2. Marcus Mariota
A former first-round pick, Marcus Mariota’s life as an NFL starter didn’t go as planned, but he spent the last two seasons with the Raiders backing up Derek Carr. Now, the expectation is that Mariota will be leaving Sin City this spring.
Mariota doesn’t figure to be in the starting QB mix for any teams, but he can no doubt be a reliable No. 2 signal-caller. That’s why he should also receive attention once free agency opens.
While with the Raiders, Mariota was used sparingly, but he did make a difference with his legs at times in 2021. On the year, he recorded 13 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown. Despite Carr’s contract extension with the Raiders still being a bit murky, Mariota still likely won’t be back.
A move to Pittsburgh, Los Angeles (Rams), Tampa Bay or Minnesota could fit for Mariota. Will those teams try and land him?
1. Jameis Winston
Last but certainly not least, people can’t wait to see what will happen with Jameis Winston this spring. After backing up Drew Brees in 2020, Winston went up against Taysom Hill entering 2021 to try and win the starting gig. He did just that.
In unlucky fashion, Winston suffered a torn ACL going up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 31 and was lost for the season. Before going down with his knee injury, Winston had thrown for 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns and only three interceptions in seven games.
His five touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 came from out of nowhere, but it was awesome to see. Now, Winston, a former No. 1 overall pick, could potentially return to the Saints to try and win the job again or head elsewhere.
Winston can still start in the NFL, evidenced by his strong start in 2021. If it’s not the Saints, some other team will surely give him a shot to do his thing once he’s fully recovered from his ACL injury.