These five NFL quarterbacks have a chance to turn heads in 2022, either for a new deal or for respect in the league.
5. Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers
Lance is on the list for his potential, but it’s unclear whether he’ll even be starting, or if Jimmy Garoppolo will stay in the role for another season. If Lance does start, he has talent around him with the best left tackle in football with Trent Williams, a star tight end in George Kittle and the league’s most well-rounded weapon in Deebo Samuel. Lance can show he was worth a top-three overall pick, or the concerns will only grow about his abilities.
4. Zach Wilson, New York Jets
The Jets desperately need to find an answer at quarterback, and after taking Wilson out of BYU at No. 2 overall, he was supposed to be that guy. However, after a tough rookie season, there’s ample pressure on the sophomore to make something happen. General manager Joe Douglas added talent in tight end C.J. Uzomah and rookie receiver Garrett Wilson. Now Wilson has to prove he’s not the bust some believe he’ll be after an uneven first campaign.
3. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Murray has been angling for a lucrative extension all offseason, and if he’s going to get top-dollar, it starts now. The Cardinals are full of offensive weaponry with receivers DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, Hollywood Brown and Rondale Moore. If Murray can stay healthy and utilize those options, he’s capable of throwing for 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns. If he can do that, and win a playoff game, he should get that new deal.
2. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders
Carr is in the best position of his career. The veteran is trying to get his first playoff win, and he has a chance after the Raiders went out and traded for his former college teammate, receiver Davante Adams. Las Vegas also added edge rusher Chandler Jones to compliment Maxx Crosby, giving them a terrific tandem. While the AFC West is brutal, Carr should be able to put up huge stats and potentially find postseason success.
1. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Nobody has a bigger opportunity than Tagovailoa, who could be facing his last year in Miami with a significant jump in stats. The Dolphins went out and landed star receiver Tyreek Hill to pair with Jaylen Waddle and tight end Mike Gesicki. Miami is hopeful for a playoff push, and if the third-year quarterback doesn’t step up, it could be time to move on — fair or not — in South Beach.
