Eight NFL teams that should look for new starting QBs

The position of starting quarterback in the NFL is the most important position in all of sports. Find the right guy, and your team can have decades of success. Choose the wrong guy, and your franchise will likely pick close to the top of the draft year after year.

That being said, let’s take a look at eight teams that should be looking for a new starting quarterback for the 2016 NFL season.

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Despite still being in contention for a division title in the NFC East, the Sam Bradford experiment has not worked out in Philadelphia. Bradford has struggled immensely to adjust to life in Philly, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, the chances the Eagles re-sign him are shaky. Oh, and that Mark Sanchez guy, he’s probably not the answer at quarterback either. Regardless of whether head coach Chip Kelly returns next season, expect the Eagles to look for a new starting quarterback next season.

2. Cleveland Browns

Since returning to NFL in 1999, the Cleveland Browns have somehow managed to trot out 24 different starting quarterbacks onto field. When the 2016 season rolls around, expect that number to grow to 25. Hey, you know what they say: The third time’s the charm.

In all seriousness, however, the Browns have no starting-caliber NFL quarterback on their roster. Josh McCown is nearing retirement, Austin Davis is at best a backup and Johnny Manziel is an utter train wreck. Whether it’s Paxton Lynch, Connor Cook or a current NFL player, the Browns must find a new starting quarterback this offseason. Again.

3. St. Louis Rams

After trading Sam Bradford for Nick Foles, head coach Jeff Fisher and the St. Louis Rams felt they had found a competent quarterback to run their offense. This has not been the case. The Rams are 31st overall in total offense, and Foles was benched in favor of Case Keenum, who has not fared much better. With a strong defense and stud running back in Todd Gurley, you get the feeling that the Rams aren’t too far away from contending, but they have to find a true franchise signal caller in order for that to happen. With a record of 4-8, it’s become crystal -clear that such a quarterback is not on the Rams' roster.

4. San Francisco 49ers

Colin Kaepernick’s fall from grace with the San Francisco 49ers has really been quite remarkable. After leading them to the Super Bowl in 2013, Kaepernick signed a six-year, $126 million deal to ensure he would be the 49ers' signal caller for years to come. After a disappointing season in 2014, things only got worse for Kaepernick in 2015. He lost his starting job midway through the season to an absolute bust in Blaine Gabbert and was soon placed in IR, ending his season. Don’t expect Kaepernick to be back with the 49ers next year. In fact, don’t expect many players and coaches on this 49ers team to be back next year. San Fran is in need of a rebuild.

5. Houston Texans

With mega-talents like J.J. Watt, DeAndre Hopkins and Jadeveon Clowney on the roster, it’s scary to think how good the Houston Texans could be with a proper quarterback. Granted, Brian Hoyer has played well this season, but for anyone to suggest Hoyer is the long-term solution at quarterback for the Texans is foolish. Head coach Bill O’Brien is stubborn and likes Hoyer a great deal, so there’s a good chance the Texans roll with Hoyer for another year. But if they do, it will be a decision they end up regretting. Put any top 10 quarterback on the Texans, and they become a legit Super Bowl contender.

6. Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback Alex Smith is a lovely game manager, but the time has come for head coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs to find a true field general. Granted, the Chiefs are 7-5 this season with Smith at the helm, but does anyone is his or her right mind think the former No. 1 overall pick will lead the Chiefs to postseason glory? Of course not. With a great defense, the Chiefs aren’t too far away from being Super Bowl contenders, but it simply won’t happen until they start a quarterback who can actually throw the ball downfield.

7. Chicago Bears

After years of tormenting Bears fans, quarterback Jay Cutler has actually had a pretty good season. Still, at 32 years old, it’s clear that Cutler is more of a guy who knows how to throw a football rather than a guy who knows how to play quarterback. The Bears are still far away from being contenders in the NFC North, and although John Fox has done an admirable job with the team this season, a rebuild is in order. It’s time for the Bears to move on from Cutler.

8. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are in an odd spot, both as an organization and with their starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins signed Tannehill to a six-year, $95 million contract extension earlier this year, but up until recently, the coaching staff didn’t trust him enough to even call an audible. There is clearly a disconnect between the front office and coaching staff regarding Tannehill. Although Dan Campbell has gone 4-4 since taking over as interim head coach, the Dolphins will likely look elsewhere over the offseason for their next coach. If that coach isn’t a fan of Tannehill, the 27-year-old’s time in Miami could be coming to an end.