The 2022 NFL regular season is in the final stretch and this is a time that playoff races start to heat up for teams. This also means it is a pivotal time for some players as they are heading into free agency after the season.
The final four games of the regular season will give these players a chance to either keep a strong season going or for some players who have struggled, a chance to build some momentum into the offseason. When looking at the potential free agents after this season, these are five players who need to finish the year strong.
5 players who need a strong finish ahead of the 2023 NFL free agency
Geno Smith
One of the best stories of the 2022 NFL season has been the performance of Geno Smith. The former second-round pick has primarily been a backup for most of his career and even entering this year it didn’t even seem like he had a chance to be the player to replace Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks.
However, Smith would not only win the job but go on to have an excellent season so far with 3,433 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions while leading the league in completion percentage at 71.4%.
This past week against the Carolina Panthers was probably his worst game of the season as he completed only 59% of his passes with three touchdowns and two interceptions (his first game of the season with multiple interceptions).
At 32 years old, this is likely Smith’s last chance to earn a multi-year contract and be viewed as a starting quarterback. If he can finish the year strong, then the Panthers game can be dismissed and help his chances at being a starting quarterback in 2023 and beyond.