5 NFL QBs who may be benched midseason in 2023 ft. Baker Mayfield

NFL starting QBs who may be benched in 2023

#3 - Baker Mayfield

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield

Following the retirement of Tom Brady, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in dire need of a QB. They turned to a polarizing figure in Baker Mayfield, who looks likely to start ahead of Kyle Trask.

However, Mayfield hasn't been good for anyone since his early days with the Cleveland Browns, and will have his work cut out with a rebuilding Buccaneers franchise.

Mayfield was below par for both the Carolina Panthers and LA Rams in 2022, passing for just 10 touchdowns against eight picks. If he keeps this form up, he'll definitely be benched before the year is out.

#2 - Jimmy Garoppolo

New Las Vegas Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo

The Las Vegas Raiders made a splash during the 2023 offseason, when they replaced long-time QB Derek Carr with former San Francisco 49ers man Jimmy Garoppolo.

Garoppolo was a solid starter with the 49ers, but struggled with injuries during his time there. He played an entire season just twice, and was outshone by rookie Brock Purdy in 2022, who usurped him in San Fran.

Garoppolo was signed to a three-year, $67.5 million contract by the Raiders, but they also drafted rookie QB Aidan O'Connell with their fourth-round pick this year. This may be due to Jimmy G's injury history, but is also a lack of confidence in their supposed franchise QB.

#1 - Mac Jones

Patriots QBs Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe and Trace McSorley

New England Patriots QB Mac Jones may be in his final year to prove he can lead the franchise into the future. Replacing Tom Brady was always going to be difficult for the Patriots, but Jones was nowhere near good enough in 2022.

He passed for just 14 touchdowns against 11 picks in 14 starts last term, and was outshone by rookie Bailey Zappe when Jones missed time with injury.

Zappe took the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers to overtime, and won both of the games he played the entirety of. Could he replace Mac Jones as the starter in 2023?