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Dan Graziano
You have bought quarterbacks, we have questions.
Regardless of how rock-solid your favourite NFL crew’s quarterback scenario is true now, there’s nonetheless one thing about it that cries out for a solution this offseason. It is likely to be about how he’ll play in 2025. It is likely to be in regards to the caliber of the offensive group round him. It is likely to be about his contract. And it’d even be so simple as the QB1’s identification.
As we inch nearer to the beginning of coaching camps and the 2025 common season, let’s present solutions to our annual 32 questions on 32 quarterbacks.
Leap to a crew:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Can the Kyler Murray–Marvin Harrison Jr. connection ship on its first-round promise in Yr 2?
Harrison’s rookie season was superb — 62 catches, 885 yards and eight touchdowns. However because the fourth decide of the 2024 draft and given his faculty efficiency, he was speculated to take the NFL by storm proper out of the gate. As a substitute, he was the No. 2 choice within the Cardinals’ passing sport behind tight finish Trey McBride.
Extra is predicted in Harrison’s second season, and the identical might be mentioned of Murray in his seventh. Arizona made nearly no modifications on offense this offseason after ending ninth in offensive EPA in 2024. The Cardinals beefed up on protection, hoping that shall be sufficient to make them contenders. However Murray and the offense must take a step ahead if that is to occur, and a breakout for Harrison will assist.
Is there any shot we might see Atlanta return to Kirk Cousins sooner or later, absent a Michael Penix Jr. damage?
The majority of the offseason has come and gone, and Cousins is nonetheless with the Falcons — although they’ve brazenly mentioned Penix would be the starter in his second season. Cousins is making $27.5 million this season (and has $10 million assured in 2026) to be a backup. If Penix struggles early — 4 of Atlanta’s first 5 video games are towards 2024 playoff groups and three of the crew’s first six are in prime time — it may very well be tempting to return to the veteran Cousins even after he disillusioned final season. It is the principle motive the Falcons ought to have labored more durable to unload Cousins this offseason.
When will the following Lamar Jackson contract extension come, and the way will it look?
Jackson has three years left on the extension he signed two offseasons in the past. He is making $43.5 million this yr and is scheduled to make $51.25 million in 2026, of which $29 million is assured. A two-time MVP who most likely ought to have gained a 3rd in 2024, Jackson may very well be searching for a brand new deal to place him forward of the Brock Purdy, Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa sorts who have not gained any MVPs. And with Jackson’s cap numbers set to balloon to $74.5 million in 2026 and 2027, the Ravens have some incentive to get an extension executed to assist with that.
The final time Jackson wished a brand new contract, he dug in on his want to prime Deshaun Watson‘s assured cash numbers. He did not find yourself doing that, and even coming notably shut, however he clearly is aware of the market and the place he believes he ought to stand in it. Asking to prime Dak Prescott‘s $60 million per yr would not be ridiculous, given the relative accomplishments of the 2.
Does Josh Allen have to repeat as MVP for the Payments to get to the Tremendous Bowl?
Final season ought to have put to mattress the questions on whether or not the Payments have sufficient round Allen on offense, as they completed second within the league in factors (30.9 per sport) behind solely the Lions. Nonetheless, it is inescapable that the one first-round offensive participant they’ve drafted since taking Allen in 2018 is tight finish Dalton Kincaid. The huge receiver group contains Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer. It is on Allen and offensive coordinator Joe Brady to get probably the most out of this group, as they did a season in the past.
Are we shopping for Bryce Younger‘s mini resurgence within the later components of 2024?
In case you missed Carolina’s considerably forgettable 2024 season, Younger — the primary decide within the 2023 draft — struggled so badly that he bought benched for Andy Dalton early within the season and bought the job again solely as a result of Dalton harm his hand in a automobile accident. However from Week 8 to the top of the season, Younger posted a strong 60.8 QBR and threw 15 landing passes to 6 interceptions. (He additionally ran for 5 touchdowns in that span.) Younger bought higher because the season went alongside and completed with 10 complete touchdowns and no interceptions in his final three video games.
Should you consider in Carolina coach Dave Canales, who revitalized Baker Mayfield because the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator in 2023, then you’ve gotten motive to hope Younger’s breakout second half was an indication of issues to come back.
Is it already now or by no means for Caleb Williams?
Effectively, no. Williams was the No. 1 decide within the 2024 draft and has two extra totally assured years (plus an choice season) on his contract after this one. Even when this yr is a disappointment, Williams is prone to get extra possibilities.
