Based on that criteria, at least half the teams in the league have a franchise QB. I think the list should be a little more exclusive.
I guess it boils down to how you define a "franchise QB."
To me, it's just another way of saying, "He's our guy." Or, "That position is locked up." The team isn't looking to spend a R1 pick or big money on a FA QB. What's the old expression, "if you've got two QBs, you've got none?" Well, this is the opposite of that, I guess.
Obviously, you've got the elite of that group (i.e. Peyton, Beardy, Ben (I think I'd put him in this group now), maybe you could make an argument for one or two more...) and then you've got the rest of the franchise guys (i.e. McNabb, Eli, Brees, Rivers, Cutler, Romo, Rodgers...maybe Hasselbeck, Bulger and depending on who you talk to Cassell...then, you've got the young guys that
look like they might move into this group in the next year or two, but it's too early to tell...Ryan, Flacco.
Looking at it that way, I guess you can say about half the league has one. And, I'd be willing to bet if that any of those franchise QBs (Tier One or Two) listed were in Cutler's shoes, they'd probably react the same way.
Rookie HC comes in, hasn't even met me yet and already he's lookin' to move me so he can trade for his guy from NE? A guy that he's openly admitted to my face he wants??
Again, personally, I'd be fucking pissed too. I can't necessarily say that I'd demand a trade though. I'd go out and play my ass off to prove to this noob HC that he was wrong to doubt me. Then, when it's time to talk contract, I'd tell 'em to go scratch and sign with a rival.
