By: Jake Rajala

The former Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl quarterback Tyrod Taylor enters free agency in 2022. Taylor surprisingly has a winning record of 26-25-1 in his career and he has unique rushing ability combined with modest arm strength.

Taylor started for the Bills in 2017 and led his squad to an 8-6 record. The dual-threat QB threw for 2,799 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and only ousted four interceptions. The former sixth-round draft pick also rushed for 427 yards and four touchdowns in 2017. He also helped the Bills mafia make the playoffs in 2017 for the first time in 17 years. Unfortunately, Taylor was knocked out of the playoff game from an injury (concussion) and the Bills lost 10-3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Nathan Peterman, also not known as Nick Foles, couldn’t step in and lead the Bills to victory.

The cool story of Taylor leading the Bills to the AFC playoff gauntlet was short-lived as Taylor was traded to the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 offseason. The new Browns QB had flashed with the Browns in 2018 and went 1-1 in two starts for the Browns team. He had an impressive performance against the stingy New Orleans Saints. Taylor made a special throw on 4th and 5 with 1:24 left on the game clock, as he launched a 47-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Callaway. The problem was that a near career performance by Taylor in a very competitive game was neglected by the Browns field goal kicker Zane Gonzalez, who missed four field goals.

Taylor went to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019 with hopes of learning the force behind Phillip Rivers. In 2020, Taylor had expectations to be the starting QB for the Chargers, but a Chargers doctor accidentally punctured Taylor’s lung. The story of Justin Herbert began as he replaced Taylor and never looked back.

The former Chargers QB would join the Houston Texans on a one-year deal in the 2021 offseason. It was clear that Taylor wanted a good opportunity to start for an NFL team and he saw that path with the Texans. Although, Taylor struggled to be a quality QB for the dreadful Texans squad. He went 2-4 as a starter, threw five touchdowns and five interceptions, accumulated 966 passing yards, and ran for 151 yards. The unique tale of Taylor has come to an interesting point in the 2022 offseason. He should have opportunities to start for a team in 2022, but the question is: which team will give the 32-year-old QB a chance? Well, here are a few potential suitors for the veteran QB.

Chicago Bears

I expect the second-year QB Justin Fields to compete with one or two other veteran signal-callers for the starting job this offseason. They have Nick Foles under contract, but they could cut ties with the expensive, underperforming 2023 free agent this offseason.

The Bears shouldn’t break the bank for a free agent QB, but it would make sense if they acquire a cheaper QB with starting potential. Taylor would be a good value deal for the Bears and he holds a similar skillset to Justin Fields. The Bears wouldn’t have to really alter the scheme if they switch from Fields to Taylor (or vice versa).

New York Jets

The New York Jets wouldn’t overly excite Justin Fields from a talent perspective, but he would have a good opportunity to start in the Big Apple. The Jets were so desperate for a veteran QB in 2021 that they traded for the washed-up QB Joe Flacco to return to New York.

Zach Wilson is certainly unproven, as he threw for 9 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and recorded a 69.7 passer rating in 2021. The Jets likely won’t attract Mitchell Trubisky or Jameis Winston, but they could find a diamond in the rough with Tyrod Taylor. The former Texans QB may not be thrilled to enter a similar rebuilding situation that he was in with the Texans, but the Jets (fifth in cap space) could tempt Taylor to make plays in a Jets uniform on a lucrative deal.

Arizona Cardinals

It appears there’s a real chance that Kyler Murray is traded from Arizona Cardinals this offseason. If the disgruntled Murray is traded from the Cards, I believe Taylor and Kliff Kingsbury are the perfect duo. I wouldn’t foresee the Cardinals getting one of the top QBs in round one in the 2022 draft. They could trade away Murray and receive a QB in return. Although, I don’t expect the Cards to wind up receiving a QB like Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, or Aaron Rodgers in a Kyler Murray trade.

The Cardinals could look to get a rookie QB, but I would expect the talented Cardinals to target a veteran QB that can help them return to the playoffs. Taylor would be an exciting fit for the Cardinals scheme, as he can make a lot of plays with his legs. Even if the Cardinals picked up Tua Tagovailoa in a trade or signed Jacoby Brissett in free agency, I believe that Taylor would still be very interested in signing a deal to compete for the starting gig in Arizona.

Carolina Panthers

I believe that the Carolina Panthers will target a QB in round one this offseason. I also believe they won’t break the bank for a free agent QB, as they still have the young Sam Darnold in the building. They could be fascinated about bringing in a free agent QB on a nice value deal. Tyrod Taylor may want to make a lot of money this offseason, but he could be intrigued about taking a smaller contract to potentially start in Carolina.

Taylor has a real chance to start over Sam Darnold (9 touchdowns, 13 interceptions) and a rookie QB in 2022. He would have serious firepower at his disposal with Christian McCaffrey, Robby Anderson, and DJ Moore. The two sides would be an ideal fit, but I wouldn’t expect Carolina to be his favorite destination in 2022.

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders tried the Fitzmagic experiment in 2021 and it failed. The Commanders need to have their focus on drafting a QB early to compete with Taylor Heinicke/Tyrod Taylor 2.0 this offseason. Similar to CAR, the Commanders don’t have the dire need to break the bank for a QB in free agency. Nonetheless, they could use more security and talent at their QB position.

