What You Expect's QB Last Chance U
Netflix’s hit show Last Chance U follows around a JUCO program highlighting football players with compelling stories that are risking it all for one last shot at the game they love. While these quarterbacks have made it to the NFL, they too are on their last legs as viable NFL starters. As there are only 32 of these positions and a leash that continues to shorten with each disappointing campaign, this may be may be their last chance to prove themselves as franchise players.
The selection of Danny Dimes to New York was met with a lot of criticism and nearly three years later, he hasn’t shown us much. To give Jones credit, the loss of Saquon Barkley in back-to-back seasons and the lack of a primary pass-catcher outside of Evan Engram has halted some progression but it looks like New York is doing everything to give the former Duke Blue Devil a chance. They signed WR Kenny Golladay away from the Detroit Lions and drafted the versatile Kadarius Toney out of the University of Florida in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Jones has never thrown for over 4,000 yards, he’s had double-digit fumbles in each of his two seasons in the league and he’s 8-19 as a starter. The clock is ticking on Jones to prove himself, if he fails, New York may be looking at other options next offseason.
The #1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, many expected the hometown kid to be the savior of the Los Angeles Rams franchise. Fast forward five years later and Goff is now in Detroit after the Rams and Lions swapped signal-callers. Many thought with offensive guru Sean McVay by his side that Goff would eventually break into the upper echelon of quarterbacks but ever since he was defeated in Super Bowl 53, he’s been in a downhill spiral. He was given a 4-year, $134 million extension in late 2019 which clearly turned out to be a horrible decision for a franchise still questioning if he was indeed the cornerstone the Rams wished to build around. With a quarterback often heralded for carrying the Lions on his back without much help, the Rams appear to be in the Super Bowl contending conversation with Stafford under center. The Lions have bought into Goff by selecting offensive lineman Penei Sewell to protect him but they also have two future firsts from L.A if Goff does not pan out.
Probably the biggest fall from grace, it wasn’t too long ago that many debates were happening about who was the top QB in the NFC East between Wentz and Dak Prescott. Seen as an MVP candidate at his peak, many credit Wentz for Philadelphia’s appearance in Super Bowl 52 - although backup Nick Foles would lead the way through the end of the regular season and playoffs. But further injuries and a massive regression derailed confidence in his ability to be the franchise cornerstone moving forward. This was made blatantly clear in the Eagles deciding to select QB Jalen Hurts in the 2nd round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Not faring much better in a weakened NFC East in 2020 with Dak Prescott out for the year, Washington having a QB controversy and the Giants being without Barkley; he was benched for Hurts - who provided a spark - near the season’s end. Now in Indianapolis, Wentz will look to jumpstart his career and return to his MVP ways upon being reunited with former Eagles OC - and now Colts HC - Frank Reich.
Once looked at as the best QB coming into the 2018 NFL Draft, ahead of the likes of Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen; many had the former USC Trojan going first in mock drafts. He would be picked third by the New York Jets and the turbulence was immediate as it seemed like he could never find his footing. The Jets eventually traded him to the Carolina Panthers for a 6th round pick. Carolina hoping the pairing with OC Joe Brady, the architect behind Joe Burrow’s Heisman and championship producing season at LSU - can pay dividends as Darnold will be only 24 years old with 3 three seasons under his belt. Being paired with the awful Adam Gase did more harm than good, and so it will be another QB guru - looking to squeeze out whatever juice may still be left. He has a career completion percentage of under 50, has thrown double-digit picks every season, and has never thrown more than 20 touchdowns. The excuses stop here for Darnold. He’s gotten a fresh start and the keys to the Panthers’ offense that includes dynamic weapon, Christian McCaffrey. This may be his last chance to show his worth as a third overall draft pick.
The first overall pick back in 2015, Winston’s career has seen plenty of ups and downs. While his passing yards and touchdowns are impressive, Winston’s turnover issues have also been well documented. It all came to a head in 2019 when Winston passed for an impressive 5,109 yards and 33 touchdowns while also tossing 30 interceptions - the most in the NFL since Brett Favre threw 29 in 2005.
After five seasons, Tampa elected to part ways with their former top pick. Winston elected to sign with the rival New Orleans Saints where he was the backup to Drew Brees. Winston’s lone highlight came when he threw a touchdown pass on a trick play during the Bucs-Saints divisional-round matchup. With Brees now retired, it appears as if Winston may finally be given the opportunity to start once again. New Orleans opted to start Taysom Hill during Brees’ absence in 2020 but signs point to the more traditional quarterback, Winston, being the presumed favorite to succeed Brees. Will Famous Jameis finally blossom into a star? Or will the incessant turnovers relegate him to be a career backup?
For 2019 second-rounder Drew Lock, the clock appears to be ticking at a rapid pace. Denver hasn’t been able to find any consistency at the QB position since Peyton Manning walked away six years ago. They selected Missouri Tiger Drew Lock with the hopes that he would be the answer to one of their hardest questions. Lock got the chance to win Broncos fans and brass over this season and subsequently led the league in interceptions - with 15. Denver still seems to have some faith in Lock, passing on QBs like Mac Jones and Justin Fields for CB Patrick Surtain II in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, the Broncos did trade for former Carolina Panther Teddy Bridgewater and were rumored to be interested in acquiring Deshaun Watson as well as Aaron Rodgers should either have been available to trade for. A fan-favorite in the Mile High City, this may be Lock’s last chance to convince Denver and the NFL he has what it takes to be trusted with the keys to a starting offense