Which Quarterbacks Changed Teams

Justin Fields, QB Jets

After an up-and-down start to his career with the Bears, Justin Fields played one season for the Steelers, starting for six games while Russell Wilson was hurt. He averaged 19.1 PPG during that time and led the Steelers to a 4-2 start. This offseason, Fields joined the Jets on a two-year, $40 million contract. The contract is one that gives the Jets flexibility. They’re hoping Fields takes a step up in play and becomes their franchise quarterback, but they’re not tied to a lot of money with him to find out. With the Jets, Fields will be playing behind the best offensive line of his career. He also has two great weapons in Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, although not much after that.

Geno Smith, QB Raiders

Geno Smith rejuvenated his career with the Seahawks after spending most of his career as a backup. While starting for Seattle, Smith averaged PPGs of 18.5, 15.7, and 16.5. Smith solidified himself as a top half of the league starter, but the Seahawks didn’t want to sign him to the contract he wanted. So, they traded Smith to the Raiders, where he got the contract he wanted, making 75$ million over two years. With the Raiders, Smith has what may already be the best tight end in the league with Brock Bowers, a solid wide receiver in Jakobi Meyers, and a potential superstar in rookie running back Ashton Jeanty.

Sam Darnold, QB Seahawks 

2024 was a career year for Sam Darnold, scoring 18.8 PPG, throwing for 4,319 yards, and 35 touchdowns with the Vikings. Darnold wasn't even meant to be the starter, but stepped up after JJ McCarthy’s injury. With the Vikings wanting to stick to their plan with McCarthy, they let Darnold walk into free agency. Darnold then signed with the Seahawks, replacing Geno Smith, under a three-year, $100 mil contract. It’s a clear step down in surroundings for Darnold. The coaching, weapons, and offensive line are all worse on paper than what he had in Minnesota. The Seahawks have made moves to try and improve said surroundings, but it’s still a downgrade for Darnold.

Aaron Rodgers, QB Steelers

In his first full season with the Jets, Aaron Rodgers had a tumultuous year. For much of the season, Rodgers played uncharacteristically poorly, struggling to move the offense consistently and turning the ball over. As the season went on, his play improved, but not to the level we’d expect. His final numbers, throwing for just under 3,900 yards and 28 touchdowns while scoring 15.7 PPG, look better than his actual play. This offseason, after a drawn-out courtship, Rodgers finally signed with the Steelers on a one-year contract worth $13.65 million. The revamped pass catchers for the Steelers now include DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith, while George Pickens left for Dallas. In the backfield, Jaylen Warren represents a good receiving back as well.

Russell Wilson, QB Giants

Russell Wilson had a rollercoaster year in 2024. He started by missing the first six games due to injury. Then, during his first few starts, Wilson played well and helped the Steelers win games. But, to end the season, Wilson struggled and didn’t perform well. For the season, Wilson averaged 16.2 PPG. After joining the Giants on a one-year $10.5 million contract this offseason, Wilson is playing on his third team in as many seasons. His seat as the Giants’ starter isn’t that comfy, though. I’m the NFL Draft, the Giants traded back up into the first round to draft Jaxson Dart to be their quarterback of the future. One of the big storylines of the season will be how long Wilson can hold off Dart.
 

 

 

How Scheme and Personnel Impact QB Fantasy Value

A quarterback’s situation can greatly influence their ability to play well. Just last year, we had a perfect example of this. Sam Darnold struggled for years with the Jets to break out despite his physical tools. Then, in 2024, he joined the Vikings, where he got to play behind a good offensive line with great weapons under one of the best systems in the NFL, and he thrived. Darnold had a career year.

On the opposite side, a poor situation can destroy a quarterback’s chances of being a fantasy value. Jimmy Garoppolo was a fairly efficient quarterback while he was in San Francisco, playing in a great system with even better weapons. When he left for the Raiders, Garoppolo didn’t come remotely close to repeating the success he had with the 49ers.

 

 


 

Quarterbacks with the Best Chance to Thrive in New Systems

  • Justin Fields - Finally behind a good offensive line, Fields has the potential to play the best football of his career. The question for him is if he can make a jump as a passer and/or if he’ll have another historic year as a rusher. Justin Fields is being drafted aggressively. If he hopes to outperform his ADP, he’ll need to do one of them.
  • Sam Darnold - The Seahawks have bolstered their offensive line and brought in a new offensive coaching staff to help their offense. Darnold is an underdog to repeat his 2024 season, but he could still be a value for his cost. With a powerful run game and heavy play action, Darnold could have an efficient year and be a stream-worthy quarterback.
  • Geno Smith - He’ll have a similar situation to what he had with the Seahawks in terms of offensive line and weapons, but now with the Raiders, Smith has a potential offensive system upgrade. Chip Kelly has historically had fast-paced offenses that produce fantasy points. Additionally, the Raiders play in a tough decision against top offenses. They might be playing catch-up a lot, leading to garbage time points.

 

 


 

Draft Tips for QBs in New Situations

Change can be scary in fantasy football. Continuity is comfortable and often desirable. Understanding which quarterbacks who’ve changed teams are in position to benefit will help you crush your fantasy drafts. Diagnosing a quarterback’s new situation to understand if it’s improved or worsened is vital. 

 

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