Ranking Chargers' Justin Herbert and the 32 best quarterbacks after 2022
By Jason Reed
24. Andy Dalton, New Orleans Saints
- Preseason ranking: NR
It did not take the New Orleans Saints long to give up on the Jameis Winston experiment. Saints fans were actually high on Jameis and his ability to potentially turn it around in New Orleans and be the team's next starting quarterback.
Instead, he was benched and the team started Andy Dalton down the stretch. Dalton is a fine backup quarterback to have but the moment you have him as your starter it is probably an issue. Serviceable, but nothing special.
23. Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers
- Preseason ranking: NR
Everyone expected Jimmy Garoppolo to be moved in some capacity last offseason and it ultimately did not happen. That ended up being a good thing for the 49ers after Lance injured his knee in the second week.
Garoppolo was fine while he was the starter and turned in the typical Jimmy G performance. He did not last the entire season as he too was hurt, paving the way for arguably the best quarterback of the bunch.
22. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
- Preseason ranking: NR
Look, I know that Kyle Shanahan's offense is designed to make life easy on the quarterback and that Brock Purdy had the most weapons around him of anyone in the league. But he still took over this offense and led it to the NFC Championship Game and was only halted with a typical 49ers injury.
Purdy played better in this offense than Jimmy G ever did and that should be worth something. He does not crack the top 20, but he does edge out 10 other quarterbacks on this list.
21. Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
- Preseason ranking: 23
Justin Fields is a highlight machine and I have no doubt that he may end up climbing this list the most next season. There is not a more dynamic quarterback running the football than Fields and that is including Lamar Jackson.
That being said, you have to be able to throw the ball in the NFL and Fields still struggles in that respect. As he becomes a better passer in the NFL, the sky is the limit for his potential.