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Quincy Milton projects and ranks all 32 starting NFL quarterbacks for the 2025 season. Who were the biggest quarterback risers and fallers after NFL free agency
Free agents will be continually signed throughout the next several weeks, but the bulk of the frenzy has passed. While we were expecting movement amongst some of the elder statesmen at the position, the Seattle Seahawks and Las Vegas Raiders decided to shake things up and kick off the 2025 quarterback carousel.
With several signal callers finding a new home this season, the NFL will be fresh and exciting. Of course, the top tier of quarterbacks will remain the same, but the movement in other tiers is intriguing and could lend itself to some surprising success throughout this season.
Free agency also offers NFL fans a glimpse at what teams will decide to do in the draft. With more information on the incoming rookies and their potential landing spots, this list is starting to become easier to predict. Without further ado, let's dive in and see which players stand to earn a starting job in 2025.
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No. 32: Kenny Pickett - Cleveland Browns
Kenny Pickett may very well have the inside track to start for the Browns in Week 1 of 2025. It feels unlikely that the starting-caliber free-agent quarterbacks will choose Cleveland as their destination, and Pickett was traded for the promise of being able to compete for the job.
No. 31: Cameron Ward - Tennessee Titans
As the draft approaches, the Titans seem more likely to draft Cameron Ward. Ward seems entrenched as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the rumors around the Titans trading the pick seem to be cooling. Tennessee would be a solid landing spot for the young signal caller, and it would spell the end of the Will Levis-era.
Me when the #titans draft Cam Ward: pic.twitter.com/79va64s1nh
— Zø (@almightyzo__) March 12, 2025
No. 30: Jameis Winston - New York Giants
Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers seemed likely to land in New York. However, the Giants signed Jameis Winston suggesting that they are looking towards the draft. Winston seems likely to start for the team in Week 1 unless a rookie can beat him out.
*Russell Wilson was formerly mocked to the Giants until the Winston signing.
No. 29: Anthony Richardson - Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson will enter a quarterback competition with Daniel Jones this offseason. Richardson should win this competition, and right now, the expectation is that he will start for the Colts in Week 1. However, Jones has performed well at times in the past, and this could be a tight race. For now, let's roll with Richardson as the starter.
No. 28: Derek Carr - New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr is safe as the Saints' starting quarterback for now. However, rumors are swirling around the Saints drafting a quarterback this April. Should they draft a quarterback in the first round, Carr's job would be at risk. Carr is a half-step away from entering the "backup quarterback" portion of his career.
No. 27: Drake Maye - New England Patriots
Drake Maye did not receive much of an upgrade at wide receiver during free agency, but the Patriots did a lot of work to upgrade their defense and their offensive line to help take pressure off Maye. If they can add a true offensive difference maker in the draft, such as Travis Hunter, look for Maye to take off this year.
No. 26: Michael Penix Jr. - Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. will take over for the Falcons indefinitely after Kirk Cousins played his way to a permanent benching in 2024. Penix has a solid arsenal around him and is poised to succeed with his talent. He still has several kinks to work out of his game but the Falcons' offense should take a step forward as a whole.
No. 25: Trevor Lawrence - Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence has a lot to prove in 2025. After Mac Jones played solid ball in place of an injured Lawrence in 2024, it is time for Lawrence to take a significant step forward. New head coach Liam Coen just helped guide Baker Mayfield to a career year in 2024. Perhaps he can do something similar for Lawrence in 2025. Still, Lawrence needs help along the offensive line and at wide receiver.
No. 24: Justin Fields - New York Jets
In a somewhat surprising move, the Steelers prioritized attempting to sign Aaron Rodgers over retaining Justin Fields or Russell Wilson. Fields ultimately signed with the Jets on a prove-it type of deal. Fields will reunite with one of his college wide receivers in Garrett Wilson. With a new regime in place in New York, Fields could have a chance to break the quarterback curse that has haunted the Jets fanbase for decades.
