With the 2022 NFL Draft now in the rear view, most teams have their quarterback quarters filled for next season. There are still a few veteran dominoes to fall, but with the offseason programs underway, most of the signs are set. That doesn’t mean we know exactly which 32 quarterbacks will start in Week 1, especially with several rookies set to contend for Opening Day duties.
With that in mind, here’s an early forecast of the likely 2022 QB starting contests:
Atlanta signed Mariota, 28, to a two-year deal before spending a third round on Ridder. Neither is too promising as a long-term successor to Matt Ryan. The former, who will essentially make money as a top-level starter, is what he is: mobile and experienced, but with physical and passing limitations. Being the new face, Ridder and his promoted intelligence and leadership offer more advantages. It would be a surprise if it doesn’t start sooner rather than later. However, Mariota has history with coach Arthur Smith, so he has the upper hand in terms of opening the year under center, especially for a team that lacks depth in the lineup.
Projected Week 1 starter: Marco Mariota
Jones is set to audition for a new one-year contract regimen after the Giants turned down the former first-round pick’s fifth-year option, which would have locked him up until 2023. All signs point to Jones getting that audition. , even though Taylor, 32. , it costs about the same in the expensive endorsement deal from him. Truth be told, neither QB is particularly reliable these days. But at least with Jones, who is still only 24 years old, you can believe that a better staff and supporting cast will accentuate his athleticism.
Projected Week 1 starter: Daniel Jones
No matter how many changes they’ve made during the Matt Rhule regime, their QB room has remained ugly. Corral is a good bet as a third-round pick: a confident arm with good athleticism. But are we sure that Darnold, who is only a year older, doesn’t offer as much with his arm and legs? Maybe the fact that the latter has already been beaten in the NFL puts a dent in the positive side of him. Darnold is on track to open with the job for experience alone, but after all his public and private talk of upgrading the position, we’d rather go with another late-night addition claiming the Opening Day title, therefore. ..
Projected Week 1 starter: Jimmy Garoppolo
Everyone thought Seattle had a big succession plan (Deshaun Watson? Malik Willis?) after dealing with franchise icon Russell Wilson, but no. Pete Carroll says they’re happy with the 31-year-old Smith, who briefly replaced Russ in 2021; and Lock, 25, who apparently liked getting out of college. We’re still not convinced, they’re totally uninterested in Baker Mayfield as an alternative, but we also wouldn’t be surprised if Carroll duplicated the old school run first approach with one of these backup level signal callers. . Smith is probably a little safer at this point in his career, while Lock offers more big-play talent on the arm, albeit a mercurial one.
Projected Week 1 starter: gene smith
Now we know why the 27-year-old Trubisky basically got high-end endorsement money in free agency. While he has the athleticism to give Pittsburgh possibly as much as Ben Roethlisberger did for much of 2021, the former Bears QB was never going to be the Steelers’ only option at center. (It’s evident from his actions that they already know what Mason Rudolph is: an endorsement.) Trubisky’s experience in the NFL may land him the Opening Day job, but Pickett literally knows the Steelers’ facility and their overall combination of consistent accuracy and athleticism should make him a fan and staff favorite since. the beginning.
Projected Week 1 starter: Kenny Pickett
This is probably the most fraudulent “competition” of all the battles listed here, only because Houston (somewhat inexplicably) hitched its 2022 wagon to Mills, the former third rounder. Sure, he was relatively prepared as a rookie, but after making Jeff Driskel a tight end, only Allen, the former Panthers and Washington backup, was added as insurance. They will most likely return to the QB hunt in 2023. For now, Mills’ job is to lose.
Projected Week 1 starter: davis mills
Other QB situations to monitor
- Commanders: Carson Wentz is definitely the guy in Washington, but if injuries or poor play cause a big disruption, both Taylor Heinicke and fifth-round rookie Sam Howell bring plenty of energy off the bench.
- Dolphins: New coach Mike McDaniel is clearly interested in getting the most out of Tua Tagovailoa, but if the results aren’t there, or injuries crop up, Teddy Bridgewater has enough experience to merit an extended look from his staff, even if he’s already proven himself. that is the best. suitable as No. 2.
- 49ers: It’s Trey Lance’s time, but starting starter Jimmy Garoppolo has an extremely limited trade market after surgery. If they can’t find a suitor, could they (and he) negotiate a pay cut to stay as Lance’s backup?
- titans: Ryan Tannehill is locked in as a starter, but he’s expendable after the 2022 season, and he may well have already reached his ceiling as QB for this team. If he falls on a losing streak, they have a raw but electric Malik Willis waiting in the wings.