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Last season: 11-5, lost in Wildcard round.
Starters: Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Ryan Lindley
Many teams fall under the umbrella of the "a quarterback away" idea, but no team quite epitomizes that like the Arizona Cardinals. After losing Carson Palmer for the season with a torn ACL, they then lost Drew Stanton for what would be the remainder of the season, which forced Ryan Lindley to the starting job. At age 35, Palmer doesn't look to be quarterbacking the Cards much longer, Stanton is clearly not the answer, and Lindley was flat out awful in his two starts. The Cardinals will no doubt be looking for a franchise quarterback in the upcoming draft. Fajardo would come into a great situation where he could learn behind a good quarterback for a few seasons while he transitions into the NFL lifestyle, and then be able to take over as starter when Palmer retires/leaves.
Last season: 12-4, lost in Divisional Round
Starter: Peyton Manning
Everyone knew that when the Broncos signed Peyton Manning in 2011 that he was merely a rental quarterback that could get the mile high club a legitimate chance at a third Super Bowl. This past season, it became appallingly evident that Manning's time is coming, and it's coming fast. Brock Osweiler, the Broncos 2010 second round pick, is currently in position to be the heir to the very temporary throne of Manning, but many question if he is indeed a legitimate starting quarterback.
If the organization doesn't believe he is, bringing in Fajardo would allow him to learn behind one of the greatest to ever play the position for a few years, such as Montana and Young, Brady and Garoppolo etc. Fajardo is already used to playing in the high altitudes and arid climate of Reno, Nevada, so he would not have an issue with that. Denver's incredible arsenal of weapons would only help a young quarterback develop, as their ability to get open would benefit their decision making.
Last season: 12-4, playing in Super Bowl XLIX
Starter: Tom Brady
I know what you're saying. "Why would they do that? They drafted Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round last season! They already love him! He's the heir to Brady!" Yes, yes, trust me, I know. But New England has quite the reputation of producing NFL quarterbacks, as three former Patriots started a game in the NFL this season (Matt Cassel, Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett).
Also, when Brady does retire, and the starting job is handed to Garoppolo, the incumbent backup will need a backup himself. Every quarterback in the draft can't start, and the NFL needs backups. Many times, backups spend more time in the NFL than high pick quarterbacks that are expected to start immediatly. For example, former UConn QB Dan Orlovsky has spent nine seasons in the NFL, while only getting 12 career starts. Developing as a backup or third string quarterback in New England could eventually lead to a starting job later down the road.
Last season: 9-7, missed playoffs
Starter: Alex Smith
After former Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick took Smith's job in San Francisco, Smith was traded to Kansas City. Wouldn't it be fitting if another Nevada quarterback came and took his job again? Many consider Smith to be just a game manager, not capable of being a good NFL quarterback.
Along with this, former Nevada Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Chris Ault works as a consultant to the team. Ault, who recruited Fajardo, coached him for two years at Nevada before leaving. Could we see a reunion?
Last Season: 10-6, missed playoffs
Starters: Nick Foles, Mark Sanchez
The Eagles look to be one of many teams in the NFL with a quarterback going into a make-or-break season. Nick Foles was unspectacular this season before getting injured, and being replaced by Mark Sanchez.
The "Chip Kelly Offense" requires the right quarterback to run it, and there are rumors that the Eagles are looking to move on from Nick Foles. Whether or not Foles gets moved, it does not look like he will be in Philadelphia for the long haul. If the Eagles look to the draft for a quarterback, Cody Fajardo could interest them, as his athleticism could work well in Kelly's college-style offense.