NFL free agency has had some massive quarterback prizes in recent offseasons, including Kirk Cousins in 2018 and Tom Brady in 2020. There’s no such surefire franchise starter available in the 2022 class of free agent QBs, but there are some big names looking for some big third chances.
Before getting into some veteran bridge types and backups who tend to journey to different teams from one season to the next, there are some hopeful to get one last shot at erasing their label of first-round draft disappointment:
MORE: Ranking the 50 best NFL free agents for 2022
NFL free agency 2022: Quarterback rankings
1. James Winston, Saints (age: 28)
Winston was having a good, efficient first season as a starter in New Orleans replacing Drew Brees until he suffered a major knee injury (torn ACL) in Week 8, ending his 2021 at only seven games. The Saints will considering bringing him back but his continued recovery process complicates things for them and other teams with uncertain passing situations.
Winston, the No. 1 overall pick in 2015, still has a big arm, but his two years with Sean Payton were valuable in making him better protect the ball and play off the running game. Winston can turn into a high-upside bridge elsewhere.
Projected landing spot: Saints
2. Marcus Mariota, Raiders (age: 28)
Mariota, the No. 2 overall pick in 2015, had some flashes filling in for Derek Carr and also saw some wrinkle snaps as a dedicated rusher. With Las Vegas turning the page to Josh McDaniels to operate the team and the offense, Mariota will try to get into a more favorable spot to compete for a bridge starting gig, too.
He can help a team for sure with his athleticism but they also have to trust he can return some of his best efficiency he showed in his best days with the Titans.
Projected landing spot: Buccaneers
3. Mitchell Trubisky, Bills (age: 27)
Trubisky, the No. 2 overall pick in 2017, is getting a high level of manufactured buzz after only one year behind Josh Allen in Brian Daboll’s offense. He did further develop learning a dynamic passing scheme but there should some skepticism he can bump his play from his final struggles of the Bears.
There is enough talent there with his arm and athleticism to possibly be another Ryan Tannehill for a team with a good offensive support system. He might be safer as that type of option vs. Winston and Mariota.
Projected landing spot: Giants
4. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Commanders
Fitzpatrick is up to nine teams on his career punch card. Will he make it an even 10? He didn’t get a chance to do much with Washington’s offense because of a hip injury that wiped out his 2021 season. But he’s lasted 17 seasons because he is a quick fit in any system as a seasoned backup or bridge started as needed. Expect to him to return to one of his many former teams as a No. 2, perhaps replacing Trubisky behind Allen.
Projected landing spot: Bills
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5. Teddy Bridgewater, Broncos (age: 29)
Bridgewater resurrected his career, like Winston, getting into the Saints’ offense with Brees and Payton. He did OK back full-time starting with the Panthers and Broncos, but he is probably most useful as a seasoned backup going forward. He’s a good candidate to return to Denver behind someone not named Drew Lock.
Projected landing spot: Browns
6. Colt McCoy, Cardinals (age: 35)
He turned out to be a nice caretaker behind Kyler Murray last season in helping Arizona without its young franchise starter. McCoy has become a more athletic version of Fitzpatrick, as his previous stint was behind another 2019 first-rounder, Daniel Jones, with the Giants. He’s a prized backup who’s also good for the locker room.
Projected landing spot: Cardinals
7. Tyrod Taylor, Texans (age: 32)
He’s started to build a Fitzpatrick-like resume also with some Bills history. Taylor is up to five teams in 11 seasons. He’s also a backup and good fill-in bridge because of his experience, savvy and ability to adjust to different offenses. His running ability and big arm also help keep him around in decent spots. Taylor could end up anywhere he hasn’t already been.
Projected landing spot: Steelers
8. Andy Dalton, Bears (age: 34)
Dalton has been pressed into a lot of action in his two seasons away from the Bengals, starting 15 games combined for the Cowboys and Bears. He’s probably down to well-liked backup who provides a good locker-room presence given his winning experience. Dalton is just a bit more scheme-specific than the similar guys ranked above him.
Projected landing spot: Commanders
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9. Jacoby Brissett, Dolphins (age: 29)
Brissett, the former Colt and Patriot, was decent making 5 necessary starts for the Dolphins with Tua Tagovailoa injured. He’s OK as a dink-and-dunk caretaker playing off the rest of the offense with some good rushing skills, but he should be relegated to pure backup duty. Projected landing spot: Bears
10. Cam Newton, Panthers (age: 32)
Newton had some moments doing a throwback “Superman” act in Carolina, but the feelings of “I’m baaaaack!” quickly gave away to player with a lot of physical wear and tear and diminishing arm strength. Newton’s biggest remaining asset is his name, because he doesn’t have the ideal backup makeup. Projected landing spot: None
11. Joe Flacco, Jets (age: 37)
Flacco has accepted his backup status late in his career given he already has his Super Bowl ring and one big mega contract with the Ravens. He might be a good fit behind another young franchise QB a la Zach Wilson. Projected landing spot: 49ers