The NFL’s quarterback carousel is beginning to spiral out of control

Just a few weeks ago the hardcore NFL fan would have seen the writing on the wall for a couple of the league’s disgruntled quarterbacks. Names like Deshaun Watson, Matthew Stafford and even Carson Wentz were expected to be shipped off to new teams. Which is fairly par for the course of the NFL offseason. But as the days have gone by, NFL insiders have been digging up names of quarterbacks who have been involved in trade rumors. Be it from angst within the organization, or teams simply wanting to upgrade the position, we are set up for an offseason like no other. At the rate we are going I wouldn't be surprised if more than half the league had a new starting quarterback come Week 1.

Even the Pittsburgh Steelers are caught up in these swirling rumors as the Ben Roethlisberger cap reduction negotiations drag on. But, if the veteran gunslinger ultimately decides to hang up his cleats, the Steelers would have options in the trade market, free agency, and the draft to bring in a suitable replacement.

Below is a list of quarterbacks that have had their names thrown into the rumor mill:

Deshaun Watson

The biggest name on this list is the one that openly wants to leave his team the most. Deshaun Watson may've to what to be dealt as the Texans reportedly don't want to make the move. The bridges appear to be thoroughly burnt.

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Tua Tagovailoa

Tua would only be traded if the Dolphins make the move for Watson. Who the Dolphins are reportedly interested in. While it’s highly unlikely he gets dealt anywhere, the sophomore quarterback may be at the helm of a new team in year 2.

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Teddy Bridgewater

The Carolina Panthers are heavy active in the quarterback market. If they happen to sign someone, Bridgewater would be dealt. He has also been reportedly involved in trade talks this offseason. So if the Panthers make a move for a quarterback you can expect Bridgewater to either be included in the deal or shipped out on his own shortly thereafter.

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Carson Wentz

Wentz wasn't going to get traded, now this deal could break at any moment. Both the Colts and Bears are heavy favorites to land the former league MVP nominee. Wentz will probably be the first person dealt on this list.

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Nick Foles

If the Bears make the deal for Carson Wentz then expect his old buddy Nick Foles to head straight back to the city of brotherly love. The move would mark Foles’ third stint in Philly.

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Russell Wilson

Out of nowhere, Russell Wilson dropped a bomb on the NFL world when he said he was unhappy with his protection in Seattle. While he also said he’s not demanding a trade he wants his line to be upgraded in orderly fashion.

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Dak Prescott

Dipping into the free agency market and Dan Prescott is expected to be franchised tagged for a second consecutive year. If the Cowboys are unable to negotiate a long term deal with Prescott he could be on the open market sooner than anticipated.

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Sam Darnold

This boils down to the jets drafting a quarterback second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Jets are rumored to be looking for a late first round pick at minimum for Darnold's services.

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Derek Carr

The Raiders have been taking calls on Derek Carr who had a bit of a career renaissance in the Raiders first year in Las Vegas. He could potentially be on the other end of a blockbuster deal.

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Marcus Mariota

Mariota turned heads in his lone game of 2020. If the Raiders don’t deal Derek Carr, Mariota might get a second chance at a starting gig elsewhere.

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Kirk Cousins

This rumor has cooled a bit, but teams are interested in Kirk Cousins. If someone makes a big enough offer who knows.

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Matt Ryan

Ryan and teammate Julio Jones are both expect to return to Atlanta in 2021. But perhaps a desperate Colts team could make an offer the Falcons can't refuse for the 2016 NFL MVP.

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Jimmy Garoppolo

The 49ers are looking to make an upgrade at quarterback. They have been rumored to be in on virtually every player on this list. Which in turn makes Garoppolo expendable. Perhaps the Patriots want to have reunion.

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Throw in 5-6 quarterbacks going in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and you can see how everything gets real crazy, real fast. But what do you think? Where will these quarterbacks call home in 2021? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below.