5 QBs under most pressure to perform in 2022 NFL season
Every quarterback enters the NFL season with different expectations based on many factors. These include the team's outlook, contract situation, and past individual performances. With the 2022 NFL season less than three months away, here are the five quarterbacks who will have the most pressure to perform this year.
#5 - Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is currently seeking a massive contract extension from the Baltimore Ravens as he enters the final year of his rookie deal this season. He skipped OTAs during the offseason, but then showed up for mandatory mini camp.
A look at Lamar Jackson’s first practice with the Ravens this offseason … https://t.co/bL9IUWuwEO
Jackson has been excellent during the regular season so far in his career, accumulating a 37-12 overall record while also winning the NFL MVP award for the 2019 season. His issues have come during the postseason, where he has a combined 1-3 record with just three touchdown passes and five interceptions.
Jackson has indicated that he wants to wait until the end of the season before signing a new deal, wanting to prove his value. It's a double-edged sword, as if he fails to deliver, he could find himself with less leverage in the negotiations.
#4 - Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Like Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray is seeking a massive contract extension. Unlike Jackson, Murray isn't entering the final year of his rookie deal as he still has two years remaining. He is also unwilling to wait until the end of the season for a new contract to be signed. Murray has also accomplished much less than Jackson during his short career so far.
Murray has recorded just a 22-24-1 overall career record, including losing his only postseason game during the 2021 NFL playoffs. While Murray won the Rookie of the Year award in his first season and has also been selected to two Pro Bowls, he needs to prove he can consistently win games for the Arizona Cardinals before he can be counted among the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.