Ranking all 32 of the NFL’s current QB situations

Because the NFL reveals no indicators of implementing a draft lottery, the Titans would be the newest to reap the highest reward for shedding. After a 3-14 season, the Titans earned the No. 1 general choose. By all accounts, they may go on high skills Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter to take high QB prospect Cam Ward. With the Miami product not but in Nashville, this example is kind of bleak. Failing starter Will Levis headlines a depth chart that misplaced Mason Rudolph, as Tennessee changed him with profession backup/third-stringer Brandon Allen. This depth chart doesn’t precisely masks the Titans’ intentions because the draft nears.

A proud old-school group, the Steelers have tumbled into a spot the place they’re ready on a diminished Aaron Rodgers. Pittsburgh made a proposal early in free company however has not seen the polarizing expertise commit. In the meantime, the staff’s 2024 QB plan — a Russell Wilson-Justin Fields setup — is out, each passers heading to New York. The Steelers have re-signed Rudolph as safety, however the staff has positioned most of its chips on Rodgers. Carson Wentz stays out there, and the Falcons have Kirk Cousins on the commerce block. Holding the No. 21 choose, the Steelers are in a determined scenario.

No extra spinning the Deshaun Watson disaster is going down, as Jimmy Haslam buried the commerce effort this offseason. Whereas the sunk value appears unlikely to play for the Browns once more, his assured contract will probably be on the payroll via no less than 2027 because of the staff’s restructuring spree. Watson’s contract and Achilles damage will lead low-cost vets Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett to city. Flacco fared surprisingly properly in 2023, profitable a still-strange Comeback Participant of the 12 months race, however he’s now 40 and coming off a nasty Colts season. Pickett’s inventory has tanked over the previous two seasons. Will a rookie possibility be part of this duo? If not, Flacco-Pickett is a tricky promote. 

Anthony Richardson’s Tim Tebow-esque accuracy season has introduced the Colts to a determined place as properly. GM Chris Ballard and HC Shane Steichen’s jobs will probably be on the road, and their insurance coverage coverage could also be wanted if Richardson doesn’t make important strides this offseason. Enter Daniel Jones, who acquired a aggressive provide from the Vikings. The six-year Giants starter, outdoors of some rookie-year promise and a fluky 2022, has not lived as much as his high-level draft slot. However he has a good probability to return to a beginning position. Richardson at all times appeared a dangerous funding resulting from poor faculty accuracy. He could now be in an uphill battle in opposition to one other bust.

The post-Drew Brees Saints could also be submitting boring on-field work, however their off-seasons ought to be the topic of no less than a mini-documentary. Mickey Loomis, now the second-longest pure GM in NFL historical past, continues to do no matter it takes to make sure the Saints stay a lower-middle-class operation. As New Orleans eschews an overdue rebuild, Loomis restructured Derek Carr’s deal to lock him in for 2025 and make a 2026 separation pricey. That call now invitations extra scrutiny, as a report a few Carr shoulder damage emerged simply earlier than the staff’s offseason program. An alternative choice seems more likely to be part of the injured middling QB and first 2024 substitute Spencer Rattler.

In an fascinating place resulting from having seen top-10 choose J.J. McCarthy miss his whole rookie season, the Vikings have successfully advised Rodgers to face by. It seems Minnesota, and a full Brett Favre story arc, is Rodgers’ choice. However the staff understandably doesn’t need the high-maintenance veteran to intervene with McCarthy’s offseason. The Vikings are nearly positively taking part in a lead position in stalling the Steelers’ plan, as they wait to see if McCarthy wants extra time studying or is able to roll. After a 14-3 season, a good quantity of strain exists for the staff to remain on monitor after letting Sam Darnold stroll in free company.

