With the 2024 NFL Draft in view, almost every quarterback situation is set. At least until summer. More than a half-dozen NFL teams are poised to hold open competitions at the position in the coming months, and all but a few register as legitimate battles. That means nearly 20% of this year’s Week 1 starters could be up for grabs, raising the stakes for the league’s training camps.
Here is a first look at all the competitions, as well as our first predictions on the possible starters:
Bo Nix vs. Jarrett Stidham vs. Zach Wilson
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The Broncos have only touted Nix’s experience since spending 12th overall on the Oregon product; If you listen to coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton, you would believe that the 24-year-old rookie is, in fact, the most NFL-ready signal-caller in his class. That is to say, this seems to be Nix’s job to lose. Wilson also has first-round pedigree with keen athleticism, but he fits more of a boom-or-bust Plan B project. Payton surely wants control and consistency within the system, and that’s what Nix is designed to provide.
Beginner planned for week 1: Bo Nix
Aidan O’Connell vs. Gardner Minshew
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The Raiders, the only team in need of a quarterback that did not address the position in the draft, have promised to give O’Connell a chance to keep the job after the 2023 fourth-rounder goes reasonably well behaved in the midst of an in-season regime change as a rookie. . But other factors indicate that Minshew ultimately gained an advantage: He has more experience and mobility, Journeyman Moxie noted, and he got startup money to leave the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. With veterans like Davante Adams, winning as soon as possible might be the priority.
Beginner planned for week 1: Gardner Minshew
JJ McCarthy vs. Sam Darnold
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The Vikings quickly signed former New York Jets prospect Darnold after seven-year starter Kirk Cousins left in free agency. But McCarthy is the future, bringing poise and playmaking prowess heralded as the No. 10 overall pick. Could he fit right in with Kevin O’Connell’s loaded offense? Of course. At 21, though, he has a long runway, while Darnold — who still has a splashy arm — has starting experience. There’s a good chance McCarthy takes over at some point in 2024, but Minnesota could opt to give Justin Jefferson and Co. a “safer” start.
Beginner planned for week 1: Sam Darnold
Drake Maye vs. Jacoby Brissett
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Many analysts have suggested that Maye, the No. 3 overall pick, could take the time to observe, learn and refine the fundamentals of the pocket before taking over the Patriots’ offense. But new coach Jerod Mayo has already hinted at a change in philosophy from the Bill Belichick era by touting the Patriots’ belief in carrying Maye so high, admitting that “our legacy will be defined by” the young gunslinger. Brissett is seasoned and serviceable with the experience of new coordinator Alex Van Pelt, but Maye’s natural tools might prove too enticing to pass up, increasing their potential.
Beginner planned for week 1: Drake Maye
Daniel Jones vs. Drew Lock
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All indications are that the Giants won’t announce this as a true contest, perhaps in large part because Jones has three years remaining on a $160 million extension. But they reportedly sought an in-draft trade for Drake Maye, meaning their commitment to Jones isn’t as firm as the money suggests. Rumor has it that Lock would still have a chance to shake up the QB1 duties anyway. The latter has a bolder approach, but if Jones is healthy, his experience with the system should earn him one last chance at the job.
Beginner planned for week 1: Daniel Jones
Justin Fields vs. Russell Wilson
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It is certainly the most attractive competition from an entertainment point of view. Fields was dynamic but explosive in three seasons as an under-supported starter for the Chicago Bears, so his low-cost acquisition at age 25 looked like a bargain. You wonder if he’ll be drafted even if he doesn’t overtake Wilson, the equally maligned but far more experienced acquisition. Steelers officials have been exceptionally proactive this year, suggesting an upward trend for Fields, but coach Mike Tomlin tends to be patient, and Wilson is a solid arm for their old-school offense.
Beginner planned for week 1: Russell Wilson
Jayden Daniels vs. Marcus Mariota
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This is the group’s only fictional competition. But unlike in Chicago, where there is no doubt about Caleb Williams’ place atop the Bears’ depth chart, Daniels and the Commanders’ new regime are publicly allowing the idea that backup Marcus Mariota is in the running for the concert of the first week. We’ll just say this: If Mariota starts, there’s something seriously wrong here. Daniels is 23 years old, played five years of college ball and just became No. 2 overall on a roster filled with veteran additions. His electric mobility should give him an instant grip on the profession.
Beginner planned for week 1: Jayden Daniels
