With The First Pick
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2021 NFL Draft: Patriots and other dark horse teams in quarterback market

By Jelani Goodridge-Reid

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 29: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots throws the ball during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Gillette Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 29: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots throws the ball during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Gillette Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL Draft
Colts could target a QB in 2021 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have one of the most underrated rosters in the NFL and are currently in a tight race with the Titans for this year’s AFC South title. After playing his whole career with the Chargers, Philip Rivers signed a one-year, $25 million deal with Indianapolis in the offseason. Even though the Colts are a dark horse in the AFC, Rivers has looked considerably older at times, being unable to do perform like he used to in his prime.

No one will be surprised if he calls it quits somewhere within the next two seasons. Furthermore, Rivers is expected to undergo foot surgery following the 2020 campaign, according to Ian Rapoport. As we see Rivers’ decline, mostly due to age, one must wonder how far this team could go if they had a younger gifted passer.

With plenty of experts believing they’re ‘a quarterback away’ from being even more dangerous, we’ll see if the Colts are open to looking into the future after their future Hall of Famer retires.

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9. Carolina Panthers

Yes, the Panthers just signed Teddy Bridgewater in free agency. He’s played well when available and Carolina is usually competitive in every game they’ve played this year. The issue is his health. Bridgewater has missed time this season due to an MCL sprain and we all know about his dreadful knee injury he had back in Minnesota.

The upside Bridgewater has is there. He’s capable of being a starting quarterback of a playoff team. In spite of this, there are plenty of concerns when it comes to Bridgewater being able to actually play a full season. He also isn’t necessarily a ‘star’ nor considered to be one of the best passers in the game. At this time, Carolina might not consider him to be the franchise leader moving forward.

Next. Kinnan’s quarterback rankings featuring rise of Mac Jones. dark

Former XFL star P.J. Walker, who has ties with head coach Matt Rhule from their time at Temple, is one a good option at backup along with Will Grier. As the Panthers look to turn the corner given their franchise’s reboot, it’s not impossible for them to seriously consider an upgrade with a more talented passer like Zach Wilson or Trey Lance if they’re still on the board. They can only go so far with Bridgewater as their guy but, the sky is the limit with a potential new star under center given the talent on offense.

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