The Steelers needed Justin Fields to remain, solely pivoting to Darnold and Rodgers pursuits after it grew to become clear he needed to check the market. The Jets swooped in, changing the proficient however borderline-toxic Rodgers with Fields. A two-year, $40 million deal ($30M at signing) for a participant who spent most of final season as a backup is an fascinating technique, and it does hold the door open for a Jets QB choose. For now, although, Fields has a transparent runway to see if his dual-threat skillset can translate to a daily starter position once more. The Jets nonetheless have Tyrod Taylor as veteran insurance coverage, no less than. 

Andy Dalton’s automobile accident could possibly be a seminal second in Charlotte sports activities historical past. Solely minor accidents occurred, however the crash close to the Panthers’ facility prompted Carolina to maneuver Bryce Young — benched two video games into the season — to return to motion. Nearing bust standing already, the 2023 No. 1 choose confirmed indicators of life upon returning to the lineup. Though Dalton misplaced his job resulting from an off-field damage, he didn’t take it personally, re-signing with Carolina on a two-year, $8 million deal. The Fifteenth-year veteran nonetheless ought to present a high quality QB2 presence for the Panthers, who must see if Younger is actually their long-term possibility.

Michael Penix Jr. has not but established himself as a confirmed starter, however for now, Kirk Cousins continues to be on the Falcons’ roster. Atlanta is unlikely to enter the season with the since-benched sunk value, and an fascinating commerce course of will start relying on a few of the QB-needy groups fare within the draft. Not significantly correct in his three begins, the NFL’s newest southpaw passer did present some promising indicators upon changing Cousins late final season. He may have a full offseason to develop as a starter, with the Falcons now totally dedicated. They are going to be available in the market for a backup, in all probability, as soon as Cousins is jettisoned post-draft.

This can be a good time to remind that this annual Yardbarker evaluation, in contrast to another choices on this area, solely covers the upcoming season. Whereas the Giants are hurting in the long run, their Russell Wilson-Jameis Winston plan options 286 mixed begins. Wilson has been a succesful possibility after a woeful 2022, although he has not executed sufficient to persuade groups to maintain him round. That is possible the Tremendous Bowl winner’s final starter shot, however he ought to have higher weaponry in New York in comparison with Pittsburgh. This group may see a significant replace within the draft, nevertheless, as Shedeur Sanders is on Huge Blue’s radar.

Caleb Williams trudged via an uneven rookie yr, seeing lesser prospects (together with Bo Nix, the sixth QB chosen final yr) have extra success as rookies. Williams led the NFL in sacks taken, because the Bears employed two play-callers and two head coaches. Chicago employed Ben Johnson with the first purpose of placing Williams on a franchise-QB course. The Bears additionally introduced in a nomadic backup ( Case Keenum) to mentor the No. 1 general choose. That is staff No. 8 and NFL metropolis No. 9 for Keenum. Identified extra for his arm-wrestling father, ex-Division II arm Tyson Bagent stays on the roster as a possible third-stringer.

Mac Jones‘ second-place Offensive Rookie of the 12 months end should still be a warning signal concerning an excessively optimistic Patriots QB outlook, however Drake Maye flashed an all-around skillset for an overmatched staff as a rookie. The Pats have given Maye Stefon Diggs, and one other weapon is probably going coming within the draft. Final yr’s No. 3 general choose drew robust affords from the Giants and Vikings, however the Patriots stood pat. Maye has a transparent runway now, as Josh Dobbs has changed Jacoby Brissett because the backup and rocket-armed third-stringer Joe Milton is now Dallas-bound. 

Sam Darnold’s market didn’t fairly take off like most anticipated, although the near-bust did rating the next per-year wage than Baker Mayfield as a free agent. However Darnold thrived in a pleasant atmosphere, having fun with the likes of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones and T.J. Hockenson in a Kevin O’Connell-coached offense. Circumstances are completely different in Seattle, particularly after D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett’s exits. The Seahawks did see Jaxon Smith-Njigba take off final season, and so they have hometown cog Cooper Kupp on what’s now a middle-class contract. Darnold’s pay-as-you-go contract offers buyer-beware vibes, however the staff (for now) is deep behind him after pairing Drew Lock with Sam Howell.