However it’s additionally honest to say the honeymoon interval was very brief and is formally over. As soon as it got here out publicly that he did not wish to play for the Bears in the beginning of the draft course of, it was clear that the fan base will not keep affected person with him if he would not appear to be getting it. A seemingly loaded offense with an improved offensive line below new coach Ben Johnson means Williams ought to have greater than sufficient round him to succeed sooner relatively than later.
1:21
Peter Schrager: The stress is on Caleb Williams in Yr 2
Peter Schrager talks in regards to the stress Caleb Williams will face in his sophomore season with the Bears.
Is the Bengals’ protection improved sufficient to help Joe Burrow if he repeats his 2024 efficiency?
Burrow was ludicrously good in 2024, finishing greater than 70% of his passes, posting the next QBR than anybody however Allen and Jackson (74.7) and throwing 48 landing passes to only 9 interceptions. However a protection that completed twenty seventh in defensive EPA rendered the offense’s efficiency irrelevant, because the Bengals completed 9-8 and missed the playoffs.
New defensive coordinator Al Golden ought to have the ability to overhaul some issues and make enhancements. But when the Trey Hendrickson contract dispute drags into the season, it is going to be robust for Cincinnati to cease opposing offenses as soon as once more.
Can any of the Browns’ 4 QBs really emerge as the reply?
Something’s potential, however the minimal extent to which the Browns have invested sources within the quartet of Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders leaves them ready to get well if the reply seems to be no.
Flacco’s assured cash is $3 million. Pickett’s is a bit of over $2.6 million. Neither is signed past 2025. Gabriel was a third-round decide, whereas Sanders was taken within the fifth spherical. Certain, the Browns nonetheless owe Deshaun Watson $92 million over the following two years, however there’s nothing they’ll do about that now, and so they’re clearly searching for a post-Watson reply. Choosing up an additional 2026 first-round decide of their draft day deal with the Jaguars places them in place to maneuver on from their whole QB room subsequent yr in the event that they wish to achieve this.
Which model of Dak Prescott will we get this season?
The Cowboys hope it is the wholesome model. Prescott has performed six totally wholesome seasons in his nine-year NFL profession, and the Cowboys gained the NFC East in 4 of these seasons. Even after shedding Prescott to a hamstring damage halfway by final season, Dallas nonetheless managed to complete 7-10.
Prescott is predicted again wholesome to begin coaching camp, and the crew added WR George Pickens to pair with prime wideout CeeDee Lamb and increase Prescott’s choices within the passing sport. If the post-Zack Martin offensive line holds up the way in which the Cowboys count on, Dallas has loads of motive to suppose it may deal with Philadelphia and Washington within the NFC East.
Can Bo Nix be the quarterback who ends Patrick Mahomes‘ streak of seven straight AFC West titles?
Many have tried, all have failed. The Chiefs have gained the division every of the previous eight seasons, the previous seven of which Mahomes has been their beginning quarterback. Nix and the Broncos have been a blocked discipline purpose away from successful in Kansas Metropolis final season, and so they made the playoffs with a 10-7 document.
This offseason, Denver has added veteran tight finish Evan Engram and second-round rookie working again RJ Harvey to the offense, and a pair of Tremendous Bowl-seasoned former 49ers defensive gamers in Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga to an already sturdy protection. The offensive line is sweet. The younger WR group round Courtland Sutton exhibits promise. Nix should not have to fret about final September’s rookie rising pains anymore, too. The Broncos (in addition to the Chargers) look poised to supply an actual problem to the Chiefs in what may very well be a really robust division.
1:09
Why Graziano believes Chiefs will get challenged in AFC West this yr
Dan Graziano and Mike Tannenbaum debate whether or not the Chiefs will win the AFC West for the tenth consecutive season.
Can Jared Goff overcome the entire modifications in Detroit?
Three of Goff’s prime 4 QBR seasons got here the previous three years with Ben Johnson as his offensive coordinator, and Johnson has left to teach the Bears. A number of different members of the Lions’ teaching workers have moved on to different jobs, too. Heart Frank Ragnow simply retired.
The Lions have had quite a lot of success since Goff and coach Dan Campbell bought there, and they need to nonetheless be anticipated to be one of many prime groups within the league. However issues will look considerably totally different round Goff in some key facets this season, and he’ll have to reply a number of the questions himself.
Can Jordan Love attain one other degree?
Love has been very, superb because the Packers’ starter the previous two years. He completed final season fifth in QBR (69.3) and threw 25 landing passes. However Inexperienced Bay’s 11-6 document in 2024 led solely to a third-place end within the brutally robust NFC North. The Packers misplaced within the second spherical of the playoffs two seasons in the past after which the primary spherical final season.
