A while ago, while commenting on this FanPost, I got into an argument with youALREADYknow about the chances of a QB drafted in the first round becoming a Franchise Quarterback. Part way through the argument, we realized that we weren't even using the same definition of what a Franchise Quarterback is. Then, in the latest Official Draft Thread, we ran into the exact same misunderstanding. As a result, I've decided to create a FanPost to ask everyone what a Franchise QB means to them, just to make sure we're all on the same page.

To me, "Franchise QB" has always been a short way of saying "a QB to build your franchise around." Based on that, I've come up with the following definition:

Franchise Quarterback: A Quarterback you can confidently build your franchise around without worrying that they might not pan out or wondering if you should look for an upgrade at the Quarterback position.

This definition not only includes the elite QBs like Peyton Manning, but also guys like Eli Manning and Matt Ryan. Is Eli Manning an elite Quarterback? No, and I don't know anyone who thinks he is. But on the other hand, you don't see any Giants fans wondering if their team should be looking for a new Quarterback. To me, that's a franchise QB right there.

On the other hand, youALREADYknow seems to use the term "Franchise QB" as a short way of saying "a QB who pretty much IS your franchise". This definiton would limit you to guys like Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers who you could plug into any lineup and immediately have a respectable team, or at least a respectable offense.

Which way do you use the term "Franchise QB"? Or do you use it to mean something entirely different? Let me know in the poll and/or the comment section.