The NFL has seen its fair share of quarterback turmoil this season, with multiple teams grappling with instability at the position and the frequent turnover of head coaches. Among them, the Denver Broncos have managed to turn their franchise around significantly, bewildering critics and fans alike by securing their playoff berth with a 10-7 record, marking their resurgence back to competitive football.
According to recent reports, the Broncos have finally stepped off the carousel of head coach and quarterback changes, which had plagued the franchise for years. Facing turmoil after the tenures of Gary Kubiak, Vance Joseph, Vic Fangio, and Nathaniel Hackett, the Broncos decided to invest strategically by bringing on Super Bowl-winning coach Sean Payton after the 2022 NFL season. Some questioned Payton's capability following the team's shaky 1-5 start, but his expertise and leadership led the team to finish strong and make playoff history. Sources close to the Broncos celebrated this newfound direction, stating, “The Denver Broncos are finally done with the dysfunction.”
With Payton at the helm, the Broncos also addressed their long-standing quarterback predicament by selecting their franchise QB through the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. For the first time since who knows when, the team is free from doubts surrounding both their head coach and quarterback. “It’s a new and joyous day in Broncos Country,” said one insider, reflecting the relief and optimism within the organization.
Meanwhile, the quarterback situation league-wide is shaping up interestingly as teams prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Reports indicate this draft class is substantially thinner at the quarterback position; analysts suggest only one quarterback will likely go in the first round. This scarcity shifts the focus to free agency, where teams could benefit from several available veteran quarterbacks.
A consensus from writers at SB Nation points to Sam Darnold as the top free-agent quarterback option following his impressive performance with the Minnesota Vikings. Despite the Vikings’ drafting of quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was unfortunately sidelined by injury throughout the season, Darnold has earned himself considerable attention. “Sam Darnold... was our unanimous top pick,” one analyst noted, highlighting the value teams place on securing him.
Alongside Darnold, other notable quarterbacks like Russell Wilson of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who led his team to the playoffs after previous struggles with the Broncos, are also catching attention. Analysts predict he could command significant salary figures ranging from $40 million to $50 million per season as he seeks to capitalize on his experienced tenure.
Conversely, the Cleveland Browns continue to suffer from their quarterback issues, having cycled through 40 different starting quarterbacks since the team's return to the NFL in 1999. This staggering number dwarfs the Bears, who sit at just 30 starting quarterbacks during the same time frame. A recent commentary pointed out, “A depressingly remarkable feat... 40th quarterback to start,” signifying the level of turmoil the Browns franchise has faced.
Fans and commentators alike have been quick to ridicule the Browns’ situation but also raised awareness about the human element behind the numbers. By recognizing the efforts of those who have led the franchise, one writer reflected, “Thank you for your service gentlemen,” celebrating the individual stories and experiences of each quarterback who donned the Browns' jersey.
Looking forward, the emphasis on quarterback stability and effective coaching has never been more prevalent. Teams like the Broncos showcase the ease of turnaround capabilities with the right leadership and personnel. While franchises like the Browns tell cautionary tales of how far out of touch they can get, there are renewed hopes surrounding incoming quarterbacks and the potential for revitalized coaching scenarios. The stakes remain as teams approach the offseason, with the question of who to trust under center looming large as the chase for glory continues.