What Factors Should an NFL General Manager Consider Before Paying a Quarterback?
So, you’re an NFL GM and thinking of doling out big bucks to a star quarterback? Hold your horses! Before you break out that fat checkbook, let’s chat about the nitty-gritty factors that could make or break your team’s future. Every NFL GM has to weigh these facets carefully.
Wins Tell The Tale
First off, let’s talk wins. It’s the one metric that truly matters when the stadium lights are on, and the fans are making more noise than a rock concert. Winning isn’t just about talent—it’s about the chemistry, gumption, and sheer will to succeed. If your QB isn’t racking up W’s, all those passing yards and slick moves mean diddly-squat.
Take Patrick Mahomes, for example. He’s not just a stat machine; the man’s got rings to prove he’s worth every penny. Four Super Bowls in five years? That’s the stuff legends are made of.
Production Over Flash
Don’t get distracted by a few flashy games. Consistent production is where it’s at. Stats should back up that fat contract you’re considering. Look at Joe Burrow. Despite some health concerns, his numbers don’t lie. Highest completion percentage in league history—even with a shaky O-line and injury woes. The guy’s got accuracy and efficiency that rivals the best, including Mahomes.
Health Is Wealth
No one wants to gamble on a QB with a medical chart thicker than a dictionary. Health is paramount. You need someone reliable, like Josh Allen, who hasn’t missed a game since his rookie season. Fifty-one touchdowns last year? Ten more than any other QB. The guy’s a tank, plain and simple.
Elevate Others or Go Home
A great quarterback makes everyone around him better. It’s not just about personal stats but lifting the entire team. Look at Lamar Jackson. The Ravens QB has the second-highest winning percentage in the league, trailing only Mahomes. He’s undeniably an asset, especially when you factor in his dual-threat capabilities. Sure, his postseason resume isn’t as stellar, but he’s still a game-changer.
The Young Guns Deserve Attention Too
Don’t sleep on the young guns either. Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Stroud are prime examples. Lawrence, despite some turnovers, has shown he can haul his team through the mud and come out clean on the other side. Two back-to-back 4000-yard seasons? Now, that’s something to bank on.
C.J. Stroud, on the other hand, impressed everyone in his rookie season. The kid’s accuracy and poise are off the charts, becoming the first rookie with over 4,000 yards passing and a passer rating over 100. That kind of talent can only get better with time.
Boosting Team Morale
Jordan Love may not have a massive track record yet, but his statistical turn was impressive enough to make people sit up and take notice. Take Week 10 onwards, where he outshined veterans like Dak Prescott. Walking into Dallas and showcasing such poise and accuracy? That’s confidence you can build a team around.
The Veteran Edge
Veterans aren’t out of the game yet. Matthew Stafford, despite age worries, has an arm that could thread a needle from 50 yards away. His ability to run an offense under pressure is nearly unmatched, making him an invaluable asset in high-stakes situations.
Humor and Camaraderie in Decision Making
It’s not all business, though. Any locker room worth its salt thrives on camaraderie and a little humor. Jared Goff led the Detroit Lions to their first NFC Championship in 33 years, proving that even ‘sad-sack’ teams can rise. Sure, he’s not mobile, but hey, every winning team needs a good laugh, right?
Wrapping Your Head Around It All
Before you go writing up that contract, evaluate these factors. Wins, production, health, and the ability to elevate others could spell legacy or lament for your team. Remember, in the grand theater of the NFL, it’s these well-rounded characters who can play the lead role and bring home the trophy.
So the next time you’re sitting in that swanky office, pen in hand and checkbook open, keep these gems in mind. It’s not just about the Benjamins; it’s about building a legacy.
