Sam Bradford has struggled as the Rams’ starter since being drafted 1st overall in 2010. He could be replaced in 2015 without a strong season this year.
Nearly all teams in the NFL are just one decent QB – or one decent season from a QB – away from being a playoff contender, or even a Superbowl contender. But some teams need to decide this year if the QB they have as their starter is really the one they want to move forward with into 2015 and beyond.
Here are the top 5 QBs that need to play strong in 2014 to have a chance of playing at all in 2015:
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers – The two-time Superbowl winner has been the unquestioned starter (when healthy) since he took over the team in 2004. However, with the mounting injuries and two straight years without a winning season as he reaches his early 30s, the Steelers may be prepared to move on without him in 2015 – especially after the team announced they will not discuss any contract extensions until the end of the 2014 season.
4. Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins – The Dolphins starting QB has played reasonably well in his two years as a starter, but the team still has not been able to get above 8 wins. The Dolphins pinned their hopes on Tannehill when they drafted him 8th overall in 2012 and need him to elevate them in the playoff competition in the AFC. If Tannehill continues to struggle when the game is on the line (8 career losses decided by less than a touchdown), the Dolphins and new GM Dennis Hickey may be inclined to simply cut their losses and start with a new QB.
3. Jake Locker, Titans – In three seasons with the Titans, Jake Locker has won only 8 games and finished 2013 on injured reserve. The Titans play in a very weak AFC South and need have plenty of receiving weapons to compete for the division title if they can only get their QB situation straightened out. If Locker can’t cut it, he may simply be cut after 2014.
2. Geno Smith, Jets – The fact that Jets GM John Idzik drafted Smith in the 2nd round in 2013 gives him room for error when deciding Smith is really his team’s QB of the future. A mostly terrible 2013 was mitigated by a very strong December, where his QB rating was even higher than Peyton Manning’s during that month. But Idzik hedged his bet by signing backup QB Michael Vick, who the team can insert at any time if Smith does not improve. If Geno Smith does not demonstrate that he is the team’s starting QB in 2014, he may not get a chance to play with the team at all in 2015.
1. Sam Bradford, Rams – In four years since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2010, Bradford has never had a winning season as the Rams QB. With many people saying the Rams have arguably one of the most complete rosters in the entire NFL, the onus is on Bradford to start for a compete season (which he has only done twice in four years) and elevate the team to a playoff contender. If Bradford can’t get the job done this year, the Rams may be inclined to release him and start looking for someone who can.
