Ranking Realistic QB Options for 2022

[davos]

I'm trying to parse this out because I find it rather interesting considering our future, as Rhule's job is now on the line (if he doesn't dart to college with a miracle out)  

I doubt he and McAdoo are confident in rolling Darnold out as their last stand.  Furthermore, with how trades are being structured these days, and contracts renegotiated, there could be a way to take on a new starter salary.  Nothing astronomical, but I can't fully remove Cousins for example (Although am not a fan of that move and will explain why).

So...Who's Out:

Derek Carr - It sounds like McDaniels pitch to LVR was base around building an offense for Derek Carr+Darren Waller.  TE focus, much like Brady+Gronk.  Don't see him on the trade block

Aaron Rodgers - There's no way in hell he's coming here

Russell Wilson - Same as Rodgers, there's no pull or incentive to join this organization

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Who's a Reach:

Kirk Cousins - $35 mil guaranteed in 2022.  We're sitting at around $24 mil right now.  Can realistically make moves and restructures to get to $35 mil, but 10 of that would go to the rookie class and the rest ~$25m to FA.  It would be a tough fit, needing to offload Darnold in the trade somehow.  This would be an extremely tough sell and other teams can offer MIN a much better package.

Deshaun Watson - Nothing more needs to be said at this point.  If we give up the farm, we give up the farm and it's what Tepper wanted all along.  If not, a lot of discussion for nothing.

Carson Strong & Brock Purdy - If we are trying to save this ship, I don't see either as viable. Immobile and low ceilings.  Jacob Eason/Ryan Mallett/Drew Lock territory.

Desmond Ridder - He leaves a lot to be desired the more you look at him and I don't think he'll be ranked highly on team boards.  Mechanics and general movement in the pocket are two immediate concerns.  He's awkward and not a worthy investment to broker our future with.  Could end up a 3rd rounder or beyond in my opinion.

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Who could be IN:

1A/B. Malik Willis/Matt Corral (Draft R1) - I put both of them #1 because of the modern mold and potential.  Willis definitely brings the most interest, upside, and potential.  Built like more like a RB than a scrambler, rocket arm.  Corral hits a lot of marks you look for and showed a lot of promise.  Not the usual top picks, but are high up for a reason. 

2. Sam Howell (Draft R1) - He could be the one to hedge our bets on if we want someone more pro-ready and won't have NFL "shock" syndrome.  He's been battle tested with really poor teams and I think could be a sneaky great draft pick. 

3. Kenny Pickett (Draft R1) - There's a few things I've grown not to like but I can't discount until we see him checked out.  This is a kid who will be under a large microscope for many reasons.  Still, he does have a beautiful pass at times rolling out and can work the field well.

4. Jimmy Garappolo (Trade) - He's going to be overvalued and is not really THAT high level of a QB. Would be a $25.6 mil hit towards 2022.  I don't know about this one and what realistically he adds to us.  Would be a bit silly to build a team for a 30 year old guy who's never quite hit the mark.  An investment in Jimmy G is almost worse than simply wasting 2022's 1st rounder on a QB.  If a draftee sucks, we get a high pick and new coach in 2023..and miss out on a stud OL talent (which we're used to at this point)

5. Bailey Zappe (Draft R2-3) - A bit of bias here, but Bailey is a prospect that scouts are pegging a lot higher than online experts/sites are right now and he could be ahead of Ridder, Strong, etc. on team boards. We could target him in a trade scenario (whether down or up)

6. Jameis Winston (FA) - This would at least become a bit entertaining to watch.

7. Marcus Mariota (FA) - A projected contract being 1 year, $8million.  Another near 30 y/o who never hit his potential that's found a role as a backup on a middle-tier team.  This however could be more digestible for a season if we are to land a QB in 2022 or 23.  Is he a guy you could see Rhule getting all mushy for no reason for? Possibly?  Meh

8. Mitch Trubisky (FA) - A similar scenario to a Mariota signing except younger and more longterm backup potential.  Although I don't see McAdoo wanting him. Next.

9. Jacoby Brissett (FA) - Again, another similar situation to Mariota.  He's proven he can manage and win at times, but not a guy to build around.  Don't see this appealing at all to Rhule who's trying to save his job.

10. Andy Dalton (FA) - No

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Sleepers (Don't like either):

Carson Wentz (Trade) - Why? Irsay may not see a future with him and it's a QB I could see Rhule thinking could help save him (which he won't)  

Daniel Jones (Trade) - Reclamation Project Version 3.0.  Considering the market and how many teams are looking, I can see Jones starting outside of NYG next year.  

