In the NFL, if you don’t have an efficient QB, you aren’t going to win many games. Which QBs could be on shaky ground in the 2023 season? For varying reasons, there are some quarterbacks who could be entering a very crucial year on their respective teams.
Whether it’s age, performance or something else, there may be a good number of quarterbacks who are on the hotseat, as some like to call it. Let’s focus in on three of these signal-callers as we enter the 2023 season.
2023 NFL Season: Which quarterbacks are on the hotseat?
Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos
I do not think anyone expected Russell Wilson to play as badly as he did in 2022. Between a lack of offensive identity, inept coaching, and devastating injuries, the Broncos were a mess in 2022, especially on offense.
Many now think that the nine-time Pro Bowler is way past his prime, but I think if anyone can revive Wilson’s career, it’s offensive guru Sean Payton. Payton doesn’t really have many connections to Wilson, so I think if he struggles in 2023, Payton, who has roster authority, might want to move on.
Mac Jones, New England Patriots
Mac Jones looked hilariously effective as a rookie and helped his team to 10 wins in 2021 and a berth in the playoffs. Things went very south in 2022, and rookie draft pick Bailey Zappe did look better in the offense than Jones did.
There’s also some rumors that Bill Belichick was not a fan of how Jones carried himself in 2022, so Jones could easily be on thin ice. I think if the Pats miss the playoffs and Jones isn’t that effective, the Patriots would not hesitate to cut ties with the QB.
Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love could end up being the best QB in the NFL in short time, but there is just so much unknown with him. I think that if Love can’t show some form of competence in 2023, the Packers will indeed cut ties. He is entering his fourth season in the NFL, so if he can’t put something together in 2023, he may never do it.
The Packers do have a good bit of solid players who are younger, so they may not want to hold out hope that Love can become a franchise signal caller if he doesn’t show it in 2023.
Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Bears’ GM Ryan Poles did not draft Justin Fields, but he did put enough pieces around him over the last couple of seasons to give him a fair chance to succeed. Fields did develop as a passer and a runner in 2022.
The 2023 NFL season is going to be the most important of Fields’ career. If he can’t take a step forward like many are projecting, the Bears could go in a different direction. Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have no ties to Fields, and maybe they’d have their eyes set on a different QB if Fields can’t put it together.
He’s got a much improved offensive line and, in all honestly, excellent weapons on offense to throw to. The ball is in his court now.