The Best Free-Agent Quarterbacks in 2022

The 2021 NFL season may not yet be fully over, but for some, the look ahead to 2022 has already begun.

With the apparent deficiency in pro-ready quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft, many teams around the league will be turning to the open market to pick up their next gunslinger.

Here is a look at the best free-agent talents that will be available this summer.

#1: Jameis Winston

A meme provider on the surface but a talented quarterback underneath, Winston already has a 5,000-yard passing season on his resume and benefited from the nurturing of offensive genius Sean Payton over the last two seasons. The former first-overall pick may have suffered a season-ending injury, but before that, he had thrown 14 touchdowns to only three interceptions and had a quarterback rating of 64.3. 

If Winston can figure out how to combine his explosive but turnover-prone years in Tampa with a more refined style like in New Orleans, he could transform himself into a potential top-10 QB in the league. His arm strength also means that he would be able to thrive in the elements, such as a windy Midwest or a bitter Northeast. The good news? Winston’s last deal only ran the Saints $5.5 million for one year, making him a cost-efficient target with a huge ceiling heading into next year.

#2: Ryan Fitzpatrick

The fan-favorite journeyman suffered a season-ending injury right at the beginning of his time in Washington, but that does not mean that he cannot still produce. With experience all over the league and impressive numbers in multiple locations recently, Fitzpatrick would be a perfect layover for a team that does not fall in love with any of the upcoming rookie QBs or wants to add an elite backup to their roster.

Fitzpatrick’s downside is that he is 39 years old and clearly approaching the end of his career; at the same time, he is a huge plus for the locker room and was playing the best football of his life until his most recent injury. He will not win a Super Bowl, but Ryan Fitzpatrick can take a team to the playoffs or into the new generation, depending on where he lands.

#3: Jacoby Brisset

A current member of the Miami Dolphins, Brisset has been caught in the unfortunate position of being desired but never loved by his teams, which includes stops in New England, Indianapolis, and Miami. Brisset’s career numbers read 7,742 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions across 60 games, many of which he did not start. Still 29 years old, the NC State product still has room to grow and could become a valuable contributor somewhere in the league.

Brisset’s characteristics include a strong arm and quick feet that keep him mobile, albeit not game-breakingly elusive, in the pocket. His accuracy needs to improve, but with more reps as the starter and the commitment of an offensive coordinator, his best years could still be in front of him.