NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
Many have forgotten the name of Josh Rosen. Just two years ago, the Arizona Cardinals traded up in the first round to select Rosen with the 10th overall pick. I was a big fan of his and thought he could be their franchise QB. However, things couldn’t have gone worse.
Besides Larry Fitzgerald, Rosen was surrounded by inferior weapons, and his offensive line was one of the worst in the league. Steve Wilks was fired after the season, and Kliff Kingsbury took over. He selected Kyler Murray with the first overall pick, and Rosen’s time in Arizona was over.
Miami was not any better, as they seemed set on tanking for Tua Tagovailoa. Ryan Fitzpatrick would be the Dolphins best bet as their backup, as he could help teach Tua the ropes. This once again leaves Josh Rosen on the outs.
Here are five teams that Rosen could end up on for the 2020 season.
1. New England Patriots
This would make the most sense, as New England is the most QB needy team. There already looks to be a QB competition between Stidham and Hoyer, so why not throw in Rosen. He was the most natural pocket passer in the 2018 draft and has a high football IQ. I believe he would be a great fit in New England’s system.
Patriots fans seem set on seeing what Stidham can do. However, I’d rather take a chance on a former top 10 pick than a second-year fourth-rounder.
My only worry here is Rosen has been known to have an “I’m smarter than you” personality. This would not go over well with Belichick, but after two bad years in the NFL, maybe Rosen can put his ego aside.
2. Indianapolis Colts
I am not sure how well Rivers will do in Indianapolis, but at the age of 38, he is not the long term answer. Rosen would benefit the most from a team that didn’t need him to play right away. Sitting and learning the system while Rivers has control in 2020, maybe the best situation for him.
Indianapolis has a great coaching staff that could groom him and give him support, which is something he didn’t have in Arizona or Miami.
The Colts also have a good offense core. They have one of the best offensive lines in the league, and their weapons are not bad either. T.Y. Hilton had an off-year in 2019 but has been a great WR in his eight-year career. I also have high hopes for rookie WR, Michael Pittman.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs signed Brady to a two-year fully guaranteed contract. However, they do not have a plan for life after Tom. Signing or trading for Rosen would be a smart move as he could sit and learn under the GOAT for two years.
He would also be learning under head coach Bruce Arians, who has worked with QBs like Carson Plamer, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, and Andrew Luck. I believe this would be the best situation for Rosen, but I am unsure if Tampa Bay would do it.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges made it very difficult for Pittsburgh to have faith that either of them could lead the Steelers after Ben is gone. This is why the Steelers should consider Rosen as Ben’s successor.
Much like Brady, Roethlisberger’s contract is up after 2021. This would give him two years to sit and learn under a future Hall of Fame QB. They also have a young receiving core that could grow with Rosen.
I am not sure how willing Ben will be to mentoring Rosen, as he has voiced his opinion before about bringing in another QB. He was upset when the Steelers took Rudolph in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft. Even if Roethlisberger doesn’t like it, I think Rosen would have a chance to be successful in Pittsburgh.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
I think Jacksonville is a realistic option for Rosen, but I don’t like the fit. He would come in and most likely compete with Minshew right away. I also don’t think they will give Rosen a fair shot. It would probably be the Miami situation all over again where he would have a year to prove himself, and if he doesn’t, he is out of a job.
I also don’t like the supporting cast that would be around Rosen. There is a good chance head coach Doug Marrone is fired if the Jags disappoint for another season. Overall, the Jags may like Rosen and want to give him a shot, but I think there are other places he would be better suited.
