The game of football continues to evolve from year to year as teams look to mirror themselves to the other great teams around the NFL. Currently the biggest trend that is appearing with some of the top teams around the NFL is the excellent play by their young mobile quarterbacks. These guys have the ability to not only turn a busted play into a big play with their ability to extend the play but also with their speed to make a play out of nothing. This is how the Kansas City Chiefs have had success over the past two seasons including winning this past year’s Super Bowl behind the play of All-Pro quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes who missed time during the 2019 NFL season with a knee injury showcased his ability to make plays on nearly every Chiefs possession down the stretch and during the championship run. This success earned Mahomes a mammoth contract this offseason worth up to $503m over ten years. With Mahomes wrapped up for the long haul in Kansas City, the big buzz around the NFL is what other quarterbacks are the next to land long term deals to secure them with their current organizations?
Here is a look at the top 3 quarterbacks that could land the next big pay and be the next Patrick Mahomes.
1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback is in line for a huge pay day for himself after leading the team to the best record in the NFL in 2019 while taking home the league’s MVP award. In just two seasons in the NFL, Jackson has led the Ravens to back to back playoff appearances while showcasing his playmaking abilities for most of each of those two seasons. If Jackson can continue to improve his accuracy during the 2020 NFL season much like he had from 2018 to 2019 (58.2% in 2018 to 66.1% in 2019) his passing stats should increase and the Ravens success in the playoffs should improve. Look for Jackson to land a new deal soon to make him the second highest paid quarterback in the NFL.
2. DeShaun Watson, Houston Texans
The argument could be made for a wide range of quarterbacks to land one of the top three spots in regards to contracts. That said, the Houston Texans quarterback might be one of the most important players to any team around the NFL and it is very easy to see when he is either struggling or has been off the field due to injuries. Over the past two seasons Watson has thrown for at least 3,800 yards to go with 28 touchdown passes. While he has yet to win a big game, the team’s success in the playoffs have been in large part due to their ability to make plays in the running game and on the defensive side of the ball.
3. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
One name that might get looked over the most is the Buffalo Bills young quarterback Josh Allen. Allen who took a huge stride forward in 2019 in nearly every passing statistic including passing yards (3,089), touchdown passes (20) and deduction in interceptions (12 in 2018 to 9 in 2019), has the heart and dedication to be a long time quarterback in the NFL. His success on the field helped the Bills make the playoffs in 2019 and has them as the favorite to win the AFC East in 2020.
In the end, the success of these teams in 2020 will come down to the health and play of their young quarterbacks. If these young quarterbacks stay healthy in 2020, the AFC picture could see their team race to the Super Bowl.
Let us know who you think will be the next Patrick Mahomes.