The NFL’s QB Radar
Following an exciting conference weekend and we head into a two-week hiatus of the NFL, now is a great time to look back at the quarterbacks from this year and whether or not they will end up in a different jersey or bench warming in 2022.
You’re Probably Safe… For Now.
1. Kirk Cousins (MIN) – 4,221 Yards, 33 Touchdowns, 7 Interceptions (8-8)
Cousins and the Vikings missed the postseason by two or three games, and with a stellar wide receiving core, Cousins’ mediocrity has made him look godlike. He will likely remain the starter for the Vikings, despite the new coaching staff.
2. Jared Goff (DET) – 3,245 Yards, 19 Touchdowns, 9 Interceptions (3-10-1)
Yikes. It stings for Goff to watch the Rams trade him and immediately go to the Superbowl with his replacement. The Lions are awful (unsurprisingly), but Goff didn’t have a horrible year. In the future, Goff has the opportunity to prove himself and should be safe for the moment, considering the quarterback pool in this year’s draft is sub-par at best.
3. Baker Mayfield (CLE) – 3,010 Yards, 17 Touchdowns, 13 Interceptions (8-8)
Rough year to be a Browns fan. It seemed like after last season, all the pieces were finally in place for the browns to make a deep run; alas, they once again fell to the bottom of the AFC North. Baker had a rough year himself, not near the year’s production prior, and he looked uncomfortable. He’s young; there is still hope.
It’s 50/50 if You have a Job
1. Teddy Bridgewater (DEN) – 3,502 Yards, 18 Touchdowns, 7 Interceptions (7-7)
Bridgewater had the unfortunate job of being put on another awful team and being forced to carry it through head coach ineptitude and offensive line play. Unfortunately, the rumors have flown off the possibility of Aaron Rodgers or drafting Kenny Pickett.
2. Daniel Jones (NYG) – 2,428 Yards, 10 Touchdowns, 7 Interceptions (4-7)
There is a new era in New York. The hiring of Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen has opened the door to many possibilities. One of the most significant failures in the Gentlemen era, Daniel Jones, could find himself on the chopping block. He’s had three straight pitiful seasons, full of turnovers and constant defeats. Though Mara seems to think he will be the starter again next season, Jones may be saved by the lack of QB availability in the draft.
3. David Mills (HOU) – 2,664 Yards, 16 Touchdowns, 10 Interceptions (2-9)
The Texans are nothing impressive, and Mills was thrown into the flames of a burning building known as the Houston Texans. Mills wasn’t terrible… but he wasn’t good. The Texans should look elsewhere, but they could keep him since they are looking at a rebuild.
I Hope You Start Packing
1. Jimmy Garoppolo (SF) – 3,810 Yards, 20 Touchdowns, 12 Interceptions (9-6) (*2-1 playoffs)
Jimmy G was just denied a second Superbowl appearance and that last play likely put the nail in the coffin for Jimmy. Trae Young was drafted this year, and after this defeat, the 49ers will be quick to replace him. Garoppolo will likely land himself a job in a team looking for a transitional quarterback, but the 49ers want to win now.
2. Ryan Tannehill (TEN) – 3,734 Yards, 21 Touchdowns, 14 Interceptions (12-5) (*0-1 Playoffs)
Tannehill is the one thing holding back Tennessee from being a Superbowl team. He is just an average quarterback and has been that way since his Miami days. His ineptitude caused the downfall of the Titans in what likely could’ve been their year. He turned the ball over twice in their defeat; the Titans should immediately seek new talent.
3. Andy Dalton (CHI) – 1,515 Yards, 8 Touchdowns, 9 Interceptions
Dalton was promised the job in Chicago when he signed. Little did he know, they would draft Justin Fields (who didn’t look much better, but he is younger). Fields is a better prospect than Dalton; the new administration will look to jumpstart their season with Fields and likely move on from the veteran Dalton.
Conclusion
Plenty of quarterbacks can find new life in new cities going into the next season. With the retirement of Roethlisberger and possibly Brady, many jobs are up for the taking as well as very competitive quarterback rooms across the league.
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/passing.htm
