The AFC has seen its fair share of quarterbacks come and go during the 2022 NFL offseason. Who should you keep an eye on for next season?
Innovation has become the theme for many franchises during this off-season. While prospects prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28th, veteran players have found new locker rooms to call home.
The thought of playing behind a rookie gunslinger has caused franchises like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and Denver Broncos to seek quarterback replacements in the free-agent market.
A slew of early off-season transactions has given the league a new identity, shuffling the deck of destinations for many star players. As fans prepare to familiarize themselves with the updated roster, quarterbacks in the AFC must prepare for the intense regular season.
NFL 2022: QBs that will raise the level of competition in the AFC
Russell Wilson: Seattle Seahawks to Denver Broncos
Nathaniel Hackett and his coaching staff are excited about their newest acquisition. After years without a prominent leader at the helm, the Broncos finally have their next John Elway.
The addition of Russell Wilson will give first-year offensive coordinator Justin Outten a chance to show his offensive brilliance. Former starter Teddy Bridgewater left Wilson and Outten a solid place to begin tenure.
His 3,000 yards passing last season helped the Broncos develop their new identity as a rising AFC contender.’
Playing behind an elite quarterback enhances the odds of success in the NFL. Since joining the league in 2012, Wilson has shown how much of an asset he is while on the field. His 37,065 career yards passing helped the Seattle Seahawks become a contending franchise.
Wilson’s decision to relocate to the Mile High city has changed how his teammates approach next season. Receivers like Jerry Jeudy desires to build a connection with his new All-Pro quarterback.
NFL 2022: Matt Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons to the Indianapolis Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium has seen its fair of quarterbacks under center within the last few years. Since the news of Andrew Luck’s retirement in 2019, Indianapolis has searched high and low for a solid replacement.
After experimenting with gunslingers like Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Jacoby Brissett Frank Reich and his staff brought in a one more season veteran.
On Monday, March 21st, the Indianapolis Colts acquired Matt Ryan, a 14-year veteran from the Atlanta Falcons. At the age of 36, Ryan’s expected to help Frank Reich and his staff return Indianapolis to its glory days.
It’s been years since the fans who bleed and white could support a playoff-contending roster, starting with the man at quarterback.
The addition of Matt Ryan will help the Colts develop an offensive identity. Ryan has shown throughout his career that he is a strong passer who has the vision to make big plays happen.
According to ESPN.com, Ryan has accumulated over fifty-nine thousand yards passing throughout his career. His 3,968 yards in the air last season was ranked eleventh among starters.
If James Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. come ready to play next season, the Colts’ offense could have an improved 2022 season.
NFL 2022: Deshaun Watson from Houston Texans to Cleveland Browns
After missing in actions in 2021, Deshaun Watson is ready to make his debut with his new team. The decision to join the Cleveland Browns shocked many fans and enthusiasts.
Since 2019, Baker Mayfield has acted as the team’s starting quarterback. Although Baker has failed to help the Browns progress as a playoff franchise, his role on the team remained the same, until Watson arrived.
Before taking a snap at training camp, the Cleveland Browns are currently in the middle of a quarterback battle- one that Deshaun Watson will win.
Confidence will play a factor in Deshaun’s tenure with his new team. When on fire, he is known to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league. At the end of his sophomore season with the Houston Texans, Deshaun accumulated 4,165 yards passing.
His 26 touchdown passes solidified him as one of the league’s developing young talents. If connected with the right weapons next season, the Browns could let Watson take them as far as he can.
Adding a veteran quarterback to the roster is a safe move for teams who want to win as they improve. The experience and leadership provided by a seasoned field general can be the difference between clinching and missing the playoffs.
As the 2022 off-season continues, quarterbacks and receivers will continue to work on their crafts. For players who have recently relocated, the time to show their hard work cannot come any sooner.