The #Jets are more invested in turning Justin Fields around than people realize
Happy Sunday ✈️ pic.twitter.com/KHMFfFQ1nr
— Jets Today (@NYJetsToday_) March 16, 2025
No. 23: J.J. McCarthy - Minnesota Vikings
The J.J. McCarthy-era will officially begin in 2025. The Vikings rebuffed Aaron Rodgers and lost Sam Darnold to the Seahawks. They appear ready to turn things over to McCarthy and will likely add a veteran mentor behind him. This kid is about as set up for success as anyone could be. If McCarthy is legitimate, this team is a true contender.
No. 22: Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young is on the cusp of entrenching himself as a true franchise quarterback. The Panthers will likely continue to add to their offensive arsenal in the 2025 NFL Draft. If Young can continue playing like he did down the stretch of the 2024 season, then the Panthers have found their guy.
No. 21: Caleb Williams - Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams may be the biggest quarterback winner this offseason. The Bears significantly upgraded their offensive line through a series of trades and signings. New head coach Ben Johnson appears to be positioning the Bears as a pseudo-Detroit Lions team. Expect a major leap forward from Williams this season if he can keep his head in the game.
No. 20: Geno Smith - Las Vegas Raiders
Geno Smith will rejoin his former head coach, Pete Carroll, in Las Vegas this season. After he was unable to come to terms on a new deal with Seattle, Smith was shipped off to Vegas for a third-round draft pick. Smith will stabilize the position for the Raiders and should enjoy riding off into the sunset with both Smith and Carroll in the twilight of their careers.
No. 19: Aaron Rodgers - Pittsburgh Steelers
Justin Fields? Russell Wilson? Aaron Rodgers? The Steelers cannot seem to settle on a quarterback for 2025. Rodgers would appear to be the leading candidate for this job. With his options seemingly down to Pittsburgh and the New York Giants, it feels like the choice is obvious. This would likely place the Steelers in the same mid-tier as they were in 2024, with limited upside for more.
No. 18: Kyler Murray - Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray needs to get his act together in 2025. Murray is ripe with talent, but he has not played up to his potential over the last few seasons. Perhaps a step forward from second-year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will propel Murray. The NFC West will be tough, and Murray will need to bring his A-game.
No. 17: Sam Darnold - Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith is out, and Sam Darnold is in. The Seahawks shipped Smith off to Vegas and signed Darnold to a three-year deal. Darnold will look to replicate his 2024 success in Seattle with a team that is not as potent on offense as the 2024 Vikings. Still, Darnold will have Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp at his disposal. If the Seahawks address the offensive line in the draft, this could be a major win at quarterback for the team.
Seattle's new QB Sam Darnold pic.twitter.com/lOniXvyVuP
— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2025
No. 16: C.J. Stroud - Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud has lost all his weapons besides Nico Collins, and he has lost most of his offensive line. The Texans have serious work to do in reconstructing their offense if they would like to maximize Stroud's youth. The guy is so talented that it would be a shame to see that go to waste. Luckily, the AFC South is a weak division and could provide Stroud the chance to continue to shine despite a poor supporting cast.
No. 15: Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have not done much to upgrade their offense this offseason. They still do not have a quality starting running back and are devoid of talent at wide receiver. There are only so many draft picks to go around, and Dallas will not be able to plug all its holes. Prescott is talented enough to put up big stats, but it may not be enough to truly propel this team in 2025.
No. 14: Brock Purdy - San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy and the San Francisco are currently negotiating a new deal for the fourth-year quarterback. Time will tell if he is worth a top-of-market deal. Purdy has slipped a bit on this list as the 49ers go through a transitional period. His top weapon entering the 2025 season will be wide receiver Jauan Jennings as Brandon Aiyuk recovers from knee surgery. Christian McCaffrey will also be back and hopefully regain his old form.
No. 13: Bo Nix - Denver Broncos
Bo Nix has to be happy with how the Broncos are handling this offseason. The Broncos' defense continues to get better and will take pressure off Nix. The offense added tight end Evan Engram, who should be an excellent safety valve for Nix. With one more solid weapon addition, this offense could propel into elite status.
