The quarterback position in the NFL is often seen as the most crucial role on the field. As the leader of the offense, a quarterback’s performance can significantly influence the success or failure of a team. However, not every quarterback can maintain the high standards expected of them, and as a result, some may find themselves on the bench. In this detailed article, we will rank the NFL quarterbacks most likely to be benched during the 2024 season. This ranking considers various factors, including recent performance, competition within the team, contract situations, and organizational dynamics.
1. Sam Howell (Washington Commanders)
Current Situation: Sam Howell entered the NFL with high expectations as the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been a significant issue. In the 2023 season, Howell struggled with turnovers and decision-making, leading to several costly losses for the team.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Commanders have invested in their offensive line and receiving corps, hoping to provide Howell with the support he needs. However, if his performance doesn’t improve early in the 2024 season, the coaching staff may lose patience. The team also drafted a promising quarterback in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, who could be waiting in the wings for an opportunity.
Potential Replacement: The rookie quarterback, along with veteran Taylor Heinicke, who has experience starting for Washington, could be viable options to take over if Howell continues to struggle. The coaching staff may not hesitate to make a change if they believe it will improve the team’s chances of winning.
2. Desmond Ridder (Atlanta Falcons)
Current Situation: Desmond Ridder was expected to be the future of the Atlanta Falcons when he was drafted in 2022. He took over as the starter midway through the 2023 season and showed potential but was inconsistent in his performances.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Falcons have a new coaching staff that may not have the same level of commitment to Ridder as the previous regime. If Ridder struggles early in the season, the new coaches may opt for a more experienced or reliable option to stabilize the team. Additionally, the Falcons signed a veteran quarterback in the offseason who could provide competition.
Potential Replacement: Taylor Heinicke, signed during the offseason, has experience as a starter and could step in if Ridder falters. The Falcons also drafted a quarterback in the later rounds, who could be developed as a long-term option.
3. Mac Jones (New England Patriots)
Current Situation: Mac Jones had a promising rookie season with the Patriots but regressed in his second year. His performance in 2023 was marked by a lack of progression and issues with turnovers, leading to questions about his long-term viability as the team’s starter.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Patriots have a history of not tolerating mediocrity at the quarterback position. With Bill Belichick still at the helm, the team will prioritize winning above all else. If Jones doesn’t show significant improvement, Belichick may look to make a change to keep the team competitive.
Potential Replacement: Bailey Zappe, who showed promise in limited action, could be given a chance to prove himself. Additionally, the Patriots might explore trading for a more experienced quarterback if they believe it will give them a better chance to win.
4. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers)
Current Situation: Jordan Love finally got his opportunity to start for the Packers in 2023 after Aaron Rodgers was traded to the Jets. While he had some impressive moments, his overall performance was inconsistent, raising doubts about his ability to be the long-term answer in Green Bay.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Packers have a strong roster and are built to win now. If Love can’t provide the stability and production needed, the team may not hesitate to look for an alternative. The front office and coaching staff will be under pressure to deliver results, and patience may be limited.
Potential Replacement: The Packers have a capable backup in Sean Clifford, who has been developing behind Love. They could also explore options in the trade market or free agency if they feel a more immediate solution is necessary.
5. Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Current Situation: Kenny Pickett showed promise in his rookie season but faced challenges with consistency and decision-making. The Steelers have high hopes for him, but the 2023 season did not go as planned, with the team missing the playoffs.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Steelers are a storied franchise with high expectations. If Pickett doesn’t show significant improvement in his second season as a starter, the coaching staff may decide to make a change to spark the offense. The team also brought in competition during the offseason, which could put additional pressure on Pickett.
Potential Replacement: Mitch Trubisky, who has starting experience and was re-signed in the offseason, could step in if Pickett struggles. The team also has a young quarterback on the roster who could be developed as a future starter.
6. Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Current Situation: Baker Mayfield signed with the Buccaneers after a turbulent few seasons with the Browns and Panthers. He was brought in to provide stability at the quarterback position after Tom Brady’s retirement. However, his performance in 2023 was inconsistent, leading to questions about his future with the team.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Buccaneers have a talented roster and are expected to compete for a playoff spot. If Mayfield doesn’t perform up to expectations, the coaching staff may decide to go in a different direction. The team also has a young quarterback who showed promise in preseason games.
Potential Replacement: Kyle Trask, who has been developing behind Brady and Mayfield, could be given an opportunity to start if Mayfield falters. The Buccaneers may also explore options in free agency or the trade market if they feel it will improve their chances of winning.
7. Zach Wilson (New York Jets)
Current Situation: Zach Wilson, the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has struggled to live up to expectations. His performance in 2023 was marred by turnovers and inconsistent play, leading to speculation about his future with the Jets.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Jets have invested heavily in building a competitive team, and patience with Wilson is wearing thin. If he doesn’t show significant improvement early in the 2024 season, the coaching staff may decide to make a change to keep the team on track.
