With the 2019 NFL season right around the corner, teams are in the midst of preparations. Training camps, contract extensions and free agent signings are all taking place and each franchise is trying to better itself. With so many teams making crucial changes, there are many players that may have their last shot to prove their worth in 2019. Here are four quarterbacks that seem to be on the hot seat for 2019.
After the Giants organization shocked the world by taking quarterback Daniel Jones with the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, there has been speculation brewing about who will end the season as the starter.
New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning. (Photo Credit: Bleacher Report)
For the past few years, the Giants have been a train wreck. Many believe this is due to Eli Manning being under center. Although Manning is a two-time Superbowl MVP, he has not been able to win a significant amount of games over the last few seasons.
The Giants quarterback is coming off one of his better seasons statistically. In 2018, he threw 380 completions for 4,299 yards and 21 touchdowns, all while limiting himself to 11 interceptions. He finished the season with a passer rating of 92.4.
Even with having a decent season, Eli’s team finished last in the NFC East with a 5-11 record. Not having won the division since 2011, the team may be looking to make some big changes. If Manning cannot prove his worth to the Giants in 2019, his position may be up for grabs.
Mariota is currently under the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. It will pay him approximately $20.9 million. After 2019, the Titans quarterback will be seeking a long-term deal. Mariota may not be in line to be replaced, but he is definitely in the hot seat financially.
Tennessee Titans Quarterback Marcus Mariota. (Photo Credit: Oregon Live)
For the majority of 2018, Mariota was slowed down with an elbow injury on his throwing arm. Due to this, the Titans’ QB1 was not playing to his full potential. He only threw 228 completions for 2,528 yards and 11 touchdowns. With injuries continuing to plague Mariota, the Titans picked up Ryan Tannehill as insurance.
If Mariota can stay healthy and produce in 2019, the Titans will likely give him the long-term contract he is in search for. If his injuries continue, the Titans may not want to spend the big bucks on the quarterback.
Leading to the NFL Draft, rumors buzzed about the Raiders taking a quarterback in the first round. Many believed that it was time to move on from Derek Carr. Although things did not play out in that sense, the Raiders QB may still be in the hot seat.
Oakland Raiders Quarterback Derek Carr. (Photo Credit: The Athletic)
Just a few years ago, Carr was in the running for season MVP until he was sidelined with a leg injury. Since then, he has not been the same quarterback. Now going into his second year with Jon Gruden, Carr will have to prove himself in order to be the future of the franchise.
In 2018, Carr was able to put up respectable numbers, but he could not lead his team to more than four wins. The Raiders’ quarterback threw 381 completions for 4,049 yards and 19 touchdowns.
If Carr can improve these stats in 2019, then he should be safe. But, if the team continues to be dysfunctional, Gruden may want to start fresh.
In 2018, Winston served a three-game suspension for allegedly groping a female Uber driver in 2016. In those three games, Ryan Fitzpatrick put on a show for the NFL and showcased some ‘Fitzmagic.’ The Buccaneers continued to start Fitzpatrick until mid-season when Winston earned the starting spot back.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Jameis Winston. (Photo Credit: The Spun)
Since Winston was selected first overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, he has thrown the second most interceptions in the league.
Being plagued with turnovers has made the argument for Winston’s time to be finished in Tampa Bay. But, the team has given him one more shot by exercising Winston’s fifth-year option.
The Buccaneers have now hired Bruce Arians as the head coach for the team. With Arians’ reputation as a quarterback guru, the team will likely use 2019 as Winston’s “prove it” year.
Feature Image Credit: AP Photo/Mark Zaleski
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