Once more, Love has been very, superb, and the Packers have been very, superb with him. However they will surely prefer to be championship good and progress towards that purpose could be good to see from Love and Inexperienced Bay in 2025.
What do the offensive coordinator and O-line modifications imply for C.J. Stroud in Yr 3?
Stroud’s excellent rookie season got here below the tutelage of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who performed head coach interviews within the 2024 offseason because of this. However a shocking step again by the offense resulted in Slowik’s much more shocking firing this offseason, and Nick Caley is available in with a brand new scheme for Stroud to study. Houston additionally overhauled its offensive line after permitting 54 sacks and ending twenty second in cross block win charge. Gone is veteran left sort out Laremy Tunsil, and Stroud’s safety will look considerably totally different in 2025.
You can argue that every one of this has to be factor, contemplating the way in which the offense carried out final season. However that is nonetheless quite a lot of change for a QB who has gained playoff video games in every of his first two years and is predicted to assist elevate Houston into the highest tier of AFC contenders sooner relatively than later.
Have we seen the final of Anthony Richardson because the starter in Indianapolis?
The Colts already introduced in veteran Daniel Jones to compete with Richardson for the beginning QB function, and now Richardson is coping with an damage to his throwing shoulder — the identical one which ended his rookie season early in 2023. If Richardson continues to battle with well being points and Jones exhibits he can function the offense, it is potential the Colts roll with Jones this season and look into shifting on from Richardson — the fourth decide within the 2023 draft — as early as subsequent offseason.
1:28
Why Daniel Jones is Peter Schrager’s favourite’ for Comeback Participant of the Yr
Peter Schrager shares why he believes Daniel Jones might thrive in Indianapolis and take dwelling Comeback Participant of the Yr honors.
How might Liam Coen jump-start Trevor Lawrence‘s sport?
QB-centric coaches typically say that the very first thing they work on after they get with a brand new quarterback is his ft. To that finish, Coen has this offseason emphasised an overhaul of Lawrence’s footwork.
The thought is that every part in regards to the offense works off the quarterback’s capability to time up his ft with the play that is referred to as. If Coen and Lawrence are already making optimistic progress on footwork, that bodes nicely for Lawrence’s possibilities of getting again on observe.
What must occur for Patrick Mahomes‘ stats to return to an elite degree?
Effectively, it might definitely assist if the Chiefs might shield him higher. Can the mix of free agent signee Jaylon Moore and first-round rookie Josh Simmons assist shore up the sort out place? Will second-year lineman Kingsley Suamataia be higher at guard than he was final season at left sort out?
Getting Rashee Rice again from his knee damage will assist the WR corps, as ought to a full season from Hollywood Brown. The Chiefs could by no means once more be as explosive as they have been within the early Mahomes days with Tyreek Hill, Kareem Hunt and prime Travis Kelce. However the offense has proven it may be environment friendly and efficient when the O-line is true.
What ought to we count on from the Geno Smith-Chip Kelly pairing?
The Raiders acquired Smith, the well-traveled veteran quarterback, from the Seahawks in one of many sneaky-strong strikes of the offseason. Primarily based on the way in which he performed the previous couple of seasons in Seattle, Smith might be the most effective QB addition any crew made this spring or summer season. Kelly, making his return to the NFL as Raiders’ offensive coordinator, has hit it off early together with his new QB, with whom he is apparently had a relationship for a while. And coach Pete Carroll was the Seahawks’ coach when Smith took over the beginning QB job from Russell Wilson and outplayed everybody’s expectations.
This AFC West division had three playoff groups final season, and all three of them appear to be higher this yr, so it is an uphill climb for the Raiders. However do not be shocked in the event that they make it robust on the groups that completed in entrance of them final yr.
Is Justin Herbert‘s safety going to be ok?
The Chargers are engaged on a contract extension for left sort out Rashawn Slater, and whereas there would not appear to be any motive to suppose it will not get executed, the longer it drags on, the extra regarding it turns into. Newly signed Mekhi Becton is being counted on to be an improve at proper guard, whereas Zion Johnson and Bradley Bozeman are rotating between left guard and heart this offseason. Proper sort out Joe Alt performed nicely final season as a rookie, however there are some questions elsewhere alongside the road.
It looks like we are able to belief coach Jim Harbaugh and coordinator Greg Roman to get it found out, particularly if the Slater negotiations do not end in any form of holdout. A robust and dependable line is essential to getting probably the most out of Herbert and his run sport.
Is that this undoubtedly the ultimate yr for Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles?
Keep in mind when the offseason began with questions about whether or not Stafford was going to be traded to the Giants? Enjoyable instances. He wasn’t dealt, in fact. He stayed with the Rams on a new contract that’ll pay him $40 million this yr after which permit him and/or the crew to go their separate methods subsequent offseason. Rinse, repeat.
