QB Carousel Primer: Which star passers could be on the move this offseason?

The 2022 quarterback carousel is shaping up to be one for the ages. Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger are gone, while Aaron Rodgers' and Russell Wilson's futures with their respective teams are unclear. And that's just the start, as numerous passers around the league could be donning different jerseys come Week 1. Here's the latest on those set for a spin on the quarterback merry-go-round and early predictions for what's next.

Let's start with our potential trade targets:

Aaron Rodgers Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty

After agreeing to give it another chance last offseason, Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are back to square one. While their relationship appears to be on better terms than last year, Rodgers is once again undecided on his future. All the Packers can do is wait.

Rodgers could follow in the footsteps of Brett Favre and end his career outside of Green Bay. There won't be a shortage of interested teams should he choose that, though the Denver Broncos make a lot of sense after hiring his former offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, as their head coach. Retirement is another alternative. But if Rodgers is looking for a chance to win a Super Bowl, staying in Green Bay would be the best option. The Packers are also reportedly prepared to make Rodgers the highest-paid quarterback with a short-term extension, which would reduce his $46.7-million cap hit, per Spotrac.

Prediction: Rodgers runs it back with the Packers and signs an extension

Russell Wilson

The Seattle Seahawks reportedly have no interest in trading Wilson unless forced to, despite his apparent interest in exploring possible destinations. Wilson forcing Seattle's hand doesn't seem too far-fetched. After all, he and his agent had no problem letting the world know his top four preferred trade spots last year. The Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers could all be suitors for Wilson.

However, it would take a lot to get to that point. Pete Carroll isn't getting any younger, making a rebuild unlikely. 2021 was a difficult year for Wilson, who dealt with a finger injury amid his first losing season. While there may be better destinations for the veteran to enjoy a bounce-back year, it sounds like it's going to take a massive package or some serious bridge-burning for the Seahawks to deal Wilson.

Prediction: Wilson stays put after Seahawks rebuff any interested parties

Deshaun Watson

There's still uncertainty over Watson's future. He's facing 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault or sexual misconduct and could also be subject to discipline from the NFL. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly doing their homework on him while the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, and Broncos have apparently shown interest in the past.

Prediction: The Bucs could move for Watson, but it's impossible to predict his football future until his off-field situation is resolved

Jimmy Garoppolo Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Not all breakups have to be ugly, as proven by Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers. The team is reportedly set to trade the veteran before the new league year begins on March 16. It shouldn't take a king's ransom to land Garoppolo, who has been an awkward third wheel since the 49ers traded up to draft Trey Lance last offseason.

While he is prone to his fair share of mishaps, he's a serviceable starter who has shown he can win in the right system. He may not be a team's long-term answer at quarterback, but he could be especially useful for clubs operating in a competitive window but lacking a quality passer. The Broncos, Buccaneers, Commanders, Panthers, and Steelers are all destinations that fit that description.

Prediction: Tampa Bay settles on Garoppolo to succeed Brady

Carson Wentz

The Indianapolis Colts missed the postseason after an epic collapse, and much of the blame was pointed toward Wentz. General manager Chris Ballard didn't commit to the quarterback in his season-ending presser, either, and there have been rumors the Colts could move on from him. Where there's smoke, there's usually fire, and Wentz is under serious heat at the moment. Indianapolis offered Wentz a chance at redemption, but it's shaping up to be a one-year trial gone wrong.

The Colts could hold on to Wentz while also adding a passer in the draft, but they'd be wise to float his name on the trade market. It's tough to pinpoint suitors desperate enough to buy into his potential again, though the Commanders and Panthers fit the bill. The newly named Washington club has declared interest in the veteran quarterback market, and a fresh face leading the offense is a great way to sell a rebrand.

Prediction: The Colts trade Wentz and all his baggage to the Commanders

Kyler Murray

Murray is reportedly frustrated with the Arizona Cardinals, while the organization apparently wants their star passer to mature. For the first time, cracks in their relationship have appeared to the public. No one is talking about a divorce yet, but this situation deserves monitoring moving forward.

Prediction: Murray and the Cardinals eventually work out their issues with the simplest trick in the book: communication

Derek Carr

Carr is scheduled to earn a base salary just short of $19.8 million in 2022, the final year of his deal. He's due for a significant raise and extension, but will it come in Las Vegas? It was previously reported that the Raiders' head coach selection would affect Carr's future. Fortunately, the hiring of Josh McDaniels should alleviate any worry after the new head coach expressed his enthusiasm for building the team around Carr. After rallying the Raiders to a playoff appearance, Carr is poised to be McDaniels' man in Vegas.