They likely wouldn’t offer Taylor a fancy deal, but he could be interested in joining them for a couple of reasons. The Commanders have talent surrounding the QB with Terry McLaurin, playmakers on defense with Chase Young and Montez Sweat, and he could have a good chance of beating Taylor Heinicke and a potential rookie in a QB competition. Ron Rivera brought in a free agent QB last offseason, but it could have been the wrong guy. They can bring a free agent QB with more juice and motivation in Taylor this offseason.

Honorable mention

San Francisco 49ers

Kyle Shanahan is expected to move forward with Trey Lance as the starting QB and it seems clear that Jimmy G will be traded this offseason. Lance has high expectations to start for SF, but he is far from a proven NFL QB. Shanny will likely add a proven veteran QB that’s cheaper than Garoppolo to be in the same QB room as the North Dakota State product. Taylor and Lance also carry a similar skillset, so that has to intrigue the 49ers genius head coach. I expect Taylor to have a harder time beating out Lance than a QB like Darnold or Heinicke, but he could love the idea of playing with Kyle Shanahan and even having a chance of starting for the 49ers at some point in the near future.

The post Best potential landing spots for Tyrod Taylor in 2022 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Dylan Bishop

The Raiders are now looking forward to the offseason after finishing with an 8-8 record this past season. They do have a superb roster, especially on offense. Nonetheless, this offseason is critical for Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden’s team, as they are looking to add pieces to the roster to hopefully solidify the Raiders as a playoff team for next season and the seasons to come. 

One of the first things to look at this offseason is the Raider’s own impending free agents to see if we should resign them or let them go. Here’s how I believe it should go. 

QB Nathan Peterman: Sign

Jon Gruden really likes Peterman as a QB. The Raiders do need depth so it’s a no brainer to bring him back on a cheap deal. 

HB Devontae Booker: Sign 

Booker played well as he was brought in to put less weight on the shoulders of Josh Jacobs. He did score three touchdowns this season, two of them in Week 10 against Denver. Expect him to be back as he won’t fetch a big price tag. 

HB Theo Riddick: Walk

Riddick rarely saw the field as the Raiders already have a solid third down receiving back in Jalen Richard. We just don’t need him. 

WR Nelson Agholor: Sign

Aghlolor was brought over last offseason from Philly on a prove it deal. He sure did prove it as he had a career year as he was one of Carr’s top targets as he almost had 900 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. 

Especially with Ruggs being less productive, they need his stability. Bringing Agholor back should be one of the Raiders priorities this offseason as he will likely have a bigger price tag due to his breakout year. But a deal around seven mil/year would be totally worth it. 

WR Zay Jones: Walk

Zay Jones fell back in the depth chart after the additions at the WR position last offseason. The Raiders would likely let him go to give Ruggs, Agholor, Renfrow and Edwards more touches. 

TE Jason Witten: Walk

Witten was brought over from Dallas on a one year, four million dollar deal last season. He’ll likely retire as he should be a future hall of famer. But the Raiders can save a few million dollars and give more snaps to Foster Moreau if Witten leaves this offseason. 

TE Derek Carrier: Sign

Carrier is seldom used, but he’s a good enough tight end to bring back behind Waller and Moreau for our third stringer at the position. 

OL Denzelle Good: Sign 

Good played really well at both guard and tackle in place of the injuries sustained on the offensive line. He’s good enough to start but it would be a no brainer to bring him back. 

OL Sam Young: Walk

Young also had to play a lot, mostly at RT due to Trent Brown missing time. But he is 33 years old so the Raiders should let him walk and find someone younger to play backup on the offensive line. 

DE Takkarist McKinley: Keep

Gruden did say in an interview that McKinley would be part of the Raiders future plans on defense. Seems like they’re intending to keep him around.

DT Jonathan Hankins: Keep

Hankins is a big body guy to plug holes and to stop the run, as he played modest last season. The Raiders should bring him back on a short deal to compete for a roster spot. 

DT Maliek Collins: Walk

Collins followed Rod Marinelli over to Vegas to see if he could bolster the interior of the defensive line. He did miss time but when he was in, he played awful. It should be an easy decision to move on from Collins to find someone better. 

DT Kendal Vickers: Keep

Vickers came in and played well occasionally. He won’t be expensive and he’s young so it’s an easy decision to resign him. 

LB Raekweon McMillan: Walk

McMillan came over from Miami via trade. He didn’t see the field much as the Raiders have better LBs on the roster (Morrow, Kwaitkowski, Littleton). He’ll likely go somewhere else to compete for a spot. 

LB Nicholas Morrow: Keep

Morrow had a career year last offseason and he did it in the right time, his contract year. He earned it after his good play at linebacker. He was second on the team in sacks and was arguably one of the best coverage linebackers we had last season. 

LB Kyle Wilber: Keep

Wilber is a captain on the team and is a great special teamer. He will be back. 

CB Nevin Lawson: Walk

The Raiders have plenty of youth at corner needing playing time, as Lawson did not play well back there this season. Let him go. 

CB Daryl Worley: Walk

All of the reasons to let Worley go are the same for Lawson. Let the young guys get the playing time. 

S Erik Harris: Walk

Harris was one of the main problems on Vegas’s back end as he could not cover a single opposing receiver. Harris needs to walk for this defense to improve. He doesn’t deserve seeing the field. 

S Dallin Leavitt: Keep

Leavitt is mainly a special teams guy as he also played safety some towards the end of the year due to injury. It’s important to keep good special teamers around. He stays. 

K Daniel Carlson: Keep

Carlson had a great year, he broke Janikowski’s single season record of points scored and was named AFC special teams player of December. He deserves a new deal. 

LS Trent Sieg: Keep

Every team needs a long snapper. Sieg does the job. 

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