There has never been so much inconsistent quarterback play as in 2025, and we’ve reached the breaking point for a lot of teams. Kyler Murray has been benched, Geno Smith has collapsed, and father time has come for Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson in a big way. It’s time to look forward into the NFL’s future and see which teams are set at the QB position, and who we think are going to be looking for a new player soon.
For some of these it’s obvious that they’re out, but others will leave due to forces beyond their control — while others will simply age out of contention. Let’s dive in.
Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray — OUT
Murray was already pulled from the starting lineup for bad performance this year, and that’s a clear tell that the Cardinals will be looking to move on soon. When we get down to brass tacks Murray just hasn’t looked that good since Kliff Kingsbury moved on, and he’s never taken the necessary step to become anything better than a lower-third QB.
Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr. — OUT
This is a weird one because Michael Penix Jr. can be really good, and he can also be extremely bad. The issue here is that ownership is getting restless and wants to see results. Three years is a long time in the NFL, and it’s easy to see this team pulling the plug and trying to find an upgrade.
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson — IN
Feels like this one does not really need an explanation, but if you need one, see: Multiple MVPs, Baltimore in Weeks 5 and 6, and what the offense looks like with Lamar back on the field.
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen — IN
Again, this feels fairly straightforward.
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young — OUT
There’s no doubting Bryce Young’s football intelligence, but things just aren’t coming together on the field in Carolina. This is a team who has both a new GM and a new coach as of 2024, and neither hand-picked Young to lead the team. It’s highly likely we see Carolina move on, and Young’s career echoes that of his mentor on the Panthers: Andy Dalton. A smart veteran backup who has a long, long career in the NFL — but isn’t a top QB.
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams — IN (tentatively)
There’s a lot of development that needs to happen, but Williams’ upside leads me to believe he can do it. If this team continues to win they’ll keep trying to make this work, and first round picks get more rope.
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow — IN
His health is starting to be a concern. But when healthy, Joe Burrow is a main reason the Bengals can be competitive.
Cleveland Browns: Dillon Gabriel — OUT
I mean … [looks at the Browns] This experiment is likely over this season with Cleveland landing high draft picks in a QB heavy class.
Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott — IN
Dak Prescott remains a lightning rod on social media but — gesturing in the direction of their defense — they’re scoring points in bunches this year, and they need to.
Denver Broncos: Bo Nix — IN (tentatively)
Bo Nix is … fine. Sean Payton can win with fine. As long as this team is winning I don’t expect them to upset the ship. Still need to see more from Nix outside the fourth quarter. The rub is whether or not we could see front office changes in Denver in the next three years. If that happens then Nix is dead in the water.
Detroit Lions: Jared Goff — IN
Remember when Jared Goff was looked at as a bridge to the future in Detroit?
I remember, because I wrote those stories myself.
The only big bridge in Detroit right now is the upcoming Gordie Howe Bridge, set to open early next year. As for Goff, as long as they are winning, expect him to be under center.
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love — IN
Jordan Love does some things that drive you up a wall sometimes, but he’s still one of the league’s elite quarterbacks when he’s on his game. There needs to be some work on his decision making and tendency to gunsling a little too much, but these are fairly minor issues. He’ll be the starter long term.
Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud — IN
Stroud isn’t perfect. He’s not a quarterback who can create without support, but that’s a minor issue compared to a lot of quarterbacks in the league. He’ll be able to shine again when the Texans finally upgrade their offensive line. A lock to stay the starter in three years.
Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones — OUT
It’s been a really fun season, but does anyone really think this is sustainable? Jones might get another contract out of this to see if the Colts can keep things rolling, but ultimately they’ll be looking for a long-term, true franchise QB within the next few years.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence — OUT
It’s a very similar situation to Carolina here, and it’s eerie how these teams mirror each other. Lawrence was picked under a new regime, and he just hasn’t proven he’s a top-tier QB. If he remains the starter in three years it will be because of his contract more than anything else, but with the way teams are able to dance around cap hits I suspect Jacksonville will be looking for a new signal caller before 2028.
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes — IN
As we set out in the intro, some of these are self-evident.
If you want to make the case that Patrick Mahomes will not be the starting quarterback in Kansas City, head over to The Feed and drop that argument in there. We’d love to see it.
Las Vegas Raiders: Geno Smith — OUT
Smith was always destined to be a caretaker option. That has not changed. There is zero chance he remains the starting QB long term.
Los Angeles Chargers : Justin Herbert — IN
Yes, Herbert is something of a lightning rod in NFL media circles. Film watchers love him, others maintain a healthy level of skepticism. But between his contract and what he can do with his arm and legs, he is their franchise guy.
Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford — OUT
Stafford is playing incredible football, but by the time 2028 rolls around he’ll be 40. It’s tough to see Stafford desperately trying to cling to a career like Aaron Rodgers had.
Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa — OUT
Mike McDaniel is probably done after the season, and Tua won’t be far behind him. Inconsistent play, paired with concussion issues and a questionable arm will likely push Tagovailoa out of Miami.
Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy — OUT (tentatively)
This one stings. Three years is when the Vikings need to make a call on McCarthy with a possible extension, and so far he hasn’t shown the ability to lead the team. There’s always a chance we could see him ascend, but there’s a ceiling on his potential as a quarterback that’s starting to show a little.
New England Patriots: Drake Maye — IN
You fools! You let it happen again!
(Sorry, sorry. Schofield had an extra C4 this morning. We’re handling this internally).
New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough — OUT
The Saints will have a Top 5 pick in the draft next year. Shough is already as old as some quarterbacks who have been in the league four or five years. There’s no reason to think this is sticking.
New York Giants: Jaxson Dart — IN
Yes, four trips to the concussion protocol in four months is cause for concern. But Dart injected life into the Giants this season, something badly needed in New York. If he’s healthy, he’s the guy.
New York Jets: Justin Fields — OUT
We don’t need to say anything more here.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts — IN
Multiple Super Bowl trips, a Super Bowl MVP, and the leader of a team that has been a contender basically since he took over under center.
He’s their QB.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers — OUT
Aaron Rodgers will be hosting a podcast by 2028 and probably be the next Joe Rogan.
San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy — IN
The contract is part of the story here, but Brock Purdy was seemingly built in a lab to play quarterback for Kyle Shanahan.
Seattle Seahawks: Sam Darnold — IN
What an incredible story. Taken at the top of the 2018 NFL Draft by an AFC team, things did not work out for him there, finds his way to Carolina and eventually an NFC team, and turns them into contenders while playing at an MVP level.
Hey wait a minute …
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield — IN
See Darnold, Sam.
Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward — IN (tentatively)
Ward has been abysmal, but pulling the plug this early would be a stunner. He’ll get at least a full rookie contract to see if they can develop him at all. That’s what happens when you’re the No. 1 pick.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels — IN
This is last season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. He’s the guy.
