Shockingly Realistic: 5 Elite QBs Poised for Blockbuster 2024 NFL Trades – Cowboys, Falcons Brace for Upheaval –
Injury Woes May Spark Veteran QB Market
Summer injuries often reignite demand for experienced quarterbacks. With OTAs and training camps upcoming, rosters remain fluid. A key veteran QB going down, even briefly, could trigger trades from teams with crowded depth charts.
“The quarterback position is always in high demand, especially when starters go down,” said Mike Tannenbaum, former NFL executive. “Teams will aggressively pursue proven backups on the trade market to maintain continuity.”
Taylor Heinicke: Viable Starter If Opportunity Arises
Taylor Heinicke took a pay cut to back up Kirk Cousins in Washington, before Atlanta drafted Michael Penix Jr. 8th overall. If Penix claims the No. 2 job, the 29 game-starter Heinicke could welcome a trade for a fresh start at just $4.5 million in 2024.
Going from Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke to Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.>>>> pic.twitter.com/qjaRr6OqPv
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) May 10, 2024
Trey Lance: Cowboys’ Long-Term QB Plan?
Dallas acquired Trey Lance cheaply last year, signaling he may be Dak Prescott’s eventual successor. But Lance is yet to take a Cowboys snap and is a 2024 free agent, with Cooper Rush firmly the No. 2. Trading Lance post-June 1 would save $5 million.
Trey Lance pic.twitter.com/UoryySuHAZ
— Jayden (@gIokk40spazz) May 6, 2024
C.J. Beathard: Potential 49ers Reunion?
Though Doug Pederson loves C.J. Beathard backing up Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars traded for the younger Mac Jones. If San Francisco loses a QB, coach Kyle Shanahan may explore reuniting with his former 12-game starter Beathard.
Jeff Wilson finds his way to score through the Cards defense.
C.J. Beathard to Wilson gets the job done! ✔️
Throwback 2020 Week 16 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals pic.twitter.com/EW7pFpJIvQ
— 49ers Throwback ❤💛 (@49ers_Throwback) July 8, 2023
Malik Willis: Change of Scenery Needed?
Mobile but underutilized in Tennessee, Malik Willis has been shortchanged by successive regimes favoring Will Levis and Mason Rudolph. A trade could give the 2025 free agent Willis a desired fresh start elsewhere.
Off script is the most overrated thing of all time it’s why lakers like Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Malik Willis, Justin Fields , etc etc get drafted. You need to create like 5% of a game Tua has easily done that. You literally watched him do it. pic.twitter.com/TDYmO12vpt
— VBS (@VBSofficial_) May 3, 2024
Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Practice Squad Relegation?
The 2023 fifth-rounder started 3 games for Cleveland as a rookie, but the additions of Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley could relegate Dorian Thompson-Robinson to the practice squad in 2024. Another team may covet his potential.
“QB trades are all about timing – having the right player available when an unexpected need arises,” said John Fox, former NFL head coach. “Teams must be proactive and have contingency plans, as one injury can drastically alter a season’s outlook.”
