Quarterback Inconsistencies in 2025
Quarterback performance in 2025 has reached unprecedented levels of inconsistency, leaving many teams in a bind. Kyler Murray is now benched, Geno Smith is sidelined, and both Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson are seeing the twilight of their careers. It’s time to assess the future of the NFL—who will step in at quarterback for various teams, and who will be scrambling for new talent?
Some players will undoubtedly slip off the radar, others may leave due to circumstances outside their control, and many simply age out of the competition. Let’s take a closer look.
Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray — OUT
Murray has already been taken out of the starting role due to his disappointing performance this season, making it evident that the Cardinals may look to part ways with him soon. To be frank, he hasn’t performed well since Kliff Kingsbury departed, and it’s safe to say he hasn’t developed into more than a lower-tier quarterback.
Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr. — OUT
This situation is a bit puzzling; Penix has shown flashes of brilliance but has also had some rough patches. The issue lies with restless ownership eager for results. Three years can feel like an eternity in the NFL, so it’s not surprising to see this team contemplating a change at quarterback.
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson — IN
This one is straightforward. Just check the stats and highlights—Jackson has solidified himself as a crucial asset to the Ravens. His track record speaks volumes.
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen — IN
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young — OUT
While Young is undoubtedly smart, things aren’t aligning for him in Carolina. A new general manager and coach are taking the reins in 2024, but neither hired Young to be their quarterback. It seems likely they’ll want to move on, as Young’s trajectory is starting to look more like a backup than a starter.
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams — Indiana (tentative)
There’s much development needed, but considering Williams’s recent improvements, I believe he has potential. If the Bears keep winning, he might just get more chances to grow.
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow — IN
I can’t shake off concerns about his health, but if he stays fit, Burrow remains the core of the Bengals’ competitiveness.
Cleveland Browns: Dillon Gabriel — OUT
In short, the Browns seem poised to move on, especially after securing a high draft pick in a QB-heavy class. This experiment with Gabriel is likely nearing its end.
Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott — IN
Despite being a polarizing figure on social media, Prescott is racking up points this season. He’s actively directing the defense and stepping up when necessary.
Denver Broncos: Bo Nix — Indiana (tentative)
Nix is…adequate. Coach Sean Payton could find ways to win with him, but we need to see more from him throughout the game, particularly outside of crunch time. The front office’s stability will also influence Nix’s future in Denver.
Detroit Lions: Jared Goff — IN
I remember a time when Goff was seen as just a stopgap in Detroit. Now, with the team’s success, he has solidified his role. As long as the winning continues, expect Goff to remain under center.
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love — IN
Love shows promise, despite occasionally hitting a wall during games. He’s one of the league’s top quarterbacks at times, but he could improve slightly on his decision-making. It feels like he’ll be around as a long-term starter.
Houston Texans: CJ Stroud — IN
Stroud has limitations, especially in making creative plays on his own, yet that’s a minor issue compared to some others. Given the Texans bolster their offensive line, I see a path for him to stay as a starter in the future.
Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones — OUT
This season has been intriguing, but can it last? Jones might get another chance to prove himself in Indianapolis, but ultimately, they’ll likely be on the hunt for a real franchise quarterback soon.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence — OUT
This situation mirrors Carolina’s closely. Lawrence has yet to establish himself as a top-tier QB despite being selected under a new regime. If he’s still starting three years down the line, it might be more about his contract than actual performance, raising questions on whether Jacksonville will seek a new quarterback by then.
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes — IN
Some situations are self-evident. Arguing Mahomes isn’t the starter? Good luck with that.
Las Vegas Raiders: Geno Smith — OUT
Smith has always been more of a temporary solution; nothing has changed now. His tenure as starting QB isn’t likely to last long-term.
Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert — IN
Sure, Herbert attracts a lot of media attention. He’s impressive, but skepticism remains. Regardless, he’s the face of the franchise.
Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford — OUT
Stafford is playing well, but by 2028 he could be nearly 40. Watching him try to maintain his career while others have moved on is a bit difficult.
Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa — OUT
With Mike McDaniel likely on his way out, Tua seems to follow. Injuries and inconsistent performances will likely lead Tagovailoa away from Miami.
Minnesota Vikings: JJ McCarthy — OUT (tentative)
This one stings a bit. The Vikings might consider giving McCarthy another shot, but his leadership abilities haven’t shone through yet. Limitations are starting to reveal themselves.
New England Patriots: Drake Maye — IN
This is a bit unpredictable. We’ll see if he really develops into the player the Patriots want.
New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shaw — OUT
The Saints are likely to have a top-five draft pick, making it hard to justify sticking with Shaw, considering his age relative to the competition.
New York Giants: Jackson Dart — IN
Dart’s four concussions in a few months are concerning, but he’s brought new life to the Giants this season. If he can stay healthy, he looks like their guy.
New York Jets: Justin Fields — OUT
Not much more to say here.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts — IN
Hurts has not only played in the Super Bowl but also won the MVP. He’s been a key leader for a team that’s remained a contender since his arrival.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers — OUT
Rodgers might be aiming for a podcast career by 2028, potentially following in Joe Rogan’s footsteps.
San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy — IN
Purdy seems tailor-made to work in Kyle Shanahan’s system. His contract situation is something to monitor.
Seattle Seahawks: Sam Darnold — IN
What a turnaround! Darnold was the top pick a while back but faced challenges in his early career. Now, he’s thriving on a competitive team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield — IN
Mayfield found his stride and looks to be fitting into the Bucs’ plans.
Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward — Indiana (tentative)
Ward struggled significantly, making his immediate future seem uncertain, but he’ll likely get a shot to develop further.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels — IN
Daniels was last season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year and is now an integral part of the offense.