Potential Replacement: The Jets signed a veteran quarterback in the offseason who could step in if Wilson struggles. They also have a promising young quarterback on the roster who could be developed as a long-term solution.
8. Ryan Tannehill (Tennessee Titans)
Current Situation: Ryan Tannehill has been a steady presence for the Titans, leading them to multiple playoff appearances. However, his performance in 2023 was not up to par, and the team failed to make the playoffs.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Titans drafted a quarterback in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, signaling that they are looking toward the future. If Tannehill doesn’t perform well early in the 2024 season, the team may decide to give the rookie a chance to start.
Potential Replacement: The rookie quarterback, who has shown promise in preseason games, could be given an opportunity to start if Tannehill struggles. The team also has a veteran backup who could provide stability if needed.
9. Jameis Winston (New Orleans Saints)
Current Situation: Jameis Winston re-signed with the Saints after a mixed performance in 2023. He showed flashes of his potential but was inconsistent, leading to questions about his future as the team’s starter.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Saints have a talented roster and are expected to compete for a playoff spot. If Winston doesn’t perform up to expectations, the coaching staff may decide to make a change to keep the team competitive.
Potential Replacement: The Saints signed a veteran quarterback in the offseason who could step in if Winston struggles. They also have a young quarterback on the roster who could be developed as a long-term solution.
10. Justin Fields (Chicago Bears)
Current Situation: Justin Fields showed promise in his rookie season but struggled with consistency and decision-making in 2023. The Bears have high hopes for him, but the team has not been competitive, leading to questions about his future.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Bears have a new coaching staff and front office that may not be as committed to Fields as the previous regime. If he doesn’t show significant improvement early in the 2024 season, the team may decide to make a change to spark the offense.
Potential Replacement: The Bears signed a veteran quarterback in the offseason who could step in if Fields struggles. They also have a young quarterback on the roster who could be developed as a long-term solution.
11. Jimmy Garoppolo (Las Vegas Raiders)
Current Situation: Jimmy Garoppolo signed with the Raiders after a successful stint with the 49ers. However, his performance in 2023 was inconsistent, and the team missed the playoffs.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Raiders have a talented roster and are expected to compete for a playoff spot. If Garoppolo doesn’t perform up to expectations, the coaching staff may decide to make a change to keep the team competitive.
Potential Replacement: The Raiders drafted a quarterback in the later rounds who could be developed as a long-term solution. They also have a veteran backup who could provide stability if needed.
12. Daniel Jones (New York Giants)
Current Situation: Daniel Jones had a solid 2023 season but did not lead the Giants to the playoffs. His performance was inconsistent, leading to questions about his future as the team’s starter.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Giants have a new front office and coaching staff that may not be as committed to Jones as the previous regime. If he doesn’t show significant improvement early in the 2024 season, the team may decide to make a change to spark the offense.
Potential Replacement: The Giants signed a veteran quarterback in the offseason who could step in if Jones struggles. They also have a young quarterback on the roster who could be developed as a long-term solution.
13. Carson Wentz (Indianapolis Colts)
Current Situation: Carson Wentz re-signed with the Colts after a mixed performance in 2023. He showed flashes of his potential but was inconsistent, leading to questions about his future as the team’s starter.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Colts have a talented roster and are expected to compete for a playoff spot. If Wentz doesn’t perform up to expectations, the coaching staff may decide to make a change to keep the team competitive.
Potential Replacement: The Colts signed a veteran quarterback in the offseason who could step in if Wentz struggles. They also have a young quarterback on the roster who could be developed as a long-term solution.
14. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)
Current Situation: Tua Tagovailoa had a promising start to his career but has struggled with consistency and injuries. The Dolphins have a talented roster and high expectations, but Tua’s performance in 2023 did not meet those expectations.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Dolphins are in win-now mode, and patience with Tua is wearing thin. If he doesn’t show significant improvement early in the 2024 season, the team may decide to make a change to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Potential Replacement: The Dolphins signed a veteran quarterback in the offseason who could step in if Tua struggles. They also have a young quarterback on the roster who could be developed as a long-term solution.
15. Derek Carr (Las Vegas Raiders)
Current Situation: Derek Carr has been a steady presence for the Raiders, leading them to multiple playoff appearances. However, his performance in 2023 was not up to par, and the team missed the playoffs.
Why He Might Be Benched: The Raiders have a new front office and coaching staff that may not be as committed to Carr as the previous regime. If he doesn’t show significant improvement early in the 2024 season, the team may decide to make a change to spark the offense.
Potential Replacement: The Raiders drafted a quarterback in the later rounds who could be developed as a long-term solution. They also have a veteran backup who could provide stability if needed.
