2022 NFL Off-Season Predictions: Head Coaches, Starting QBs, Backup QBs, & Predicted Trades

Predicting Every NFL Teams’ Head Coach & Quarterback in 2022

Introduction: Below, I have gone through each of the 32 NFL teams’ cap situations, upcoming free agents, and future draft capital to create predictions for 2022 head coaches, starting quarterbacks, and backup quarterbacks. I have included several blockbuster yet realistic mock trades involving starting NFL QBs. This piece is a prediction for what I think will happen in 2022 based on rumors and an understanding for how every NFL organization tends to operate. Finally, I wrote out which NFL quarterbacks I am expecting to retire in 2022.

Key

*AAS = Average Annual Salary (on current contract)

*FA = Year in which player is set to become a Free-Agent based on current contract

*OC = Offensive Coordinator

*DC = Defensive Coordinator

NFC

Dallas Cowboys

Current Record (2021): 11–4 (currently 2 seed in NFC)

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Mike McCarthy

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Dak Prescott (Age: 28, AAS: $40 M, FA: 2025)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Cooper Rush (Age: 28, AAS: $977k, FA: 2023)

New York Giants

Current Record (2021): 4–11

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Joe Brady (Former Panthers’ OC)

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Russell Wilson (Age: 33, AAS: $35 M, FA: 2024)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Kyle Allen (*signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Predicted Trade: The New York Giants trade away ’22 1st round pick (NYG), ’22 1st round pick (CHI), QB Daniel Jones, & G Will Hernandez to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for QB Russell Wilson, ’22 5th round pick (SEA), & ’23 4th round pick (SEA).

Philadelphia Eagles

Current Record (2021): 8–7 (currently 7 seed in NFC)

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Nick Sirianni

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Jalen Hurts (Age: 23, AAS: $1.5 M, FA: 2024)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Gardner Minshew (Age: 25, AAS: $677k, FA: 2023)

Washington Football Team

Current Record (2021): 6–9

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Ron Rivera

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Kenny Pickett Pittsburgh (Rookie ’22 1st round selection)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Taylor Heinicke (Age: 28, AAS: $2.4 M, FA: 2023)

Chicago Bears

Current Record (2021): 5–10

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Doug Pederson (Former Eagles’ Head Coach)

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Justin Fields (Age: 22, AAS: $4.7 M, FA: 2026)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Nick Foles (Age: 32, AAS: $8 M, FA: 2023)

Green Bay Packers

Current Record (2021): 12–3 (currently 1 seed in NFC)

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Matt LaFleur

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Jimmy Garoppolo (*signed as 2022 Free-Agent after getting cut by SF)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Jordan Love (Age: 23, AAS: $3 M, FA: 2025)

Predicted Trade: The Green Bay Packers trade away QB Aaron Rodgers and ’22 5th round pick (GB) to the Denver Broncos in exchange for ’22 1st round pick (DEN), ’22 3rd round pick (DEN), ’23 1st round pick (DEN), ’24 2nd round pick (DEN), & WR KJ Hamler.

Detroit Lions

Current Record (2021): 2–12–1

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Dan Campbell

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Jared Goff (Age: 27, AAS: $33.5 M, FA: 2025)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Carson Strong Nevada (Rookie ’22 2nd round selection)

Minnesota Vikings

Current Record (2021): 7–8

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Matt Eberflus (currently Colts’ DC)

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Trey Lance (Age: 21, AAS: $8.5 M, FA: 2026)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Tyrod Taylor (*signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Predicted Trade: The Minnesota Vikings trade away QB Kirk Cousins & ’22 6th round pick (MIN) to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for QB Trey Lance & ’23 4th round pick (SF).

