This three-part series examines the perils of replacing a longtime franchise quarterback with respect to Bill Walsh’s famous sentiment: is it better to cut a player a year too early rather than a year too late? In the case of replacing beloved QBs nearing the end of their careers, is there an unequivocal model that works?
Part 1 of this series analyzed three cases where teams let their famous quarterback go on to achieve success with another team; in turn, allowing the successor to take the reins and forge their franchise’s new path. In Part 2, we examine the cases of teams who stuck with their star until his retirement, whether by choice or injury, and the success of the team thereafter.