No. 12: Tua Tagovailoa - Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa's offseason priority should be staying healthy. After suffering another concussion in 2024, Tagovailoa's career appears to be hanging in the balance. One piece of good news for Tagovailoa and the Dolphins is that wide receiver Tyreek Hill appears ready to stay in Miami for the time being after indicating shortly after the season that he wanted out.
No. 11: Baker Mayfield - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear ready to run the 2025 season back with essentially the same cast. With wide receiver Chris Godwin re-signed, the team will feature Godwin, Mike Evans, and second-year wideout Jalen McMillan. Mayfield could very well replicate his magical career year with several excellent weapons at his disposal.
No. 10: Matthew Stafford - Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford and the Rams flirted with a divorce for several weeks after the 2024 season ended. Eventually, both sides came to the realization that they were better off with each other than without. Stafford got his money, and the Rams continue to have the opportunity to chase Super Bowls. However, unfortunately for Stafford, he did lose one of his most trusted targets in Cooper Kupp, this offseason.
Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams in 2025: pic.twitter.com/ajahzrK7u1
— Moody (@EricNMoody) March 9, 2025
No. 9: Jordan Love - Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love will return as the starting quarterback in Green Bay in 2025. The Packers were rumored to be in the running for DK Metcalf at one point during this offseason, but that did not come to fruition. With a weak wide receiver draft this season, Love could be stuck with what he has to work with.
No. 8: Justin Herbert - Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert got one of his old mates back when the Chargers signed wide receiver Mike Williams. Williams does not tip the scale in the wide receiver room and the Chargers will likely add another name in the draft. However, the signing of running back Najee Harris is underrated as a potential great move that will help take pressure off Herbert in 2025.
No. 7: Jared Goff - Detroit Lions
Jared Goff and the Lions have some soul-searching to do after an early exit from last year's playoffs. They lost several key coaches, including offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Still, this is one of the best rosters in the NFL with a great head coach. Look for Goff to continue performing at a high level this season.
No. 6: Jayden Daniels - Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels got a shiny new toy when the Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel Sr. at the beginning of the offseason. The Commanders proceeded to add left tackle Laremy Tunsil via trade. This offense figures to take a massive step forward next season, and Daniels could find himself in the top five on this list.
No. 5: Jalen Hurts - Philadelphia Eagles
The reigning Super Bowl MVP saw his team reward its star players. Offensive tackle Lane Johnson and running back Saquon Barkley were both rewarded for their play with new contracts. As such, Hurts is poised to deliver once again in 2025 after silencing the haters with his playoff run in 2024.
No. 4: Patrick Mahomes - Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have done what they can this offseason to shore up the offensive line and continue to ensure Patrick Mahomes has weapons. Now, we will get to see if the best quarterback in the league can return to his MVP form. With wide receiver Xavier Worthy on the rise and Rashee Rice (knee) returning from injury, it is definitely a possibility.
No. 3: Joe Burrow - Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow has to be a happy man now that his top two wide receivers have been re-signed. With Cincinnati running it back with their star quarterback and wide receivers, the onus is now on the defense to stop anyone so that this offense can lead the Bengals to victories. So far, the Bengals have not done anything to address that side of the ball.
JUST IN: JA’MARR CHASE AND Tee Higgins JUST LANDED IN CINCY ON A PJ AND ARE ABOUT TO SIGN THEIR #BENGALS EXTENSIONS.
🔥🔥🔥
pic.twitter.com/7k2rz3vY2n— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 18, 2025
No. 2: Lamar Jackson - Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson holds onto the No. 2 spot on this list after the Ravens added wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in free agency. Jackson is ready to continue his MVP-caliber play in 2025 as he and the Ravens chase a Super Bowl title. This could finally be the year Jackson and the Ravens breakthrough.
No. 1: Josh Allen - Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen remains atop this list heading into 2025. The Bills held onto wide receiver Khalil Shakir in free agency and seem poised to add another solid player in the draft. The NFL MVP has no reason to fall as a result.
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