This is not giving it a final shape to need the quarterback, in the NFL draft, several teams already know where their priorities must lie this coming April.
The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants are in dire need of using a high draft pick to secure a quarterback. The Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers likely should as well, unless there are unexpected improvements from Will Levis or Bryce Young. The Cleveland Browns also need to consider change, though it is uncertain if ownership would back using a valuable draft pick on someone who could challenge Deshaun Watson, whose fully guaranteed contract extends through 2026. The Pittsburgh Steelers might also face a decision, depending on their evaluation of Justin Fields or Russell Wilson at the end of the season.
Elsewhere, the Miami Dolphins need a more reliable backup quarterback plan, while teams like the New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and New Orleans Saints should start thinking about their future at the position. Fortunately, those teams can afford to be selective rather than rushing into a decision. However, turning a mid-round pick into a franchise quarterback is a rare feat.
At this point in the season, teams must make honest evaluations of their current quarterbacks, but identifying a need does not always mean filling it will be easy. For example, the Giants tried to trade up in last year’s draft for a quarterback but decided against settling for someone they were not sold on, creating more pressure to make the right choice this year.
League scouts are still assessing top quarterback prospects like Texas’ Quinn Ewers and Georgia’s Carson Beck, and it would not be shocking if we see a repeat of 2022 when no quarterbacks were taken in the top 10.
Adding to the difficulty, there are not any proven veteran quarterbacks set to hit free agency. The top options could be Sam Darnold and Justin Fields, alongside veteran stopgaps like Russell Wilson and Joe Flacco.
Looking ahead, the 2026 draft class may generate more excitement, with Arch Manning potentially declaring for the NFL. Any team that fails to solve its quarterback issue next year could find itself competing for that coveted No. 1 pick in the future.