It doesn't matter how much revenue your franchise generates or how many Pro Bowlers it sports, the NFL is a clear example of a have and have-not society with franchise quarterbacks being the prime currency.
If your team has a franchise quarterback - an Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, etc. - than you're likely a perennial playoff threat who enjoys a lot of time at the top of your division. If your team doesn't have a franchise quarterback...Well, let's just say life isn't as rosy in that scenario and it probably won't be getting much better this offseason.
The top free agent quarterbacks are set to be Mark Sanchez and Brian Hoyer. Things don't look much better in the draft where there is a significant drop off after the top two prospects, Oregon's Marcus Mariota and Florida State's Jameis Winston. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers locked in at the top spot in the draft, their young quarterback Mike Glennon now becomes a luxury. Considering the lack of available talent at the position, he may also become a valuable trade commodity.
"Most of the other teams in need of quarterback help, such as the Jets, Texans and Bills, may have to try to work out a trade to fill their need," Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune wrote. "Several teams called the Bucs to inquire about the availability of quarterback Mike Glennon during last year's draft proceedings, and some around the league believe the same will happen again this year."
Glennon isn't exactly a blue chip prospect. But he's young, still just 25, and has been solid in scattered playing time during his first two seasons in the NFL.
In 19 career games, Glennon has thrown for 4,025 yards, with 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions while completing 58.8 percent of his passes. No, he's not going to be named an All-Pro with those numbers. But I'm sure the Arizona Cardinals would have been thrilled to see that type of production from their QBs once Carson Palmer went down.
The Jets and Bills seem to know what they have in Geno Smith and E.J. Manuel, respectively, and they don't appear to like it very much. The Texans would be unwise to place all of their eggs in the Ryan Fitzpatrick/Ryan Mallett basket. All three teams could benefit from bringing in a young, strong arm to compete for the starting quarterback gig.
