4 free agent replacements for Lions quarterback Tim Boyle in 2022

1. Colt McCoy

Those that remember or followed McCoy closely during his college career at the University of Texas may find it startling he’ll turn 36 as the 2022 season gets ready to go in September. He held down the fort when Kyler Murray missed time for the Arizona Cardinals this past season, winning two of his three starts with a passer rating over 112 in each victory (both wins came over NFC West opponents–the 49ers and the Seahawks).

The Cardinals might like to re-sign McCoy, but it’s just as likely he’s headed for his fourth team in as many seasons in 2022. If you look up “journeyman backup” in an updated dictionary, his picture is likely taking shape right next to it. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. There are far worse gigs out there than collecting a decent check as a reliable NFL backup quarterback, and rarely having to play.

It’s easy to say McCoy would not really be an upgrade over Boyle on the depth chart behind Goff. But for the role the Lions will likely want to have filled, with a rookie signal caller perhaps entering the mix too, McCoy looks perfect.