2021 quarterback class sets worrisome precedent ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

As ESPN's Adam Schefter noted, four of the five quarterbacks selected in 2021 have already been traded. Prior to Wilson's trade, the Bears sent Justin Fields to the Steelers, while the Patriots traded Mac Jones to the Jaguars.

Before the start of the 2023 season, the 49ers traded Trey Lance to the Cowboys. 

That's a worrisome precedent that teams in the market for a quarterback during the 2024 NFL Draft will try to avoid. But if it was that easy, the Jets, 49ers, Bears and Patriots wouldn't have erred three years ago.

Teams such as the Giants, Vikings, Broncos and Raiders are considered potential candidates to trade up, but they may feel less inclined to do so based on recent history.

The Bears, Commanders and Patriots, widely predicted to take quarterbacks with the first three picks, will by no means be in the clear after making their selections.

Quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy are viewed as Day 1 options, while Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. may also sneak into the first round. 

However, as the 2021 class demonstrates, there's a distinct possibility several might not finish their rookie contract with the team that drafted them.