NFL Notes: Quarterbacks, Panthers, Titans

February 24, 2018

Ben Volin of the Boston Globe takes a look at the quarterback situations for a number of teams and what he expects them to do this offseason.

Volin can see the Vikings signing Case Keenum to a one-year deal or franchising him and then re-signing Teddy Bridgewater to a short-term “prove it” deal.
Volin thinks the Jets will sign QB Kirk Cousins, given that they have around $50 million in available cap space to work with.
As for the Broncos, Volin could see them signing QB A.J. McCarron to a one-year deal and drafting a prospect and keeping Paxton Lynch around for depth.
In regards to the Cardinals, Volin thins Arizona will sign Sam Bradford and then trade up in the first round for a quarterback prospect.
While Volin mentions that Tyrod Taylor is clearly not the long-term answer for the Bills, he expects the veteran to remain with the team for 2018 and then try to trade up to draft a quarterback.
Volin expects the Eagles to keep Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles around as the team’s primary backup.

Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer mentions receiver, offensive line, and edge rusher as the biggest positions of need for the Panthers this offseason.
Person writes that DE Charles Johnson being cut is a “likely scenario,” considering that the Panthers would create $3.25 million in cap space by releasing him.
As for Julius Peppers, Person reports that he’s still rehabbing his shoulder and is “mulling the decision” to continue his career.
Person writes that the Panthers are unlikely to extend G Andrew Norwell after they locked up G Trai Turner to a four-year, $45 million deal last season.
Person could see the starting point for contract negotiations with K Graham Gano being $5 million annually since that is what he would earn if the team used the franchise tag on him.
Although Person expects a deal to get done with Gano, he mentions that there is some question around the organization about the kicker’s ability to convert kicks under pressure.
Person does not expect the Panthers to “shell out a ton of money” to DT Star Lotulelei, but his “sense” is that Carolina would bring him back on a team-friendly contract.
Person could see the Panthers taking a hard look at backup quarterback options and he says there has been “little talk” about re-signing backup TE Ed Dickson.

Jim Wyatt of the Titans’ official site would be surprised if the team used their franchise tag this offseason since they would prefer to re-sign players to long-term extensions rather than a one-year guaranteed contract.
Regarding the team’s plans in the 2018 NFL Draft, Wyatt writes that the Titans’ approach will depend on the players they sign in free agency.
As for the Titans’ positions of need, Wyatt lists wide receiver, a speed rusher, and the secondary as spots to address.