The Eagles’ 2023 NFL offseason is in full swing, and as Howie Roseman retools a roster that’ll look entirely different on defense, we’re looking at a potential backup quarterback.
After two years of uncertainty, Jalen Hurts is the man in Philadelphia and the NFC after leading the franchise to its second Super Bowl appearance in the past five years.
An All-Pro and MVP Runner up, Hurts reset the market after agreeing to a five-year, $255 million contract extension.
Still, Philadelphia is in the business of developing quarterbacks, and with Marcus Mariota aging, Howie Roseman could look to add a young signal-caller to groom under Hurts.
With the first wave of NFL free agency now complete, and the draft just one week away, we’re looking at the potential late-round, undrafted free agent fits at quarterback.
Malik Cunningham, Louisville
The 6-foot-1 Cunningham is the Cardinals’ all-time total touchdowns leader with 120.
Cunningham logged 1,568 yards on 62.4 percent passing this season, adding 560 yards on the ground. He had 12,839 yards in college, ranking second to Lamar Jackson at Louisville.
Cunningham and Jackson share the school record of 50 rushing touchdowns.
Loved watching @LouisvilleFB play football these past couple years. Some very good players on both sides of the ball. Would gladly take QB Malik Cunningham as a dual threat QB. pic.twitter.com/M3zqu9qpTa
— Glenn Naughton (@JetsPicks) January 21, 2023
He is another player who does not have the passing consistency to be considered a priority late-round quarterback.
Rocky Lombardi, QB, Northern Illinois
The former Michigan State commit transferred to Northern Illinois.
Lombardi completed 67 percent of his passes in 2022 for 645 yards, five touchdowns, and an interception.
In 2021, he completed 58 percent of his passes for 2,597 yards, 15 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Logan Bonner, QB, Utah State
After transferring from Arkansas State, Bonner was solid in 2021, completing 61 percent of his passes for 3,628 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Oft-injured in 2022, Bonner has the arm talent to be a late-round sleeper in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Sean Clifford, QB, Penn State
Clifford is the most prolific passer in Penn State history, a true dual-threat quarterback, holding the records for passing yards (10,661) and passing touchdowns (86).
In his final game against Utah, Clifford had an MVP performance in the Rose Bowl, completing 16-22 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns.
His best season came in 2021 when Clifford completed 61 percent of his passes for 3,107 yards, 21 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He improved in 2022, connecting on 64 percent of his passes for 2,822 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Adrian Martinez, QB, Kansas State
Martinez completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,617 yards with 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions during his final season at Nebraska. Martinez flashed potential in a limited time with Kansas State in 2022.
Martinez could be a late-round or undrafted sleeper with backup potential.
Clayton Tune, QB, Houston
Tune is a big-armed quarterback with mobility and athleticism.
Tune finished the 2022 season with 4,074 yards passing, 40 touchdowns, and ten interceptions for the Cougars.
What a tight window throw from Clayton Tune #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/iFut21zqxD
— Tyler Browning (@DiabeticTyler) February 1, 2023
Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia
Bennett is accurate and solid against pressure with decent NFL arm strength.
Bennett guided the Bulldogs to back-to-back National Championships, and in 2022, he completed 68 percent of his passes for 4,127 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He connected on 65 percent of his throws for 2,862 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven picks in 2021.
Character concerns could cause Benentt to slide.
