QB Questions Hang Over So Many NFL Teams At Scouting Combine

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The buzz at the NFL scouting combine Tuesday wasn’t so much about this year’s unheralded crop of prospects. It was on veterans who may or may not be on the move this month.

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said he still doesn’t know if two-time reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers wants to return, retire or relocate. He expects an answer soon.

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst on if Aaron Rodgers would make a decision by 3/16 (the start of free agency):

“I would hope so. A lot decisions have to be made before that.”

The financials with Rodgers are “part of that process” and not something done and awaiting a decision.” pic.twitter.com/oVgpTs9Plj

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) March 1, 2022

Cardinals GM Steve Keim said he’ll exercise the fifth-year option on disgruntled QB Kyler Murray’s contract.

Cards GM Steve Keim on Kyler Murray's agent's statement: "You have to understand that people have different ways of approaching things, and I respect that. You can't get caught up in taking things personal."https://t.co/LuSoqWJeky pic.twitter.com/g2ehjAmquI

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 1, 2022

Texans GM Nick Caserio demurred when asked about embattled QB Deshaun Watson, who was held out last season after being accused of sexual misconduct.

“We’re day to day in terms of handling that,” Caserio said. “We’re always going to do the right thing by the Houston Texans organization.”

"Do the right thing for the Houston Texans…" – Nick Caserio on what his philosophy has been "since day 1" on the DeShaun Watson situation.

— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 1, 2022

Colts GM Chris Ballard indicated he wasn’t yet sold on former No. 2 overall draft pick Carson Wentz as the long-term answer in Indianapolis.

Colts GM Chris Ballard on Carson Wentz decision: "We're not there yet"https://t.co/CILfSUF8tg pic.twitter.com/FdC9EmCEct

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 1, 2022

Browns GM Andrew Berry told local reporters he fully expects Baker Mayfield to be the starter in Cleveland in 2022, and suspects offseason surgery on Mayfeld’s non-throwing shoulder will facilitate a successful comeback.

“The reality is that we have seen him play at a high level before. Being realistic, the injury does have some impact on his performance,” Berry said. “We are focused on him getting healthy. We know how he works. We think he is talented. We have seen him play at a playoff-caliber level before, and I do not think there is any reason to think he can’t rebound to that level next year.”

#Browns GM Andrew Berry on QB Baker Mayfield’s shoulder rehab: “You guys know how hard he works. … He’s right on track. … We feel good about his progress.”

— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) March 1, 2022

On Tuesday, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy revealed that quarterback Dak Prescott had offseason surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, but said it didn’t appear to negatively affect him last season.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy says QB Dak Prescott had "clean-up" surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, but "no concern" it will affect him in offseason https://t.co/pqBdTYTwKm pic.twitter.com/e9ZCLiz4uv

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 1, 2022

No team in the NFL has had as much trouble under center over the last few seasons as the Denver Broncos, who have churned through 10 starting quarterbacks since Peyton Manning’s retirement. The latest, Teddy Bridgewater, who went 7-7 last year, but was the best of the bunch.

Finding a worthy successor to Manning — a year after his Hall of Fame induction — is job No. 1 for Denver GM George Paton.

“It’s always a priority,” Paton said. “It’s the most important position in sports, so we’re always looking.”

Broncos GM George Paton on QB situation: We will leave "no stone unturned to find that guy."https://t.co/91X35hFYPl pic.twitter.com/dshaocO3zl

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 1, 2022

Along with just about everyone else.

The Broncos have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Rodgers should he ask out of Green Bay.

“We just want the best guy. We don’t care if it’s free agency; we don’t care if it’s the draft; we don’t care if it’s a trade,” said Paton. “We’re going to exhaust all options to try to get the best guy for the Broncos.”

Saying “there’s no new updates” on Rodgers’ situation, Gutekunst seemed to speculate the four-time MVP wasn’t all-in on playing an 18th NFL season yet.

“With Aaron, I think he’s got a very tough process that he goes through to get himself ready to play every season. It’s a big commitment, and he’s done that for a long time and it certainly shows in the results,” Gutekunst said. “I think he feels he needs to do that to play at the level he plays that. And so I know that weighs on him, but I think he’s going through that now.”

Gutekunst said he expects to know Rodgers’ decision before the league’s new year kicks off March 16 with the start of free agency.

Ballard said he will continue meeting with Colts coach Frank Reich and team owner Jim Irsay, and hopes to make a decision at quarterback in the next 10 days.

“Ultimately, you’ve got to have a guy you believe in,” Ballard said. “I’m not saying we don’t, but in the long term is that the best answer for us? We’re not there yet, I’m not there yet.”

There’s also chatter about Seattle’s Russell Wilson wanting a fresh start, and both the Buccaneers (Tom Brady) and Steelers (Ben Roethlisberger) need to replace elite quarterbacks this offseason.

“I would say we’re open to any” quarterbacks, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said. “We have two veterans on our roster in Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins. Both have started NFL games and both have won NFL games. So we’ll see how things evolve.”

Murray recently deleted all references to the Cardinals on his social media accounts, but he isn’t fading from their view at all.

“Kyler Murray, to me, is someone really different from anyone else I’ve ever evaluated,” Keim said. “He can do it all and he’s very competitive and he wants to be great. Those are all strengths.

“When I look back three years ago, see the progress he’s made on and off the field, it’s been tremendous. And he’s a big part of our turnaround.”

And a big part of the Cardinals’ future, if Keim can help it.

Adding to the shine on veteran signal callers is the notion this year’s college class doesn’t stack up to past years.

“It’s going to be fascinating to see who kind of blinks when it comes to these quarterbacks. I don’t have one with a top-10 grade,” said NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah.

Without a premier prospect among the top QBs — the group that Pitt’s Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral of Mississippi, Liberty’s Malik Willis and North Carolina’s Sam Howell — the first one might not go until the teens because teams will be leery of bypassing a player with a much higher draft grade.

“That’s the tricky part about this draft,” Jeremiah said. “That’s why I’ll be curious to see which teams can eliminate that need by going the veteran route and trying to get one in hand so they don’t end up having to bypass what they think is a much, much better football player at another position.”