New Orleans Saints

Current Record (2021): 7–7

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Sean Payton

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Jameis Winston (*re-signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Taysom Hill (Age: 31, AAS: $10 M, FA: 2026)

Atlanta Falcons

Current Record (2021): 7–8

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Arthur Smith

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Matt Ryan (Age: 36, AAS: $30 M, FA: 2024)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Matt Corral Ole Miss (Rookie ’22 1st round selection)

Carolina Panthers

Current Record (2021): 5–10

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Matt Rhule

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Sam Darnold (Age: 24, AAS: $7.5 M, FA: 2023)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Marcus Mariota (*signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Current Record (2021): 11–4 (currently 4 seed in NFC)

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Bruce Arians

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Tom Brady (Age: 44, AAS: $25 M, FA: 2023)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Blaine Gabbert (*re-signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Seattle Seahawks

Current Record (2021): 5–10

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Pete Carroll

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Teddy Bridgewater (*signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Daniel Jones (Age: 24, AAS: $6.4 M, FA: 2024)

Predicted Trade: The Seattle Seahawks trade away QB Russell Wilson, ’22 5th round pick (SEA), & ’23 4th round pick (SEA) to the New York Giants in exchange for ’22 1st round pick (NYG), ’22 1st round pick (CHI), QB Daniel Jones, & G Will Hernandez.

San Francisco 49ers

Current Record (2021): 8–7 (currently 6 seed in NFC)

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Kyle Shanahan

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Kirk Cousins (Age: 33, AAS: $33 M, FA: 2023)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Nick Mullens (*signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Predicted Transaction: San Francisco cuts QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Age: 30, AAS: $27.5 M, FA: 2023) for no cap penalty, making Jimmy Garoppolo a free-agent.

Predicted Trade: The San Francisco 49ers trade away QB Trey Lance & ’23 4th round pick (SF) to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for QB Kirk Cousins & ’22 6th round pick (MIN).

Los Angeles Rams

Current Record (2021): 11–4 (currently 3 seed in NFC)

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Sean McVay

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Matthew Stafford (Age: 33, AAS: $27 M, FA: 2023)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: John Wolford (*re-signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Arizona Cardinals

Current Record (2021): 10–5 (currently 5 seed in NFC)

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Kliff Kingsbury

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Kyler Murray (Age: 24, AAS: $8.9 M, FA: 2024)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Colt McCoy (*re-signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

AFC

New England Patriots

Current Record (2021): 9–6 (currently 6 seed in AFC)

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Bill Belichick

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Mac Jones (Age: 23, AAS: $3.9 M, FA: 2026)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Jarrett Stidham (Age: 25, AAS: $788k, FA: 2023)

New York Jets

Current Record (2021): 4–11

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Robert Saleh

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Zach Wilson (Age: 22, AAS: $8.8 M, FA: 2026)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Mike White (*re-signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Buffalo Bills

Current Record (2021): 9–6 (currently 4 seed in AFC)

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Sean McDermott

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Josh Allen (Age: 25, AAS: $43 M, FA: 2029)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Mitchell Trubisky (*re-signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Miami Dolphins

Current Record (2021): 7–7

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Brian Flores

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Tua Tagovailoa (Age: 23, AAS: $7.5 M, FA: 2025)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Jacoby Brissett (*re-signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Baltimore Ravens

Current Record (2021): 8–7

2022 Predicted Head Coach: John Harbaugh

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Lamar Jackson (Age: 24, AAS: $2.4 M, FA: 2023)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Tyler Huntley (*re-signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Pittsburgh Steelers

Current Record (2021): 7–7–1

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Mike Tomlin

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Derek Carr (Age: 30, AAS: $25 M, FA: 2023)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Mason Rudolph (Age: 26, AAS: $5 M, FA: 2023)

Predicted Trade: The Pittsburgh Steelers trade away ’22 1st round pick (PIT) & ’23 4th round pick (PIT) to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for QB Derek Carr.

Cincinnati Bengals

Current Record (2021): 9–6 (currently 3 seed in AFC)

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Zac Taylor

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Joe Burrow (Age: 25, AAS: $9 M, FA: 2025)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Brandon Allen (*re-signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Cleveland Browns

Current Record (2021): 7–8

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Kevin Stefanski

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Deshaun Watson (Age: 26, AAS: $39 M, FA: 2026)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Case Keenum (Age: 33, AAS: $6 M, FA: 2023)

Predicted Trade: The Cleveland Browns trade away QB Baker Mayfield, ’22 1st round pick (CLE), & ’23 3rd round pick (CLE) to the Houston Texans in exchange for QB Deshaun Watson & ’23 6th round pick (HOU).