After a regarding begin, Bo Nix made large strides in Sean Payton’s offense. Payton confirmed he may coax high quality play from a rookie arm, and he did so regardless of Denver missing weaponry at each skill-position spot save for the place Courtland Sutton lined up. Nix’s 29 rookie-year TD passes are the second-most in NFL historical past, and Denver now has Evan Engram complementing Sutton. Extra RB and WR assist ought to be coming as properly, organising an fascinating sophomore season. The Broncos let third-stringer Zach Wilson stroll however saved Jarrett Stidham on one other two-year contract, giving Nix a succesful backup.

The Seahawks lower bait on Geno Smith after three starter seasons, and his subsequent Raiders extension (two years, $75 million) reveals maybe a decrease opinion of the late bloomer inside the league than amongst media. Smith’s 2024 season, nevertheless, equaled his breakout 2022 in yards per try (7.5) and surpassed it in completion charge (70.4%). Sadly, he threw 15 INTs final season. The Raiders, although, have a confirmed starter in his mid-30s. And Smith’s short-term extension permits the staff to maintain wanting. For now, Pete Carroll will coach his former reclamation venture once more. On/off starter Aidan O’Connell stays rostered as properly.

A humbling expertise for the Jaguars, 2024 additionally introduced a step again for Lawrence. It’s secure to query whether or not the ex-Clemson super-prospect will come near justifying the hype. Lawrence confirmed difference-making potential down the stretch in 2022, however damage bother has plagued him now for 2 years. Appreciable expertise stays, and the Jaguars confirmed desperation — through the ability inexperienced coach Liam Coen now wields — in pursuing a coach that may assist him break via. The Jags let backup Mac Jones stroll, bringing in Nick Mullens — who labored with new OC Grant Udinski in Minnesota — as a backup.

With Tyreek Hill commerce rumors nonetheless swirling and Professional Bowl left deal with Terron Armstead retiring, Tua Tagovailoa’s scenario doesn’t seem improved. The Dolphins are dedicated, nevertheless, after becoming a member of the Jags, Packers, Lions and Cowboys in finishing expensive QB extensions final summer season. Tagovailoa solely completed 11 video games final season, and his subsequent concussion will convey critical retirement rumors. When wholesome, the lefty is correct and has rated extremely in Mike McDaniel’s offense. The sixth-year passer wants to indicate that kind this yr. One other Tua damage would convey, gulp, Zach Wilson — given $6 million assured — into motion.

Time could also be operating out for Kyler Murray in Arizona; the previous Professional Bowler has not executed a lot of word since getting back from a December 2022 ACL tear. Murray is getting into his seventh season because the Cardinals’ QB, and the staff did climb by 4 wins final yr — Murray’s first season with excellent NFL attendance since 2020. With Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride signed long run, Murray must remind of his early-years kind. It might additionally assist if the Playing cards added yet another receiving weapon. Arizona added skilled backup Jacoby Brissett to again up Murray, who has missed 18 profession video games.

Jordan Love carries a $55 million-per-year wage. His lack of accomplishments present how a lot leverage starter-level quarterbacks command. That mentioned, Love completed fifth in QBR final season and led the Packers to a 10-win marketing campaign regardless of lacking early time resulting from a Brazil damage. Upside stays for the Aaron Rodgers successor, who’s signed via 2028. Love’s completion proportion dropped, however his yards per try climbed to eight.0. The Packers resist calls so as to add a real No. 1 receiver, and Christian Watson will miss a lot of the season with an ACL tear. That invitations questions, although Inexperienced Bay does have commerce pickup Malik Willis returning as a backup.

This is perhaps a tad low for a C.J. Stroud-fronted crew, however the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the 12 months took a step again in 2024. Stroud noticed his yards per try freefall from 8.2 to 7.0 and his INT rely rise from 5 to 12 between 2023 and ’24. This got here regardless of the Texans having fun with higher O-line well being final season. Houston has since traded Stroud’s greatest blocker, Professional Bowl LT Laremy Tunsil, amid an O-line overhaul that options free agent Cam Robinson in that position. In Stroud’s protection, he was with out Stefon Diggs for a lot of final yr and with out Tank Dell once more to shut the season. Dell could not play in 2025, nevertheless, leaving Houston with questions.

