Quarterbacks have graced the NFL headlines ever since the Super Bowl ended.
Between the drafts, trades, and other dramatic stories, everyone is talking about NFL quarterbacks.
Another aspect of the discussion involves predicting who will have a breakout 2021 season.
Here are two quarterbacks who realistically could.
1. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns
Baker Mayfield‘s third season was his career-best.
However, there is still room for growth, and he would be the first one to admit it.
Never in his professional career has he had two seasons with the same coach.
Entering 2021 with reigning NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt offers Mayfield continuity he has never experienced before.
That’s why he is poised for a breakout year.
In addition to that, his offensive line did a great job protecting him last year, he has Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in his backfield, and Odell Beckham Jr. (if healthy), Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, and Donovan Peoples-Jones who can catch the ball and make big plays.
THE ROOKIE DONOVAN PEOPLES-JONES GAME WINNER🔥
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 25, 2020
Despite his successful 2020, Mayfield still receives mixed reviews from fans and media people.
Many don’t see him as a franchise quarterback, and Browns fans lobbied for the organization to seek out the disgruntled Aaron Rodgers to replace him.
I love Baker… but I’d take Rodgers in a heartbeat. #bakermayfield #aaronrodgers #cleveland #browns #clevelandbrowns pic.twitter.com/1pjXt9Wm2s
— That's #CLE Baby (@ThatsCLE) May 11, 2021
Mayfield knows his fifth-year option has been exercised so his future in Cleveland will last until at least 2023.
All of this will motivate Mayfield to come out and have a breakout season.
2. Carson Wentz, Indianapolis Colts
Carson Wentz was well on his way to being the NFL MVP after the 2017 season.
Had he not gotten injured and had to turn the ball over to Nick Foles, his career in Philadelphia likely would have been on a different trajectory.
Wentz was never the same player after Foles led the team to Super Bowl glory.
As bad as Carson Wentz was last year, he was a legit Top 10 QB the 3 previous years. And obviously Frank Reich believes in him. I will be more surprised if it doesn’t work out with the Colts than if it does.
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) May 18, 2021
One of the reasons why could be that his offensive coordinator during that season, Frank Reich, left to become the Indianapolis Colts head coach.
Reich admires and knows Wentz best so he is going to set him up for success.
No one really thinks that Wentz lost his skills.
Former #Vols tight end Jason Croom, who spent much of September on the Eagles’ practice squad, hauled in a touchdown from Carson Wentz this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/Qq4AqJ6SCH
— Ben McKee (@benmckee14) October 18, 2020
He likely lost confidence since it was obvious that the Eagles organization lost faith in him evidenced by the surprise draft pick of Jalen Hurts.
Wentz did not know or expect that to occur especially after just inking a long-term deal with the Eagles.
All of this is in the rearview mirror as Wentz leaves the harsh Philly fans (and media) behind for a quieter Midwest climate.
Expect a reinvigorated and renewed Wentz in 2021 with the horseshoe replacing the eagle on his helmet.
Summary
Though the article only lists two, there are several more quarterbacks that are due to have a breakout season.
Matthew Stafford, now with the Los Angeles Rams, is one to watch.
Another one is Sam Darnold who much like Wentz did not have the confidence or manpower on the New York Jets team to do what he is potentially capable of doing with the Carolina Panthers.
These two will be interesting to watch also this fall.
NEXT: 2 NFL Quarterbacks Poised For Regression In 2021