Stafford will flip 38 in February, and if he determined to retire, it might be exhausting responsible him. However to attempt to predict what is going to occur feels silly in a scenario the place the participant and the crew appear to have agreed to take it year-by-year. If the Rams had a clear-cut substitute on the roster, that is likely to be a clue, however they do not. Having two first-round picks in subsequent yr’s draft offers them the power to search out mentioned substitute in the event that they so select. It is exhausting to actually reply the query of whether or not Stafford has one yr or multiple yr left, and there is definitely no motive to say something is particular.
Is that this a make-or-break yr for Tua Tagovailoa?
Not likely, since he has $54 million in assured cash coming in 2026. However the Miami offense took a step again final season, and the Dolphins missed the playoffs for the primary time in three years below coach Mike McDaniel. Tagovailoa’s 60.3 QBR ranked fifteenth. How and whether or not Tagovailoa and McDaniel get well from a down yr will go a great distance towards figuring out how pointed subsequent offseason’s questions shall be about Tagovailoa.
Ought to we count on fast success for J.J. McCarthy simply due to the Kevin O’Connell impact?
Kirk Cousins had one of many higher seasons of his profession in 2022 below O’Connell, who was in his first yr because the Vikings’ coach. O’Connell bought one thing out of fellows like Joshua Dobbs and Nick Mullens after Cousins bought harm in 2023. Sam Darnold revived his profession below O’Connell final yr. So it is clear why hopes are excessive for McCarthy, even after he missed his whole rookie season as a consequence of a knee damage. We’ve got no motive to doubt O’Connell based mostly on what we have seen in his first three seasons in Minnesota.
Does Drake Maye have the supporting forged to make the Patriots a playoff crew in Yr 2?
After touchdown Mike Vrabel as their coach, the Patriots started working build up the roster infrastructure round Maye, who confirmed quite a lot of promise after taking up because the beginning QB six weeks into his rookie season. The offensive line seems to be like it will likely be quite a bit higher (it type of needs to be, proper?). However there are nonetheless questions in regards to the huge receiver group after the Pats swung and missed on Chris Godwin in free company and ended up with Stefon Diggs off a torn ACL. Becoming a member of Diggs are DeMario Douglas and rookie Kyle Williams.
Is that this an actual QB1 competitors?
When the Saints drafted Tyler Shough within the second spherical after which Derek Carr retired a number of months later, it definitely was honest to imagine Shough could be in line to take over because the starter. And he completely is likely to be the QB1. However there are folks within the Saints’ constructing who like Spencer Rattler and wish to give him an opportunity to compete with Shough for the beginning job. And up to now this offseason, Rattler has proven enchancment over his poor 2024 rookie efficiency.
As of now, count on the Saints to arrange coaching camp as a real competitors between Shough and Rattler. Might Shough have the sting because the participant the brand new teaching workers drafted with the fortieth decide? Completely. However it would not sound like something is already a executed deal.
Can the Giants resist Jaxson Dart temptation all season?
Yearly, it appears there’s a minimum of one crew telling us it needs to sit down its rookie quarterback so long as potential — all yr if essential. The Giants signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to make double positive they’d succesful veteran choices whereas Dart developed into an NFL-ready starter.
However the actuality is, it hardly ever works out. Final season’s Patriots have been beginning Jacoby Brissett and saying most of the identical issues, however they have been so dangerous early on that Drake Maye took over the beginning job in Week 6. Except the Giants are scoring factors and successful video games at a shocking charge early within the season, it feels inevitable that they attain a degree the place it is time to see what Dart can do.
Is Justin Fields a bridge to the 2026 draft … or a possible longer-term answer?
It sounds just like the Jets are going to present Fields an actual probability to reply this query, by hook or by crook. They definitely have not dominated out the concept that he might be their long-term starter at quarterback. He is nonetheless solely 26 years previous and has a novel mixture of expertise and upside. That mentioned, the $10 million in assured cash on his contract for 2026 will not stand in the way in which of the crew drafting or buying somebody it sees as a greater choice subsequent spring if Fields would not play nicely sufficient to persuade it in any other case.
How will the Eagles’ annual coordinator change have an effect on Jalen Hurts this time?
The 2022 Eagles reached the Tremendous Bowl with Shane Steichen as offensive coordinator, however then Steichen bought employed to teach the Colts, and Hurts and the Philly offense regressed badly in 2023 below Brian Johnson. The Eagles introduced in Kellen Moore final season, constructed one of many all-time nice run video games and gained the Tremendous Bowl because of this. However now Moore is coach of the Saints, and Kevin Patullo has been promoted to offensive coordinator.
