Carson Palmer
Last season the Arizona Cardinals went 6-0 when Palmer started. When he went down with an ACL tear on his left leg in November, the Cardinals lost four of the last seven games. Though he played just six games in the season, Palmer threw for 11 touchdowns and had a passing rating of 95.6 – his highest passing rating since his starting position in 2005 with the Cincinnati Bengals, back when he was a budding QB fantasy football star.
This is the second time Palmer has torn his left ACL. However, he is confident in his rehabilitation and has stated that he feels stronger than last season. The veteran has been cleared for training and has participated in 11-on-11 drills with the team. Coaching and training staff have stressed the importance of rest for Palmer and are taking a cautious approach to allowing his full participation in practice. The senior QB has taken the time during rehab to work on his passing mechanics and is ready for training camp. Now 35 years old, Palmer is acknowledging that his time is running out for strong contention for a ring, and will focus this season on advancing the team forward through accuracy and a no-huddle, fast paced offense.
With Michael Floyd, Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, Andre Ellington and rookie Duke Johnson, the offense has playmakers. If Palmer can stay healthy - yes, that's a big if -, he could be a sneaky QB2 option with top 10 potential during those weeks Arizona isn't facing one of those stingy NFC West defenses.
Sam Bradford
Once upon a time Bradford was an NFL golden boy, the first overall pick to the Rams in the 2010 NFL draft and a soon-to-be fantasy QB stud. Since then, struggles and constantly landing on the wrong side of QB news. There's the losing record and two torn ACL injuries in the same knee. Bradford missed playing in the 2014 season when he tore his ACL during training camp. The Rams moved on, trading him to the Philadelphia Eagles in March.
The new situation is potential fantasy gold. So far in workouts, Bradford has the lead over fellow fallen star Mark Sanchez. Though he is still listed as questionable, Bradford will participate in the Eagles’ training camp in August to solidify his hold on the starting QB position. If the new guy can somehow avoid yet another injury, he has the goods to run Chip Kelly’s offense. Though the Eagles like to focus on the run, Bradford will hopefully connect enough to breakout WR Jordan Matthews, tight end Zach Ertz, and first round pick Nelson Agholor so fantasy owners can consider the Philly QB as a bye week option.
Ryan Fitzpatrick
The NFL tour for the former Harvard signal caller continues, this time in the Big Apple. Fitzpatrick threw for 2,483 yards and 17 TDs in his 12 games with the Texans last season. Per usual, he looks impressive at times, but ultimately proved more tease than sure thing. Now the Jets hope the stopgap option either pushes incumbent Geno Smith or at least steps in throwing heat when he's called out of the bullpen. Smith had flashes last season, but struggled more than not in 14 games. Though the two QBs have similar stats, it looks like the competition is going to come down to accuracy and movement of the ball downfield. First-year head coach Todd Bowles anticipates naming a starter during training camp. Ideally, the call isn't Fitzpatrick. The key is the Jets know they have an instant-offense option if needed, at least until once again reveals he's just a tease.
Ryan Mallett
The ex-Patriot started in two games with the Texans before tearing his pectoral muscle, effectively ending his season. The injury didn't end Mallett's chances of taking over the starting job. After trading Ryan Fitzpatrick, the only other QB1 contenders are Brian Hoyer and Tom Savage. Mallett’s health has been cleared and he participated in the Texans minicamp this past week. If we're talking potential, Mallett gets the job. If we're talking production, this job is wide open. Training camp and perhaps preseason games will reveal all.
