Football is often considered a team sport, but some positions are still more important than others. A quarterback room is more than just the starter; it’s a crucial part of a team’s success. Half of the starting quarterbacks around the NFL can’t stay healthy for a full season, and it’s up to the backup to come in and guide the offense.
The Worst QB Situations
The Atlanta Falcons have one of the most uncertain quarterback situations in the league. With Michael Penix Jr. recovering from the third torn ACL of his football career, the Falcons are left with a huge question mark under center. Penix has averaged one touchdown pass per start and has completed fewer than 60% of his passes, making him a less-than-ideal option to lead the team.
The Miami Dolphins secured the most intriguing quarterback in this free agency class with Malik Willis. Willis completed 79% of his passes while averaging 10.9 yards per attempt with six touchdowns and zero interceptions in his two seasons with the Green Bay Packers. However, the problem is that our sample size for Willis is very small, and he will be quarterbacking for what is expected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL.
The Arizona Cardinals were a team expected to be in the market for a new quarterback this offseason, but they did not add one. Instead, they’re rolling with Jacoby Brissett, who wants a contract that resembles what a starting quarterback in the NFL makes. Brissett has had a pretty fascinating career, starting for more teams than any quarterback in NFL history, but he’s had a losing record for each franchise with a minimum of five starts per team.
The New York Jets have Geno Smith back under center, but he’s had a tough season, leading the league in both sacks taken (55) and interceptions (17) while going 2-13 as the starter. The Jets also have fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik from Clemson, Brady Cook, who went 0-4 as a starter last season with 2 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, and Western Kentucky legend Bailey Zappe.
The Cleveland Browns have owned the weirdest quarterback room in the NFL for years now. Deshaun Watson is still on the roster thanks to that five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal he signed in 2022, but he hasn’t seen any NFL action since October 2024 after tearing the same Achilles twice.
The Best QB Situations
The San Francisco 49ers have one of the best quarterback situations in the league, with Brock Purdy leading the team. The 49ers have fared just fine when Purdy was forced to miss some time, and they have a strong backup in Jimmy Garoppolo.
The Indianapolis Colts have a solid quarterback situation, with Sam Ehlinger leading the team. Ehlinger has a strong arm and has shown the ability to make plays with his legs.
The Buffalo Bills have Josh Allen leading the team, and he’s had a strong season, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. The Bills also have a strong backup in Case Keenum.
The Kansas City Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes leading the team, and he’s had a strong season, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. The Chiefs also have a strong backup in Chad Henne.
The Green Bay Packers have Aaron Rodgers leading the team, and he’s had a strong season, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. The Packers also have a strong backup in Tim Boyle.
