Which QBs on new NFL teams in 2023 are poised to make a leap? Aaron Rodgers stands out, but there are others

Editor’s Note: This is Part 5 of a five-part series that dives deep into NFL quarterbacks making sudden, massive improvement, which we’ve dubbed “QB Leap Week.” Here’s what’s been published so far:

Trading for veteran QBs was the obvious play for NFL teams in 2022, after the Buccaneers and Rams had won Super Bowls in their first seasons with Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford, respectively. 

So of course it completely backfired last year for the teams who acquired Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan, Carson Wentz, Baker Mayfield and Deshaun Watson. All five QBs ranked 28th or worse in EPA per play among 38 QBs with 200+ action plays last season.

There are a handful of QBs hoping to reverse that trend in 2023 and follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest leaps by veteran QBs in their first season with a new team. 

Drew Bledsoe shook off his infamous injury with the Patriots in 2001 to produce with the Bills in 2002. Drew Brees burst onto the scene with New Orleans in 2006. Brett Favre nearly reached the Super Bowl with Minnesota in 2009. Ryan Fitzpatrick nearly led the Jets to the playoffs in 2015. “Fitzmagic” is still the only player in Jets history with 30 touchdown passes in a season. Case Keenum led the Vikings to a 13-3 record in 2017 out of seemingly nowhere. Ryan Tannehill led the NFL in passer rating and brought the Titans to an AFC Championship Game in 2019. 

Aaron Rodgers is the obvious choice to make a leap among veteran QBs in new places this year, but the list below shows that there could be a surprise or two as well. Here’s a look at which veteran QBs have made the leap in the past, followed by a breakdown of who’s most likely to do it this season (with our predictions in parentheses).

QBs to make leap in first year with new team since 2000

2021 Matthew Stafford (Rams): Won Super Bowl (4,886 Pass yards & 41 Pass TD in regular season)2020 Tom Brady (Buccaneers): Won Super Bowl…


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Author : Douglas Clawson

Publish date : 2023-06-17 14:15:34

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