In recent years, the National Football League (NFL) has seen an increase in the number of teams utilizing quarterback trade-ups. A quarterback trade-up is when a team trades up in the draft to select a quarterback they believe can be a franchise cornerstone. This strategy has become increasingly popular as teams look to find the next great quarterback to lead their franchise.
The most notable example of a team utilizing a quarterback trade-up was the Washington Redskins in 2012. The Redskins traded up four spots in the draft to select Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick. Griffin had an impressive rookie season, winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and leading the Redskins to the playoffs.
Other teams have also utilized quarterback trade-ups in recent years. The Cleveland Browns traded up to select Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick in 2018. The New York Jets traded up to select Sam Darnold with the third overall pick in 2018. The Arizona Cardinals traded up to select Josh Rosen with the tenth overall pick in 2018. The Buffalo Bills traded up to select Josh Allen with the seventh overall pick in 2018.
The success of these quarterbacks will determine whether or not teams continue to utilize quarterback trade-ups. If these quarterbacks prove to be successful, it could lead to more teams utilizing this strategy in future drafts. However, if these quarterbacks fail to live up to expectations, it could lead to teams being more hesitant to use this strategy in future drafts.
It is clear that quarterback trade-ups are becoming increasingly popular in the NFL. Teams are willing to give up valuable draft picks in order to select a quarterback they believe can be a franchise cornerstone. The success of these quarterbacks will determine whether or not this strategy continues to be utilized by teams in future drafts.