To a level, all quarterbacks are weaponry-dependent. Nobody receives such criticism like Purdy, who certainly benefitted from a four-All-Professional skill-position fleet and Kyle Shanahan’s play-calling acumen. Purdy nonetheless moved properly previous the bar Jimmy Garoppolo set and bailed the 49ers out of the Trey Lance mess. He didn’t method his high-end 2023 marks, however the former Tremendous Bowl starter held his personal regardless of being with out two of his All-Professional toys ( Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk) and Corridor of Fame-bound LT Trent Williams. A bounce-back effort ought to start, although it’s fascinating the participant Shanahan initially needed in 2021 — Mac Jones — is now Purdy’s backup.

Baker Mayfield silenced skeptics in 2024, proving (with a unique play-caller, no much less) his 2023 rebound was not a fluke. Profession-high marks flooded the previous Progressive pitchman’s stat sheet, and the Buccaneers continued their run of NFC South titles. The Bucs saved proficient however injury-prone Mike Evans sidekick Chris Godwin and noticed rookie Jalen McMillan ship robust complementary work down the stretch. Mayfield, who will by some means be on a sixth play-caller since 2021, ought to be positioned to maintain going within the weaker of the 2 conferences (QB-wise). Longtime backup Kyle Trask re-signed as properly.

Unlikely to be scrutinized to a comparable diploma if he held a unique house handle, Dak Prescott earned second-team All-Professional honors in 2023. Consistency has eluded the previous fourth-round discover, however he offers the Cowboys a excessive flooring. Prescott has guided Dallas to 5 playoff berths, together with 12-win seasons in three of the previous 4 years, however does typically settle in as a high-second-tier possibility (His contract-negotiating abilities are on the Kirk Cousins degree, nevertheless.) The commerce for rocket-armed Patriots draftee Joe Milton provides some intrigue, after Trey Lance didn’t transfer the needle in two seasons.

Jared Goff has confirmed his 2022 reemergence was no fluke, guiding the Lions to back-to-back NFC North titles and a 15-2 2024 season. Questions concerning the former Rams No. 1 choose sustaining this type post-Ben Johnson are legitimate, as a much less flashy OC (John Morton, who was a midlevel Broncos staffer final season) takes over. The Lions have seen Goff put up top-six QBR finishes in two of the previous three seasons, constructing a contender round a participant who had been a commerce throw-in piece. Hendon Hooker has not grow to be a surefire backup, nevertheless, and the Lions will pit the third-rounder in opposition to journeyman Kyle Allen in a QB2 battle price monitoring.

Nicely-timed losses hold altering franchise trajectories. The Commanders’ late-Ron Rivera-era swoon handed them Jayden Daniels, who grew to become a drive multiplier instantly after carrying some questions because the second-best prospect within the 2024 draft. Outplaying Caleb Williams as a rookie, Daniels dragged Washington to its first NFC championship sport in 33 years. This snapped the NFL’s second-longest drought, and Daniels — because of Deebo Samuel and maybe draft assist — may have extra assist subsequent season. The staff additionally re-signed backup Marcus Mariota, who offers the staff a comparable skillset (albeit a a lot lower-end model) if Daniels have been to overlook time.

This area shouldn’t be giving up on Justin Herbert, a wildly proficient passer. Although, expectations could must be adjusted. Jim Harbaugh restrained the five-year veteran final season, however Herbert — regardless of a receiving corps housing Ladd McConkey and little else — supplied elite effectivity throughout Harbaugh’s newest turnaround effort. Herbert’s 23-3 TD:INT ratio did precede a disappointing wild-card displaying in Houston, however the Bolts deserve some blame for not equipping their ace with a lot McConkey complementary assist. The staff added Trey Lance to compete with Taylor Heinicke for the backup job. Beneath Harbaugh, Lance qualifies as an fascinating flier.