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Overall, this is why my prediction is ultimately drafting a Quarterback this year whether be it trade-down, at pick 6, or trade player/up.  My guess is going to ultimately be Willis or Corral at this point. 

Cheers

[CmC2k]

Either Sam Howell or Matt Corral for me. Pickett just doesn't have a high enough ceiling and Willis while being the most talented will bust here because he needs so much development as a passer.  

[unicar15]

Out of all of those options I’d be satisfied with Corral. I think Willis is a wait and see prospect. Wouldn’t be shocked at all if he ends up in ATL sitting behind Ryan for a year. 
 

One name I may add to that list is Jordan Love. If the Packers decide they don’t want to be morons and make a way to try and keep Rodgers I would assume Love is on the market so they can try to flip him for assets to win now. 

The Packers need a DT and they need cap space. They also need cost effective wide receivers. If they aren’t able to keep Davante Adams they’ll be looking for a replacement to appease Rodgers. If I’m CAR and McAdoo likes Jordan Love I would seriously consider trying to flip DJ Moore for Love in a deal. You could probably also get some kind of a pick in the deal. Other potential options could be Derrick Brown or Morgan Fox. But Love should be on this list..

[CmC2k]

33 minutes ago, davos said:

Would be a bit silly to build a team for a 30 year old guy who's never quite hit the mark.  An investment in Jimmy G is almost worse than simply wasting 2022's 1st rounder on a QB.

I do agree that building around Jimmy is a bad idea but bringing him in to stabilize the QB spot till more attractive options present themselves wouldn't be a bad idea if we can get him for relatively cheap. 

[mrcompletely11]

Our realistic option for QB in 2022 is Sam Darnold. 

[unicar15]

4 minutes ago, mrcompletely11 said:

Our realistic option for QB in 2022 is Sam Darnold. 

He got benched then put on IR then we brought back a guy who nobody else wanted then we hired an OC who has verbalized that he thought when Darnold was in the draft he has mechanics that aren’t salvageable. Add to all that we have an owner who wants to win. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say Darnold is far far far from our only realistic option in 2022. 

[frankw]

6 minutes ago, mrcompletely11 said:

Our realistic option for QB in 2022 is Sam Darnold. 

[mrcompletely11]

1 minute ago, frankw said:

2022 aint going to be pretty.  Buckle up.

[45catfan]

5 minutes ago, mrcompletely11 said:

Our realistic option for QB in 2022 is Sam Darnold. 

Agreed, nothing else makes sense.  The only other thing I can think of is we trade for current backup (like Minshew this season) or sign a FA QB (Mariota, Brissett or Trubisky) as insurance in case we hit a 'break glass in emergency' scenario with Darnold.  We know Darnold doesn't have a much higher ceiling, but I don't think we've seen his floor yet either.  That's the scary part.

[mrcompletely11]

Just now, 45catfan said:

Agreed, nothing else makes sense.  The only other thing I can think of is we trade for current backup (like Minshew this season) or sign a FA QB (Mariota, Brissett or Trubisky) as insurance in case we hit a 'break glass in emergency' scenario with Darnold.  We know Darnold doesn't have a much higher ceiling, but I don't think we've seen his floor yet either.  That's the scary part.

No more giving vets multi year deals and no more trading for crap qbs.  Roll with Darnold and if something happens (spoiler: it will) then start Walker since Rhule is so hell bent on keeping him on the roster.

[Brooklyn 3.0]

It's going to be Sam, and we are going to lose.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

22 minutes ago, mrcompletely11 said:

Our realistic option for QB in 2022 is Sam Darnold. 

 

[LinvilleGorge]

59 minutes ago, CmC2k said:

Either Sam Howell or Matt Corral for me. Pickett just doesn't have a high enough ceiling and Willis while being the most talented will bust here because he needs so much development as a passer.  

This. All of this. I'm a believer in Willis' tools but we are NOT the right situation for a QB prospect like him. Hell, we aren't the right situation for ANY QB prospect, but if we're talking a shot at one IMO it's a two horse race between Howell and Corral.

 

[45catfan]

9 minutes ago, mrcompletely11 said:

No more giving vets multi year deals and no more trading for crap qbs.  Roll with Darnold and if something happens (spoiler: it will) then start Walker since Rhule is so hell bent on keeping him on the roster.

I agree completely, it's just the spot where the team has pigeon-holed themselves into.  That's where we stand currently before the draft.  Again, I'm extremely worried that Rhule has got to Tepper's ear.  If we do draft a round 1 QB, Rhule all but assuredly has told Tepper it's going to be a two year project...at minimum.

Edited January 30, 2022 by 45catfan