NFL free agency 2022: Don’t need a quarterback
While four teams remain in the Super Bowl chase, most have turned their attention to NFL free agency and what’s available.
This is not the offseason to need a quarterback.
If your team is trying to upgrade under center, it’ll need to either trade for a known commodity such as Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo or Aaron Rodgers. Otherwise, it’s the proverbial dart at a board.
And while the draft isn’t expected to yield much in terms of top-tier quarterback prospects, NFL free agency in 2022 is only going to be worse.
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Looking at the field, it’s ugly stuff. Jameis Winston is clearly the best option, and he’s coming off a year in which he tore his ACL in October after taking over the starting job with the New Orleans Saints. In seven starts with New Orleans in 2021, Winston averaged less than 200 yards per game, becoming a shell of the risk-taker he was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but also neutering the big plays out of his arsenal.
Beyond Winston, it’s a mix of veterans with little left to offer and younger quarterbacks with no upside.
Of all the other choices, perhaps Teddy Bridgewater makes the most sense. He’s been on four teams in as many years, but is only 29 years old. Bridgewater isn’t a star, but he largely avoids mistakes and could stabilize a team in need of such play. Ironically enough, the Carolina Panthers come to mind. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also make sense if Tom Brady decides to retire this offseason.
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The second-best veteran option might be Tyrod Taylor, who at 32 years old has played good football for the Buffalo Bills in the past and this year, showcased some ability with the Houston Texans. Nobody would say Taylor is good enough to truly upgrade a contending team, but he can elevate a bad team trying to get out of the doldrums.
Then there’s Ryan Fitzpatrick, who after injuring his hip in Week 1 with the Washington Football Team is hitting free agency. Washington could bring him back to compete with Taylor Heinicke, or he could look for another opportunity.
Other names worth noting are Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, Jacoby Brissett and Marcus Mariota. Again, not ideal.
The upcoming NFL free agency period is going to be terrific, loaded with great players, but quarterback is a barren wasteland.