In the long run, a Matthew Stafford-fronted group ought to clearly not rank this extremely. For 2025, the current trade-block resident nonetheless represents an elite possibility. Sean McVay continues to kind an early Corridor of Fame path, and the Rams correctly backed off their odd Stafford commerce consideration. Agreeing to a team-friendly extension years in the past value Stafford, who rebounded properly in 2023 to reaffirm his place as a top-10 QB by main the staff to back-to-back playoff berths. Stafford is 37 and injury-prone, nevertheless, which does invite consideration resulting from Jimmy Garoppolo’s standing as a brittle performer. That mentioned, Garoppolo is among the league’s higher QB2s when wholesome.

Eradicating all doubt about his long-term starter viability, Jalen Hurts sliced up a robust Chiefs protection in a cruise to Tremendous Bowl LIX MVP honors. A near-flawless efficiency gave Hurts the fascinating declare to having outplayed Patrick Mahomes in two Tremendous Bowls. Hurts is way over a Tush Push beneficiary, and the Eagles could must dial that again — ought to the NFL not drive them to — in a long-game effort round their QB. Hurts rebounded from a step again in 2023 and elevated his standing within the sport within the course of. The Eagles traded 2024 backup Kenny Pickett, giving 2023 sixth-round choose Tanner McKee an opportunity to fill a spot that seems a bit wobbly. 

A transparent high tier stays, retaining Hurts and Stafford headlining the second flight of QBs. This placement could also be unfair to Lamar Jackson, who has earned back-to-back first-team All-Professional seasons. On the entire, he has outplayed two of the starters in entrance of him right here over the previous two seasons. Playoff shortcomings stay a problem within the celebrity’s late 20s. Jackson, although, dropped his masterpiece for a Ravens staff nonetheless showing a receiver quick. Their electrical maestro has made it work and will probably be headed to Canton at some point. Baltimore has switched out journeyman extraordinaire Josh Johnson for longtime Cowboys backup Cooper Rush.

Joe Burrow most likely denies Josh Allen MVP if the Bengals characteristic a league-average protection final season. Sure, the Ravens swept the Bengals final season and have made each the previous two playoff brackets (to Cincinnati’s zero). Burrow additionally has elite weaponry, in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However Burrow rebounded from a regarding wrist damage final season, displaying an necessary full season of well being. He delivered dominance, however Cincy’s protection let down its franchise centerpiece. The Bengals additionally felt the Carson Palmer-like strain from Burrow this offseason, paying his receivers and heightening the strain on all events for 2025.

Unquestionably the NFL’s most completed lively quarterback, Patrick Mahomes proved within the AFC playoffs he can nonetheless ship when it issues. A woeful Tremendous Bowl outing, nevertheless, tabled the untimely debate in opposition to Tom Brady and Peyton Manning for all-time greatness. Mahomes has taken a step again since his 2022 MVP season, and it isn’t as if his pass-catching scenario has been considerably worse than the Ravens or Payments’ setups. It may be argued Josh Allen did rather more with much less final season. That is nonetheless nitpicking for the Chiefs, who’ve an all-time nice in his prime. In addition they added one other skilled backup in Gardner Minshew.

Maddening damage misfortune continues to befall the Payments in opposition to the Chiefs, who hold upending their rivals after regular-season losses. That mentioned, Josh Allen has been the NFL’s most harmful quarterback since Joe Brady changed Ken Dorsey as offensive coordinator. Final season introduced an MVP displaying after the staff traded Stefon Diggs and took on $31 million in lifeless cash. No Diggs substitute emerged, with Amari Cooper delivering little, but Allen motored alongside as an all-around dynamo. The Payments ought to be leery of unleashing Allen on runs, because of the punishment he absorbs, however they’ve the sport’s high possibility at 28. Mitch Trubisky is a shaky QB2, however Allen has confirmed fairly sturdy.