Indianapolis Colts

Current Record (2021): 9–6 (currently 5 seed in AFC)

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Frank Reich

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Carson Wentz (Age: 29, AAS: $32 M, FA: 2025)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Sam Ehlinger (Age: 23, AAS: $903k, FA: 2025)

Tennessee Titans

Current Record (2021): 10–5 (currently 2 seed in AFC)

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Mike Vrabel

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Ryan Tannehill (Age: 33, AAS: $29.5 M, FA: 2024)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Logan Woodside (*re-signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Houston Texans

Current Record (2021): 4–11

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Brian Daboll (current Bills’ OC)

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Baker Mayfield (Age: 26, AAS: $8.2 M, FA: 2023)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Davis Mills (Age: 23, AAS: $1.3 M, FA: 2025)

Predicted Trade: The Houston Texans trade away QB Deshaun Watson & ’23 6th round pick (HOU) to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for QB Baker Mayfield, ’22 1st round pick (CLE), & ’23 3rd round pick (CLE).

Jacksonville Jaguars

Current Record (2021): 2–13

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Byron Leftwich (current Buccaneers’ OC)

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Trevor Lawrence (Age: 22, AAS: $9.2 M, FA: 2026)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: CJ Beathard (Age: 28, AAS: $2.5 M, FA: 2023)

Kansas City Chiefs

Current Record (2021): 11–4 (currently 1 seed in AFC)

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Andy Reid

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Patrick Mahomes (Age: 26, AAS: $45 M, FA: 2032)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Chase Daniel (*signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Las Vegas Raiders

Current Record (2021): 8–7

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Eric Bieniemy (current Chiefs’ OC)

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Andy Dalton (*signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Sam Howell UNC (Rookie ’22 2nd round selection)

Predicted Trade: The Las Vegas Raiders trade away QB Derek Carr to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for ’22 1st round pick (PIT) & ’23 4th round pick (PIT).

Los Angeles Chargers

Current Record (2021): 8–7

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Brandon Staley

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Justin Herbert (Age: 23, AAS: $6.6 M, FA: 2025)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Tim Boyle (*signed as 2022 Free-Agent)

Denver Broncos

Current Record (2021): 7–8

2022 Predicted Head Coach: Nathaniel Hackett (current Packers’ OC)

2022 Predicted Starting QB: Aaron Rodgers (Age: 38, AAS: $33.5 M, FA: 2024)

2022 Predicted Backup QB: Drew Lock (Age: 25, AAS: $1.75 M, FA: 2023)

Predicted Trade: The Denver Broncos trade away ’22 1st round pick (DEN), ’22 3rd round pick (DEN), ’23 1st round pick (DEN), ’24 2nd round pick (DEN), & WR KJ Hamler to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for QB Aaron Rodgers and ’22 5th round pick (GB).

Predicted Retirements

QB Ben Roethlisberger (Age: 39, FA: 2022)

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (Age: 39, FA: 2022)

QB Cam Newton (Age: 32, FA: 2022)

QB Joe Flacco (Age: 36, FA: 2022)

QB Chad Henne (Age: 36, FA: 2022)

QB Brian Hoyer (Age: 36, FA: 2022)

Citations

NFL active player contracts. Spotrac.com. (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2021, from https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/contracts/quarterback/

2021 NFL passing. Pro. (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2021, from https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/passing.htm

Full 2022 NFL draft order. Tankathon. (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2021, from https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/full_draft

2021 NFL playoff picture, scenarios, and standings. CBSSports.com. (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2021, from https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/standings/playoffrace/

2008 NHL draft pending transactions. (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2021, from https://www.prosportstransactions.com/football/DraftTrades/Future/

PFF.com. (2021, December 20). 2022 NFL draft position rankings: Quarterbacks: College football. PFF. Retrieved December 27, 2021, from https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-2022-nfl-draft-rankings-quarterbacks-kenny-pickett-matt-corral-sam-howell-malik-willis