Editor’s Note: This is the final edition of a five-part series that dives deep into NFL quarterbacks making sudden, massive improvement, which we’ve dubbed “Quarterback Leap Week.” Here’s what’s been published so far:
Trading for veteran quarterbacks 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 in 2023 for the teams who acquired Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan, Carson Wentz, Baker Mayfield and Deshaun Watson. All five quarterbacks ranked 28th or worse in EPA per play among 38 quarterbacks with 200+ action plays last season.
Mayfield got redemption in 2023, posting career-highs in passing yards (4,044) and touchdowns (28) in his first season with the Buccaneers. The impressive comeback season earned him a new contract (three years worth up to $100 million) and should give hope to veterans in new places in 2024.
This group will also seek to follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest leaps by veteran quarterbacks 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.
Quarterbacks to make leap in first year with new team since 2000
2023 Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers): career-high 4,044 pass yards and 28 Pass TD (won playoff game)2021 Matthew Stafford (Rams): Won Super Bowl (4,886 Pass yards…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/quarterbacks-on-new-nfl-teams-in-2024-looking-to-make-leap-kirk-cousins-gardner-minshew-unlikely-to-shine/
Author : Douglas Clawson
Publish date : 2024-06-28 12:29:11
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