Underestimating Hurts is clearly a silly endeavor at this level, however he and the crew are certainly hoping issues go higher than they did the final time they promoted from inside to fill the coordinator spot.
Does Aaron Rodgers actually make the Steelers an AFC contender?
Actually, I do not see how Rodgers’ signing makes a giant distinction. If the Steelers actually suppose their 2025 season simply bought saved by signing a QB who was twenty fifth in QBR, twenty sixth in completion proportion and thirteenth in TD/INT ratio final season, gained 5 video games and bought launched by the Jets, they must step again and ask themselves what they’re doing. A 41-year-old Rodgers could not make the Steelers considerably higher than they have been with out him, and even when he does, they’re prone to nonetheless be searching for their QB reply subsequent offseason.
2:01
RC: Rodgers is an improve, not a championship answer for Steelers
Ryan Clark weighs in on Aaron Rodgers being an improve for Pittsburgh to compete, however not sufficient to win a championship.
Is all of the stress on Brock Purdy now that he bought that contract?
It was an offseason of change in San Francisco, the place the 49ers mentioned goodbye to receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and a few key defensive stars. The Niners are carrying greater than $92 million in lifeless cash on their cap this season for gamers not on the roster, as they determined to make use of 2025 to reset their spending whereas granting a five-year, $265 million contract to Purdy.
The entire plan signifies that they will be asking much more of Purdy, who has been greater than they ever might have anticipated after they took him with the final decide of the 2022 draft. This roster nonetheless has Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, so it is not prefer it’s all on Purdy’s shoulders. However this offseason of change is an indication of issues to come back. These guys will not all be round endlessly, and the pivot into the long run will rely on Purdy’s capability to proceed to ship as a high-level franchise QB — even because the gamers round him shift and alter.
What occurs if the Sam Darnold resurrection wasn’t actual?
The considerably tepid marketplace for Darnold in free company signifies that there was a good bit of skepticism across the league in regards to the sustainability of his breakout 2024 season. Seattle bought a fairly good deal — three years, $100.5 million and simply $37.5 million assured — and if Darnold does play the way in which he did in Minnesota, it’s going to seem like an enormous steal. If Darnold reverts to the jittery, turnover-prone methods of his early profession, Seattle is probably going in for a tough marketing campaign. However a minimum of the Seahawks aren’t dedicated to him past this season.
Drew Lock and third-round rookie Jalen Milroe are the opposite choices on the roster if Darnold falters. As of now, coach Mike Macdonald has been very clear Darnold is the starter and that it might take an damage to vary that. Anticipate Darnold to get the yr, or a minimum of the majority of it, to show that 2024 was not a fluke.
Is Baker Mayfield underpaid?
The three-year contract that Mayfield signed with the Bucs final offseason pays him $33.3 million per yr. He has $30 million coming this season and $40 million in 2026, although not one of the 2026 cash is assured. The deal is definitely nothing to sneeze at, however take into account that the highest of the QB market proper now could be $55 to $60 million per yr. Contemplate additionally that no quarterback within the NFL has thrown extra landing passes over the previous two common seasons than Mayfield (69).
If Mayfield has one other huge season — with a 3rd totally different offensive coordinator in three years — he may very well be in line for a good greater contract extension subsequent offseason.
How quickly can Cameron Ward dwell as much as his No. 1 draft decide standing?
The Titans have been satisfied on Ward early within the course of. Coach Brian Callahan was instrumental in Joe Burrow’s transition to the league when he was the Bengals’ offensive coordinator in 2020. Is Ward’s rookie season going to look something like Burrow’s first yr did earlier than struggling a season-ending knee damage? Is Ward going to battle to acclimate? Have the Titans constructed a powerful sufficient infrastructure round Ward to assist him succeed early in his profession? And what would success even seem like for this season’s Titans?
Tennessee is at first of one thing, however the followers and the teaching workers definitely wish to see a glimpse this season to present them confidence in a fast turnaround.
Will we be speaking about Jayden Daniels within the MVP race this season?
The second decide of the 2024 draft, Daniels was a revelation as a rookie, main the Commanders all the way in which to the NFC Championship Recreation. Washington added Laremy Tunsil at left sort out and Deebo Samuel Sr. at huge receiver. It stored the teaching workers collectively. And it now enters Daniels’ second season with excessive hopes to go even additional. (Not that there is a lot additional it might go!) Will the league determine Daniels in Yr 2, or will he construct on his historic rookie season and set up himself as one of many NFL’s elites straight away?
