Back in training camp, the Jacksonville Jaguars seemingly had less-than-ideal depth at quarterback. However, they probably waited until the preseason to see if any of their quarterback could take a step forward. The Jags might not have liked what they saw. Otherwise, they wouldn't have acquired Quinn Ewers from the Miami Dolphins just before cutdown day.
It was originally reported that Jacksonville had swapped Day 3 picks with the Phins in return for Ewers, but the team's PR department announced that the Jags got Ewers in return for a sixth-round selection in 2028. All things considered, it was a good deal.
The Jaguars got a quarterback with upside in exchange for just a Day 3 selection. This begs the question, who benefits from the trade? Who'll be affected the most? With this in mind, here are the biggest winners and losers from Ewers' arrival in Duval.
3 biggest losers from the Jaguars' trade for Quinn Ewers
Nick Mullens, Joey Aguilar, and Carter Bradley
Let's face it, the only Jaguars players who'll be affected by the Quinn Ewers trade are all their quarterbacks not named Trevor Lawrence. Nick Mullens was inconsistent in training camp and was underwhelming in the preseason opener. Although the former Southern Miss Golden Eagle played much better against the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he wasn't necessarily impressive.
Dating back to training camp, the Jaguars were being urged to bolster their quarterback room. Sure, the position won't be an issue unless Lawrence has to miss time, but the last thing the Jags want is to see an injury to him derail their season because they weren't prepared.
By trading for Ewers, the team's decision-makers are showing they're not confident Mullens can hold the fort in case Lawrence has to miss time. But it's also an indictment of Joey Aguilar and Carter Bradley.
If Jacksonville thought Aguilar or Bradley could replace Mullens as QB2, they would have simply moved on from Mullens and promoted either one. They didn't, and instead brougth in Ewers.
Given that the Jaguars gave up a draft pick for Ewers, it's fair to think that he'll get the roster over Mullens, Bradley, and Aguilar. Next, it will be interesting to see whom Jacksonville keeps on the practice squad.
2 biggest winners from the Jaguars' trade for Quinn Ewers
Liam Coen, head coach
Just like the Quinn Ewers trade won't affect any players negatively, it won't have a positive impact either. Trevor Lawrence remains the starter, and that won't change with the arrival of the former Texas Longhorn.
You could make the case that the biggest winner of the trade is Liam Coen, since he'll get a developmental prospect to work with. In Ewers, the second-year head coach will get a reclamation project that could confirm his status as a quarterback whisperer.
Back in college, Coen got the most out of Will Levis. He did the same for Matthew Stafford and Baker Mayfield with the Los Angeles Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively. Trevor Lawrence was next, and he could help Ewers build his stock.
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James Gladstone, general manager
Since taking over the Jaguars, general manager James Gladstone hasn't hesitated to address any roster holes with trades. He did it last year with wide receivers Jakobi Meyers and Tim Patrick. He also acquired cornerback Greg Newsome and defensive tackle.
Now, Gladstone doesn't have a perfect track record, but his willingness to roll the dice should be commended. If Ewers ends up developing into a viable NFL quarterback, he'll be lauded for pulling the trigger.
For the time being, acquiring Quinn Ewers seems like a move that fixes an immediate need and could have a benefit long-term. And if Ewers doesn't pan out, Gladstone can simply move on from him.
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