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Most years, there are several NFL teams that stand out as obvious candidates to take a quarterback early in the draft. This year is no exception, and in fact might be even more predictable, with the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots widely projected to kick off the 2024 draft with three consecutive picks under center.
Every year, however, there’s also the possibility of a “mystery team” emerging from the shadows to join the quarterback mix. Sometimes this team will make a surprise leap to the first half of the first round. Sometimes it’ll trade back into Round 1 for a chance at securing a rookie’s fifth-year contract option. And sometimes these surprise moves end up being the wisest, considering they often involve clubs looking to make a long-term investment for an already-established lineup.
Besides the Bears, Commanders and Patriots, most expect the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants to at least explore an early quarterback pursuit. So which other teams could be dark-horse contenders for a first- or second-round quarterback selection later this month?
Top picks: Nos. 14, 45 overall
Incumbent starter Derek Carr is only a year removed from signing a $150 million deal, but he’s 33, coming off an uneven Saints debut and is easily expendable following 2024; New Orleans could save up to $30 million by designating him a post-June 1 release in 2025, per Over the Cap. The Saints are notorious for refusing to rebuild, but they also lack a surefire No. 2 behind Carr after Jameis Winston’s exit in free agency.
Top picks: Nos. 16, 81 overall
General manager John Schneider sniffed around top quarterback prospects in 2023, even after re-signing Geno Smith to a $75 million deal. Smith, meanwhile, is approaching his age-34 season after a regression from his 2022 breakout, and can be released to save $25 million after the year. One holdup: Seattle’s…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-draft-five-mystery-teams-that-could-surprise-with-a-first-or-second-round-qb-pick/
Author : Cody Benjamin
Publish date : 2024-04-08 14:55:42
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