Media by Associated Press – Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during an NFL football training camp practice Thursday, July 28, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
The quarterback carousel spun out of control before the 2022 season even started.
With the last two Super Bowl champions — the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively — getting over the hump after veteran quarterbacks, it has become a scramble to get those guys.
While old faces in new places won’t be the only theme until this season, it is a major part of the fabric for who will be the top five NFL quarterbacks to watch in 2022.
5. Carson Wentz, Washington Commanders
Looking at Carson Wentz’s career stats doesn’t sound the alarm of someone you wouldn’t want leading your team. However, Wentz’s career hasn’t worked out as planned. A season-ending injury prevented him from helping the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs during their run to a Super Bowl in 2017.
When Wentz came back the next season, he, for whatever reason, wasn’t the same player. His old offensive coordinator and Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich brought Wentz in for last season.
Wentz didn’t help Indianapolis make the playoffs despite throwing 27 touchdowns against seven interceptions and passing for 3,563 yards.
Wentz was dealt to Washington in the offseason and should start for the Commanders. It will be interesting to see if Wentz can revitalize his career.
4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson’s offseason was marred with contract talks and the Ravens moving on from some of his favorite targets. Baltimore decided to deal away Hollywood Brown to the Arizona Cardinals and is trying to rebuild their offense. The former MVP had a difficult 2021 as injuries derailed his season.
Jackson only played in 12 games and threw 13 interceptions. While Jackson did pass for 16 touchdowns and 2,882 yards, he is starting to show signs the NFL’s defense may be catching up with him.
The AFC North will be an extremely competitive division this year, and they will need the best from Jackson to challenge for the crown.
3. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Mahomes was still excellent in 2021, but he looked more human than in years past. While he led the Chiefs to a 12-5 record and AFC West crown, Mahomes also threw a career-high 13 interceptions. Mahomes did still throw 37 touchdown passes and 4,839 yards.
While looking at his year-end stats may not reflect a dip, his competition percentage was the same as the year before; Mahomes seemed a little off last season. With Tyreek Hill having moved on to Miami, it will be interesting to see how Mahomes adjusts.
2. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Murray had one of the more bizarre offseasons in memory. Following contract issues with the Cardinals, Murray pulled all of his pictures of him playing for the team off his social media. There were also reports that Murray needed to spend more time in film study, and that was worked into his new contract extension.
Murray did miss three games due to injury last season. However, Murray was still able to throw for 3,787 yards and 24 yards. Murray, who was 9-5 as starter last season, showed improvement as he is 22-23-1 in his career starts.
1. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brady’s 40-day retirement was annoying for those ready for the history of the NFL to move forward. However, there is no denying that the 45-year-old coming back for another year is fascinating.
There is no good explanation — no one’s diet is that good — for how Brady’s body has managed all the punishment he’s taken over the years.
Brady led the league in passing yards, passing touchdowns, competitions, and passing attempts last season.
While it would be nice to just be able to watch the new generations of quarterbacks grow, it is fascinating to watch Brady take perhaps one last ride. Unless he decides to give it another year again.
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