I know it might seem like the front office is making a series of dumb decisions and panic moves at the QB position. I think by and large they are taking calculated risks and giving themselves quick exits if things don't work out.
Cutting Cam was a calculated risk. Hard to say if he would have outplayed Teddy B if he had stayed here. He was seen by pratically everyone as a huge medical risk. Had he shown any improvement from the previous two injury plagued years, we would have had pressure to sign him to a significant contract despite the spectre of a season ending injury to a high mileage QB.
We signed Teddy to a conract that gave him a chance to show himself to be either a bridge starter or a franchise QB. They weren't blind to his shortcomings. I am sure they thought they could coach him out of his risk adverse ways. He clearly showed them that he cannot overcome his instincts. Sucks for us, but his contract is not going to drag us down for years to come. After one season, the front office knew they had to cut their losses and find a better option at QB.
We were in the mix for Stafford because he cerrtainly would have been an upgrade on what we had on the roster. That would have been a good signing but we were left at the altar.
We were seen as the most aggressive suitor of Watson and I believe we could have gotten it done despite the cost had he not found himself in his current predicament.
We then turned our attention to the draft. For awhile I think we would have been okay with drafting the 4th QB off the board at the 8th spot, but then other teams started making moves. The current landscape does not favor us if the chips fall as predicted. We don't want to give up a ransom in draft capital to move up and snag the 4th or 5th best prospect of unproven QBs.
So we sign Darnold to another short term contract. Darnold would have been in the mix of the top 5 QBs in this class. He has talent. He's been tutored under a horrible coaching staff, and he has had little help on the offense to this part of his career. Again, anoher short term risk that didn't cost too much if he turns out to be they guy.
I'm glad to see the front office hustling to improve our QB situation. Even if Darnold doesn't work out, I see them working at it.