2022 Free Agent Rankings: Quarterback

Just because we’ve moved on to the NFL playoffs doesn’t mean the fantasy football season is over. In fact, there are all kinds of action still taking place in a hobby that has truly become a 24/7, 365-day lifestyle for many.

For those still clamoring for football action now, the Mike Tagliere Memorial Playoff Challenge is a fun and free way to give to a great cause. There is also the FFWC Playoff Draft World Championship and the Maui Madness Pick ‘Em league to keep football fanatics invested in the NFL postseason.

For season-long and dynasty players, preparing for the next season is always an integral part of being proactive, and previewing the upcoming free-agent class can be quite beneficial.

In Part One of our 2022 NFL free agent rankings, we will look at the most important position, the quarterbacks.

Jameis Winston – Winston was easily the best quarterback the Saints were able to utilize in a frustrating season but was limited to just seven games. Overall, Winston had a nifty 14-to-3 TD-to-INT ratio and ranked 16th in average fantasy points per game. He certainly played well enough to attract plenty of offers to be an NFL starter but the biggest problem for a return to New Orleans is the Saints’ dire cap situation. The club is currently projected to be over $70 million over the cap and is on the hook for Taysom Hill‘s albatross contract.

Teddy Bridgewater – True to form, Bridgewater played fine in Denver but was not a true difference-making signal-caller. Bridgewater ranked 12th with a 76.4% adjusted completion rate and 11th with an 8.4 ADOT but was just 24th in fantasy points per game and topped 250 passing yards just once after Week 6. A better NFL quarterback than fantasy option, Bridgewater didn’t elevate an intriguing Denver receiving corps and doesn’t run enough to be anything more than a middling fantasy QB2. He will, however, likely attract offers from NFL clubs as a ‘bridge’ quarterback, especially considering the lack of perceived big-name rookie signal-callers entering the 2022 NFL Draft.

Ryan Fitzpatrick – Speaking of bridge quarterbacks, the Ryan Fitzpatrick NFL Reality Bus Tour will undoubtedly attract another stop in 2022. Fitzpatrick injured his hip in the opener and never returned, ending his tenure in Washington after only six attempts. A crafty and seasoned veteran capable of being a solid mentor and providing a spark as a change-of-pace option, Fitzmagic could sign with a number of clubs trying to develop a young quarterback but is unlikely to attract many offers as a starter.

Cam Newton – Newton’s triumphant return to Carolina was mostly a flop as Newton posted the third-lowest passer grade from PFF, beating out only Jake Fromm and Mike Glennon. He can still be an effective red-zone threat due to his running ability but it’s doubtful that Newton will garner interest as a potential starter and he won’t command anywhere near the $6 million he pocketed in 2021.

Tyrod Taylor – Taylor’s journeyman career will probably continue outside of Houston, as he lost the starting job to third-round rookie Davis Mills. 2021 started promising for Taylor but he just wasn’t the same after returning from a concussion. Expect Taylor to attract attention as a dependable backup to an entrenched starter, but his chances of competing for a starting gig are not good.

Ben Roethlisberger – 40 when the 2022 season opens, Big Ben is expected to retire and it looks like the right time for the future Hall-of-Famer to do just that. Roethlisberger’s numbers declined across the board, including his second-lowest showings in over 12 seasons in adjusted yards per completion, TD rate, passing yards per game, and QB Rating. He also was sacked 38 times despite getting rid of the ball extremely quickly. If Roethlisberger were to change his mind and return, the only landing spot that makes sense is back with the Steelers, but we question if the franchise would be better off turning the page.

Jacoby Brissett – In six games with double-digit pass attempts, Brissett threw just five touchdowns and surpassed 250 passing yards once. He also accumulated double-digit rushing yards only one time in 10 games. Brissett can no longer be viewed as an above-average backup and certainly won’t attract any offers as a starter.

Andy Dalton – 35 in October, Dalton’s days as a starter are over but he could find himself as a quality veteran backup ala Joe Flacco. It would make sense for teams breaking in a first-year starter to covet Dalton in a mentor’s role.

Marcus Mariota – Mariota was one of my favorite quarterback prospects over the last 7-8 seasons, so I’m disappointed that things have not worked out. The Raiders didn’t let Mariota throw much but did use him on a lot of Wildcat snaps. If he lands in the right spot with a play-caller willing to cater to his strengths, there’s still a chance Mairota can develop into a quality fantasy option, but that seems like wishful thinking.

Mitchell Trubisky – Another failed former Chicago passer, Trubisky wasn’t able to contribute much in Buffalo as Josh Allen stayed healthy. For the former first-rounder to become anything more than an adequate backup, he would need to land with a QB coach with a proven track record for reconciliation projects.

Best of the Rest

Mike Tagliere Memorial Playoff Challenge

In honor of industry giant and close personal friend to our Jody Smith, this year’s playoff contest is in memory of Mike Tagliere from Fantasy Pros.

“As you all know, the fantasy industry was dealt a devastating blow in September when we lost one of the most genuine people and finest football analysts ever in Mike Tagliere.

I knew Mike for over a decade and had the privilege to work together with him on multiple occasions. Mike truly was a craftsman, who loved this industry and considered himself truly blessed to be able to do this for a living.

My personal relationship with Mike goes back over a decade and we became real friends. I had the pleasure to meet him and his wife, Tabbie, in Dallas and consider that experience one of my finest memories in my dozen years of providing fantasy football content.

Mike made an impact on thousands of people, who he helped, entertained, and impacted in a positive manner for many years. You simply will not read a negative opinion of Mike because there aren’t any.

His positive impact on the industry is still felt today and we wanted to do a little something to give back and honor the memory of one of the finest human beings I’ve ever known. For those lucky enough to win their leagues this season, please consider donating a portion of your winnings to the Tagliere family.

With help from and permission from Mike’s team at FantasyPros, we wanted to present a FREE playoff fantasy football contest honoring the life and legacy of one of fantasy football’s all-time greatest people, Mike Tagliere.”

This is a FREE-to-play NFL Playoffs contest and we’ve increased the prizes this year.

Head to PlayFFWC.com now to enter this contest!