NFL 2022: Ranking the top 43 quarterbacks in the league

No. 18 NFL quarterback in 2022: Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers

Let’s just make one thing clear — everyone should have a healthy level of respect for Jimmy Garoppolo.

Compared to other top-flight quarterbacks in the NFL, he may not be a preferable option. But let’s put some respect on this man’s name.

Garoppolo has been to the NFC Championship game in two of the last three seasons. What other QBs in the NFL have done that in the same timeframe?

I get it. Garoppolo is not the one elevating the 49ers to title contender status, but he does have stretches of play that are rather impressive, and even if he’s good for one bad mistake a game, this guy is a gamer whose teammates have his back.

I think Garoppolo is a quality starter in the NFL when he’s healthy and he’s obviously a great fit in the Shanahan offense.

The 49ers obviously believe that there are limitations with Garoppolo under center and that’s also understandable.

He hasn’t been able to consistently stay healthy in the NFL and he doesn’t have the kind of physical tools of a guy like Trey Lance.

With that being said, I think having Garoppolo would drastically change the projection this season for a team like the Carolina Panthers.

He’s a solid starter and he’s proven he can help good teams get into the final four or better.