During the NFL combine, GM Nick Caserio stated the team is going to be adding to the quarterback room potentially through both the draft and free agency. Currently, the only quarterback on the roster is Davis Mills, and it's obvious his time as the starter in Houston is up. In our two-part series, we'll look at two different scenarios. First, we'll look at free-agent quarterbacks to consider as starters, under the highly unlikely assumption that the team does not use the number two pick on a quarterback. Part two will look at veteran backups to consider where the number two pick is a quarterback.
Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders
Put simply, the Raiders did Carr wrong most of his career. He was the most stable and productive Raiders quarterback since Rich Gannon and was rewarded with constant coaching turnover and poor personnel decisions. He's an above-average quarterback, as he has a career completion percentage of 64.6%, 35,222 yards, 217 touchdowns, 99 interceptions, and a 91.8 QB rating. Perhaps he can fulfill the destiny that was supposed to belong to his older brother David when the franchise was first established.
Jimmy Garoppollo, San Francisco 49ers
Written off by the 49ers in favor of Trey Lance, he became the starter again early in the year after Lance's season-ending injury. Garoppollo has done one thing consistently his entire career, and that's win football games. His career record is 40-17, and between him and Brock Purdy, the 49ers' season was saved. He already has chemistry and familiarity with both Head Coach DeMeco Ryans and Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowick. If a veteran starter is the route Houston wants to go, Garoppollo is most likely the best option available.
Jacoby Brissett, Cleveland Browns
Jacoby Brissett has been a consistent top-tier backup and spot starter for most of his career. However, he had a quietly good season this year in Cleveland. The Browns were competitive in most of his starts, and it was statistically one of the best seasons of his career. With a strong running game and the right weapons around him, the potential is there for him to take the next step and be a full-time starter in the NFL.
Baker Mayfield, Los Angeles Rams
Baker came into the league hot, with his first three seasons the best of his career. He has shown regression and been injury prone over the past two seasons but is still a better option than other available quarterbacks like Wentz, Mariota, and Darnold. Geno Smith seems like a foregone conclusion to return to Seattle, and this would have been his spot if he was available.
If the Texans aren't sold on any of the quarterbacks in this draft and don't want to spend big-time money on Carr or Garoppollo, Baker Mayfield would be an intriguing option. A one-year prove-it deal to see if he still has it. If not, move on and draft the franchise QB in 2024.