How 2022 NFL quarterback market will affect Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers
By Peter Panacy
NFL teams needing a QB vs. teams that ‘could’ get a QB
There are far more teams in need of a quarterback in contrast to starting-level quarterbacks who’ll be potentially available this offseason.
There are different levels of “need,” of course, but let’s try classifying which teams out there should be considered desperate in terms of seeking out a starting-caliber signal-caller for 2021:
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Denver Broncos
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New Orleans Saints
- Carolina Panthers
The Steelers and Bucs just watched Hall of Fame-caliber quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady retire, respectively, while the Broncos need to upgrade over Teddy Bridgewater in a bad way if they’re going to compete in an uber-competitive AFC West.
Sure, those teams could follow the path of both the Saints and Panthers last season, going by the way of a cut-rate quarterback. But it wouldn’t exactly be the smartest of short-term plays.
However, there are other teams who could easily be looking for long-term upgrades and/or replacement options, all of which could shake up the market considerably:
- Miami Dolphins
- Cleveland Browns
- Indianapolis Colts
- Houston Texans
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
- New York Giants
- Atlanta Falcons
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Seattle Seahawks
Note this last bunch of teams.
Keep them in mind as we explore what the easy-to-get options are at quarterback this offseason via the NFL Draft and free agency, further explaining why it’s a seller’s market.