quarterback for the Texans next season.
The Texans could look for a QB in the NFL Draft, but only time will tell. Houston’s roster still has holes all over the offense. For a young quarterback, Mills is in a tough situation with the Texans.
Matt Ryan, Indianapolis Colts: Stock Up
The Colts shipped Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders and found his replacement by acquiring Matt Ryan from the Falcons. At 36, Ryan is at the tail end of his career, but he still has plenty of promise.
Ryan is in a better situation in Indianapolis on a team competing for a playoff spot. The aging quarterback will enjoy one of the NFL’s best offensive lines with a stud running back in Jonathan Taylor along with solid receivers. Ryan should see a jump in productivity next season.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: Stock Up
The Jaguars have not been shy this offseason. They added one of the NFL’s best guards, Brandon Scherff. Plus, Jacksonville acquired new weapons with Christian Kirk and Zay Jones.
All of this fares well for Trevor Lawrence entering his second season. At times, Lawrence showed brilliant flashes. Now that the drama should be gone along with Urban Meyer, Lawrence could begin to look like a true No. 1 pick.
Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans: Stock Down
During his time in Tennessee, Tannehill has performed like a top 10 quarterback at times. Last season, Tannehill had a dropoff. At this point, the veteran quarterback could be on the decline as his prime nears its end.
The Titans have done nothing major in the offseason thus far. Julio Jones was released, but Tennessee added Robert Woods via trade. Going into next season, the pieces around Tannehill nearly look the same.
AFC North
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: Stock Up
Lamar Jackson is one of the top athletes in the entire NFL. Jackson will always be a unique and difficult challenge for opposing defenses with his legs. Baltimore was one of the most injured teams in the league last year and that meant less weapons for Jackson.
The Ravens could be finally healthy in the upcoming season. Jackson will have more weapons to throw to and a better offensive line. A much improved defense will only benefit a quarterback’s room for error as well. Jackson could be in store for another big season.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: Stock Up
There’s little to complain about when it comes to Joe Burrow. He is one of the many up-and-coming superstar quarterbacks in the NFL. After taking the Bengals to the Super Bowl last season, Burrow’s trajectory only looks up from here.
Poor offensive line play has hindered Burrow throughout his two years in the league. Cincinnati finally addressed the offensive line in a big way this offseason. After adding La’el Collins, Alex Cappa, and Ted Karras in free agency, Burrow could finally have solid protection next season.
Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns: Stock Down
Deshaun Watson’s situation is bad. At the least, Watson should be facing a lengthy suspension from the NFL with 22 active civil suits accusing him of sexual assault.
Strictly from a football perspective, Watson’s situation in Cleveland is much better than in Houston. If he manages to play, Watson should thrive with the Browns. However, his stock is still declining with major off the field issues.
Mitch Trubisky, Pittsburgh Steelers: Stock Up
For the Steelers, their quarterback situation does not look good. But for Mitch Trubisky, he is in a much better situation in Pittsburgh. He has a great shot of starting again, which could be his last chance.
With great coaching behind him and a solid cast, Trubisky has the chance to succeed. The Steelers could add a quarterback in the draft, which would make their QB situation more intriguing. For now, Trubisky looks like the starting quarterback.
The NFL offseason is not done, and that means more roster moves as the new season nears. Plus, the NFL Draft will do a ton for every roster as they address needs. It will be interesting to see how quarterback stocks change after the upcoming draft in April.
