5 NFL Quarterbacks Most Likely To Have A New Home In 2015
As we all know, in the NFL having a franchise quarterback is crucial to long-term success. Throughout history, the best organizations also happen to have the best quarterbacks. Joe Montana in San Francisco, Troy Aikman in Dallas, Tom Brady in New England, and Peyton Manning in Indianapolis are just a few examples. While several teams have shown flashes and won Super Bowls with marginal quarterback play, most of those teams were unable to sustain success without stability, and more importantly, consistency at quarterback.
With the rules being as slanted towards offenses as ever, it's more important than any time in the league's history to have a franchise quarterback. Teams with them do anything they can do keep them with $100 million contracts, while organizations without them leave no stone unturned in their quest to find the next Brady or Brees.
Here are five quarterbacks who may be on the move in 2015 if their performance doesn't improve soon.
Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins
After a brilliant performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in week three, many pundits and fans declared Kirk Cousins the best quarterback for the Washington Redskins. The third-year backup from Michigan State has seen quite a bit of action in his career, as Robert Griffin III has suffered several injuries in his young career. In his last two games, Cousins has shown just how difficult playing quarterback in the NFL is, with an abysmal showing against the Giants where he threw four interceptions. Despite the inconsistency, Cousins still has a following in Washington, and that's precisely why the Redskins will want to shop him around in the offseason. As long as Cousins is on the roster, RGIII will constantly have to look over his shoulder at a guy who many think should replace the often-injured quarterback.
Brian Hoyer, Cleveland Browns
Another former Michigan State Spartan makes the list, under similar circumstances as Cousins. Brian Hoyer has done everything asked of him in Cleveland and then some, taking care of the football and giving the Browns a chance to win all of their games this year. With a 6:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, Hoyer's ball security allows the Browns' defense the chance to not constantly defend a short field just to stay in the game. Unfortunately for the 28-year-old, the Browns traded back into the first round to draft the polarizing Johnny Manziel. As the Browns entered the season with low expectations in a tough AFC North, a lot of experts predicted Johnny Football to be under center for Cleveland following their bye week in week 4. Hoyer's play has quited his critics, but as seen in the past, management and ownership in Cleveland isn't privy to making rational decisions. Hoyer will be a free agent following this season and no longer in Cleveland, but it won't be for his on-field performance being poor.
Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
Ryan Tannehill is one of those quarterbacks that everyone keeps waiting for the "A ha!" moment, but the former Texas A&M project just hasn't had that happen. With a myriad of problems surrounding the Miami organization, including a questionable future for Joe Philbin, Tannehll's days in Miami might be numbered. Tannehill's numbers are still mediocre, with just 60.0% completions and an 81.2 passer rating. The Dolphins play in a bad division, and the Tannehill/Philbin combination can't seem to take the next step. Time will tell if the Dolphins get it together this season, but if Philbin loses his job in Miami, there's no guarantee a new coach will want someone else's quarterback.
Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles
Nick Foles was phenomenal in 2013, and even now I don't know that I feel like Foles' play will stay down as it has this year. Last season, Foles had an astonishing 27:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. This year, he's already thrown five interceptions to eight touchdowns. Chip Kelly's decision to move Desean Jackson certainly hasn't helped the Eagles as they haven't found another deep threat to stretch defenses. The numbers don't lie either, as Foles has averaged just 6.80 yards per completion this year, a far cry from last season's 9.12. The Eagles' quarterback is just 5-of-34 on passes thrown 20+ yards this season. Foles still has another year on his contract, and if the Eagles can't fix the woes around Foles, starting at the offensive line, the former Arizona Wildcat could be looking for a new home in 2015.
Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams
The number-one pick in the 2010 draft has suffered his fair share of injuries in his career. Bradford missed over half of last season after tearing his ACL in week seven. Bradford was in the last class of the gigantic rookie contracts, so St. Louis has been in a tough position with the highly paid quarterback. The Rams owe Bradford $12.9 million next season, plus another $3 million signing bonus, so it's unlikely they will be willing to keep the injury-prone quarterback. Only three teams in the 2010 draft didn't select a future Pro Bowler. Those franchises were the Rams, Oakland Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. It's not a coincidence that all three don't have a franchise quarterback, struggle annually, and are always in the mix for the seemingly annual "Which franchise will move to Los Angeles?" discussion. Bradford has the talent, but will a team be willing to take a chance on signing him to save their franchise?
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