“Will These Quarterback Conundrums Shape the NFL Landscape? Unraveling the 6 Crucial Questions This Offseason!”

"Will These Quarterback Conundrums Shape the NFL Landscape? Unraveling the 6 Crucial Questions This Offseason!"

As we gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, the chatter surrounding quarterback prospects and team strategies is reaching a fever pitch. With pivotal decisions on the horizon for franchises like the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, fans and analysts alike are left pondering some critical questions. Jori Epstein and Frank Schwab have taken the time to explore these intriguing scenarios in their latest discussion on the Inside Coverage podcast. They dive deep into topics like Jameis Winston’s role in New York, Aaron Rodgers’ uncertain future, and who might seize the first overall pick — Cam Ward or someone else entirely? Join us as we dissect the high-stakes world of NFL quarterback prospects and what these decisions mean for the teams involved! For a comprehensive take on these quarterback dilemmas, LEARN MORE.”An NFC talent evaluator told me that they had second round grades on both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders and an AFC talent evaluator who told me it would be a second round grade on Cam Ward and a fourth round grade on Shedeur Sanders,” Epstein says. “So that’s pretty significantly different from where they’re going to be drafted.””I think that the Browns need to rip that band aid off and move forward and have Deshaun Watson’s successor,” Epstein says. “Whether or not that successor has success, I think that they just need to have their next guy in because I think it’s crucial for them to move forward with it.”

“What if I were them?” Epstein continues. “I think what you kind of get to is you basically say, we’ll give you million a year over the course of six years, but we can cut you after three years. Like, you basically get more flexibility. … And so then if it ends up working and if Brock Purdy’s your quarterback in six years, well, as crazy as it sounds, million is going to be a bargain by then.”

Pittsburgh, Epstein says, offers him a better chance at making the playoffs.”I would trust Kyle Shanahan to find my next Brock Purdy before paying him that,” Schwab says.”Most draft grades are not going to be that much different from team to team, right?” counters Schwab. “So you have a second round grade on Cam Ward. Is it worth it to draft him first, even second, third overall? … So the question is, ‘We got the same grade, we got second round grade on this guy, but we need a quarterback, we need to take a swing. We got the first pick. He does have some upside.’ I mean, what would you do with that pick?”The NFL world is keenly watching where Aaron Rodgers will land. The Giants seem interested, but the Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be a more viable team for Rodgers, given their roster strength. The big question is whether Rodgers believes he can win with the Giants’ current setup or if he will choose a team with a clearer path to success — or retirement.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)“They’ve upgraded with DK Metcalf, especially if they keep George Pickens rather than trading him. [Aaron will] have options.”

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Cam Ward #QB15 of Miami-FL speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

“What is their path out of this thing?” Schwab wonders. “Not even just in 2025, Jory, but 2026 and beyond. What, do they use the second pick on Shedeur Sanders? You said some teams have a fourth round grade on. Do they bring in Russell Wilson? Like what. What’s the path out for this Cleveland Browns at quarterback?”

Epstein disagrees.”If Kyle Shanahan was able to take the quarterbacks he believed had the most talent and develop him into the best players, Trey Lance would still be on that team and he’s not,” she says. “And he’s not on any team because Kyle Shanahan missed on him.””I don’t think it’s what the Steelers want [him], but I do think that signing Russell Wilson is better than trying to draft someone in the first round and make it work,” she adds. “Because that’s how the Steelers ended up in this situation in the first place, by drafting Kenny Pickett because they wanted a quarterback in a weak quarterback class. And so they’re like, we’re just going to take the best guy available.”What are the most pressing quarterback questions heading into the 2025 NFL Draft and the regular season. Jori Epstein and Frank Schwab broke them down on the Inside Coverage podcast.

Brock Purdy is reportedly seeking a deal similar to Dak Prescott’s — 4 years, 0 million — raising the question of whether the 49ers will commit large funds to him. Given Purdy’s contributions, there’s debate on whether San Francisco should secure him long-term or leverage their coaching prowess to develop another standout QB.”Aaron Rodgers goal this year is not a 5,000-yard season. It’s to go in playoff games,” Epstein says. “And I just do not think that the Giants are going to be able to offer him that opportunity.”

Will Cam Ward be the answer at quarterback for the Tennessee Titans? (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Wilson’s future is even more unclear. The Giants could be a landing spot. And while Pittsburgh reportedly isn’t interested in bringing him back right now, Epstein points out that “Pittsburgh needs a quarterback. Russell Wilson needs a team.”Perhaps the most complex quarterback conundrum exists in Cleveland. With limited options appearing viable, the Browns face a potential significant decision in the upcoming draft. The question remains whether they should take a calculated risk on a rookie or pursue a more established option like Kirk Cousins, if the opportunity arises.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into Inside Coverage on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.Epstein notes the Browns still have that lingering question of Deshaun Watson, who would likely be ready to return to the field in 2026.The Giants have signed Jameis Winston to a two-year, million deal. While this isn’t typical starting quarterback money, it offers the Giants a “break the glass” emergency option. The question remains if Winston will be their go-to starter or if the Giants have bigger plans, perhaps involving Aaron Rodgers or a rookie quarterback.Cam Ward is heavily favored to be the first overall pick, most likely by the Tennessee Titans. However, the possibility of a trade for this pick is still in the air, with teams like the Giants or Cleveland Browns potentially making offers to land the standout quarterback.Still, Schwab believes Ward will go No. 1 to the Titans.

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