Prediction: Carr leads the charge entering the McDaniels era for the Raiders

Kirk Cousins Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Vikings supporters may be eager to move on from Cousins, but the harsh reality is that it's tough to picture that happening. New head coach Kevin O'Connell is reportedly high on Cousins, and there are precisely 45 million reasons why the veteran won't be leaving Minnesota. Cousins accounts for a $45-million cap hit and dead-cap hit in 2022, making his contract incredibly difficult to move.

The simplest option for the Vikings is to extend Cousins to reduce his cap charge. O'Connell may be a fan, but is new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah?

Prediction: Without a better option available, the Vikings sign Cousins to an extension

Baker Mayfield

It's difficult to say the Browns have gotten what they expected when they took Mayfield first overall in 2018. There was a playoff appearance but little else to show besides that. His long-term future became cloudy after his development stagnated, if not regressed, last season.

To be fair, Mayfield's 2021 injury history made him look like the board game "Operation." It's probably too early to start seriously discussing a trade, but 2022 is the final year of Mayfield's rookie deal, and it's shaping up to be a make-or-break situation. Whether or not there are contract discussions between the quarterback and team this offseason will be telling.

Prediction: Mayfield starts Week 1 for the Browns but without a long-term deal in place

Onto some of the more intriguing free-agent quarterbacks next:

Jameis Winston Abbie Parr / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The top quarterback of an underwhelming free-agent class, Winston was in the midst of a serviceable stretch with the Saints before a torn ACL ended his season. It's unfortunate Winston wasn't able to put out a full season's worth of work on his free-agent portfolio. Only time will tell if he's looked at as starter material again, though he should still be in the mix if he lands somewhere where the starter label is uncertain. A return to the Saints, or even to Tampa Bay, shouldn't be ruled out, while places like Pittsburgh and Denver could also be possibilities.

Prediction: The Saints bring back Winston to potentially compete with a rookie passer

Andy Dalton

Stuck in a no-win situation between now-fired head coach Matt Nagy and emerging passer Justin Fields, Dalton was in a tough spot with the Chicago Bears last year. He's been reduced from possible starter on a mid-level team to serviceable backup in a good situation. You can certainly do worse if the veteran is in your team's quarterback room, but you can definitely do a lot better if he's starting Week 1.

Prediction: Dalton signs with the Commanders, reuniting with quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese

Teddy Bridgewater

Bridgewater was an improvement for the Broncos last season, but he wasn't quite good enough to get them over the hump. Still, Denver may hope that Hackett can work his magic with Bridgewater and bring him back in case it can't land a bigger fish. Some teams may look to Bridgewater as a fringe starter, making him a quality plan B for clubs. The path to being a highly respected backup, like he was for the Saints, could also be on the table.

Prediction: Seahawks add Bridgewater as insurance for a potential Wilson move

Marcus Mariota

The Raiders had one of the better backup options in the league with Mariota. However, the former first-round pick is likely to end up elsewhere this offseason, preferably a team where he'll have a better shot at starting. The 28-year-old brings mobility to the table, though durability has continued to be an issue.

Prediction: Mariota heads to the Broncos to compete with Drew Lock and a potential rookie quarterback

Mitch Trubisky Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Trubisky bided his time as Josh Allen's backup last season after his run as a starter came to an end in Chicago. A former No. 2 overall pick, Trubisky will likely never be the go-to guy for a franchise, but that doesn't mean he can't be a serviceable backup with spot-starter potential. A destination that brings familiarity and a chance at playing time could be enticing for the 27-year-old.

Prediction: Trubisky follows his former offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll, to the New York Giants

The final piece of the puzzle will be played in April when the 2022 NFL Draft kicks off.

This year's quarterback class pales in comparison to last year's prospects. Kenny Pickett appears to be getting the most love currently, with Matt Corral, Desmond Ridder, Sam Howell, and Malik Willis, among others, rounding out the 2022 group. A lack of high-ceiling passers might tempt teams to be more aggressive in the veteran market. However, clubs like the Panthers, Broncos, Steelers, Commanders, and Saints could pivot their quarterback plans to the top passing prospects.

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