Odds to Be Starting QB in 2020 for Newton, Trubisky, Bridgewater & Winston
- A handful of high-profile quarterbacks don’t have guaranteed starting spots for the 2020 season
- Former NFL MVP Cam Newton was limited to just two games last season due to a foot injury
- The Chicago Bears’ Mitchell Trubisky saw his passer rating fall from 95.4 in 2018 to 83.0 in 2019
Looking ahead to the 2020 NFL season, there are many notable quarterbacks whose situations are unsettled.
Among those uncertain of being starters in Week 1 are Cam Newton, Mitchell Trubisky, Teddy Bridgewater, and Jameis Winston. Online sportsbooks have posted odds on each member of that quartet being a starter in Week 1.
Odds To Start Week 1 of 2020 Season
| Players | Yes Odds | No Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Trubisky (Bears) | -500 | +300 |
| Cam Newton (Panthers) | -150 | +110 |
| Teddy Bridgewater (Saints/free agent) | -120 | -120 |
| Jameis Winston (Buccaneers/free agent) | +150 | -200 |
Odds taken Feb. 5.
As evidenced by their odds to start circa Nov. 7, 2019, the chances for Newton and Trubisky have shifted significantly, while Bridgewater and Winston have stayed put.
Newton Coming Off Lost Season
Newton and the Carolina Panthers both had lost seasons in 2019. Newton did not play after Week 2 because of a Lisfranc injury in his left foot and the Panthers dropped their last eight games to finish 5-11.
Though backups Kyle Allen and Will Grier were found wanting, it still seems doubtful Newton will be back next season. Newton, himself, begs to differ.
"Are you going to be back in Carolina, are you sure you're going to be a Panther?" – @BrandonTierney
"Absolutely, absolutely." – Cam Newton pic.twitter.com/H9hg35eVKp
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) January 31, 2020
The Panthers are clearly going into rebuilding mode under new coach Matt Rhule following the loss of tight end Greg Olsen and linebacker Luke Kuechly. Furthermore, the 30-year-old Newton would count $21 million against the salary cap in 2020 but just $2 million in dead money if he is released.
Many enticing quarterbacks are available in the draft and the Panthers certainly could choose one at No. 7. They could also head into 2020 planning to tank for a high draft pick. The 2021 QB class includes a certain red-headed Heisman Trophy favorite who plays nearby.
The pick on Cam Newton: No (+110)
Trubisky Slips in Third Year
Trubisky looked entrenched as the Chicago Bears’ quarterback following a 12-4 season in 2018 that included winning the NFC North title. The Bears’ decision to draft Trubisky second-overall in 2017 ahead of Patrick Mahomes and DeShaun Watson didn’t look quite so bad after all.
However, the Bears slipped to 8-8 last season and Trubisky’s passer rating fell from 95.4 in 2018 to 83.0; he completed just 63.2 percent of his attempts for 3,138 yards and 17 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.
We present to you an alternate universe:
The Bears selected Patrick Mahomes as their QB while the chiefs take Mitchell Trubisky
Mahomes In his third year with the Bears has been struggling while a young Mitchell and the chiefs have just won the Super Bowl
— Bears Nation (@BearsNationCHI) February 3, 2020
The Bears don’t have a ready-made replacement on their roster – Chase Daniel was their No. 2 signal caller last season – and would have to go to free agency to find a starter. Most likely, they’ll bring a veteran to training camp to at least push Trubisky.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, it seems likely Trubisky will get one more shot to show he is the long-term solution under center. He is still just 25 and the Bears did invest the second-overall pick in the 2017 draft to select him from North Carolina, passing over Mahomes and Watson, as mentioned.
The pick on Mitchell Trubisky: Yes (-500)
Bridgewater Bolsters Value
Speaking of free agents, Bridgewater will hit the market after spending the past two seasons as Drew Brees’ backup with the New Orleans Saints.
Bridgewater set up himself up for a nice payday after guiding the Saints to a 5-0 record while Brees was sidelined with a torn ligament in his right thumb. In nine games overall, Bridgewater had a 99.1 passer rating, a 67.9 percent completion rate, 1,384 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions.
Speculation has been tamped down about Brees possibly retiring and going into broadcasting. Thus, with no clear path to a starting job in New Orleans, the 27-year-old Bridgewater will almost certainly be switching teams this offseason.
It appears Bridgewater will be methodical in determining his destination.
Teddy Bridgewater on free agency: I don't make decisions with my heart https://t.co/YDgCZUwb9t
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 29, 2020
He started a combined 28 games for the Vikings in 2014 and 2015 and could be a good fit for many teams. The Bears and Panthers could be suitors along with the Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The pick: Yes (-120)
Winston Good and Bad
Of course, the Buccaneers won’t be looking for a quarterback if they re-sign Winston, whose rookie contract expires when the league calendar flips to 2020.
Winston is coming off a mixed bag of a season as the Buccaneers finished 7-9 in Bruce Arians’ first season as coach.
Winston led the NFL with 5,109 passing yards and threw 30 touchdowns passes. However, his 30 interceptions also topped the league and he finished with an 84.3 passer rating, just one-tenth of a point higher than the previous worst mark of his five-year career.
Jameis Winston was ROBBED of Defensive Player of the Year:
30 interceptions
6 pick sixes
3 fumbles#NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/PNSgQfId1R— Austin Brown (@austin_mcbrown) February 1, 2020
Arians has given mixed signals about Winston. He has praised the 26-year-old at times but also told reporters at the end of the year that the Buccaneers could win win with another quarterback.
That other QB is not currently on the roster; backup Ryan Griffin has thrown just four regular-season passes in his six-year career.
This might be the toughest call among the four quarterbacks on the list, but Winston’s career record is just 28-42 as a starter and he made nearly $21 million last season.
While Arians is a noted quarterback whisperer, look for the Buccaneers to spend their money on the defense, particularly trying to re-sign linebackers Shaquil Barrett and Jason-Pierre Paul and tackle Ndamukong Suh.
The pick: No (-200)
John Perrotto has been covering and writing about sports for various outlets for over 40 years. His work has appeared in the likes of USA TODAY, ESPN.com, SI.com, Forbes.com, The Associated Press, Baseball Digest, and more. John is based out of Beaver Falls, PA.
