Nickolas Loza | January 16th, 2020
The NFL’s most experienced quarterbacks are getting older, with that being said, the new era quarterbacks get ushered in like Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes, Houston Texans Deshaun Watson, and Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson. But we aren’t focused on the young guns today, we’re focused on the grizzled experienced vets who’ve been in the league for a long time, specifically any quarterback who’s older than 35. I’ll go over what the future holds for them and what could happen to them. To be covered they also have to be relevant and have the possibility to play in a big role next season.
Philip Rivers
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Rivers had one of the worst seasons of his NFL career, throwing for 23 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, and throwing for an otherwise impressive 4615 yards. For the first time in his career, however, he said he would be open to going elsewhere and exploring his free agency options. He’s 38 years old, so he would be a very short term option for any team. My guess is he ends up going to a team that is unable to get a quarterback in the draft or is unable to get any other quarterbacks in free agency. Wherever he goes he will probably need a lot of help to keep him upright as he was sacked 34 times and is extremely immobile. Overall, he could be a good option for a team but only a temporary one at that.
Aaron Rodgers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Rodgers has been his same old self, throwing for 26 touchdowns and only four interceptions while throwing for 4002 yards. He isn’t going anywhere anytime soon at the age of 36, he’s still got four to five more good years left in him. He has shown signs of inaccuracy and signs of falling off but nothing really to call home about or to call out specifically. There’s no reason to believe he is going anywhere else in his career, so he’s one of the safest quarterbacks on this list, his job is secure as is.
Eli Manning
The New York Giants Manning has the most insecure job on this list, he has already been dethroned by Daniel Jones, who had an impressive year by rookie standards. In the time Manning was in at quarterback, he threw for six touchdowns and five interceptions along with 1042 passing yards. His time in New York as the starter is over now, and I can’t see a team really wanting him as he hasn’t had a good year since 2015. This looks like the end of the road for the 39 year old two time Super Bowl MVP.
Tom Brady
New England Patriots quarterback Brady had one of the worst years of his career also, throwing for 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions, but only throwing for a pedestrian 60.8 completion percentage. At the age of 43 at the start of next season, this looks like the end of the road for Tom Terrific as a good quarterback. The Patriots offense was extremely lackluster this season, and it needs a spark added to it. He put a statement via Instagram confirming he still has the desire to play. He is a free agent for the first time, and there have been rumors both of him coming back and of him leaving, none have been confirmed or denied by Brady himself. His future is foggy at best.
Drew Brees
New Orleans Saints quarterback Brees is still his efficient old self, even at the age of 41. He threw for 27 touchdowns and only four interceptions, all despite missing five games. He probably doesn’t have a lot left in him, but he’s still producing so who knows how much he has left in him. It’s safe to say he’s staying a Saint for the rest of his career, and he’s obviously comfortable there having a great offensive line, a great running back, and the leagues best receiver in Michael Thomas. His job is secure.
Ben Roethlisberger
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending shoulder injury and never got a chance to show us what he’s like post Antonio Brown. The state of the Steelers quarterback position is currently unknown, as is Roethlisberger’s health. I’d say this is the last year that he’s the starter for Pittsburgh, as he’s 39 years old and his arm seems to be gone for the most part. His job is uncertain.
Free Agency should be interesting for a couple of these quarterbacks, and the others either have their jobs secure or are on the edge of uncertainty. This could also be the end of the road for other quarterbacks throughout the league. It will be an intriguing few months leading up to the start of next season for sure.
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