DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 20: Wilson brand footballs with the NFL logo are pictured during the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The quarterback is often referred to as the most important position in football. Their performance can dictate the success of an entire team, making their evaluation a critical yet complex process. Grading NFL quarterbacks involves analyzing their physical abilities, decision-making, leadership, and performance under pressure. There may be a few surprises to you on this list, so drop a comment, and let’s chat about it!
Lamar Jackson (BAL): A+
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, JANUARY 20: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
Lamar Jackson is the best QB in the NFL. Over 4,000 passing yards, nearly 1,000 rushing yards, and 45 total touchdowns. MVP front-runner, and rightfully so.
Joe Burrow (CIN): A
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after a first down during the third quarter in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 26, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Dazzled us all season long with an absolute clinic on pure passing. Maybe the most accurate passer in the league, Joe put this team on his back and pushed like hell for the playoffs.
Josh Allen (BUF): A+
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 16: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills calls a play at the line during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
Started the season slowly (by our expectations) but finished like a MONSTER. So incredibly valuable to his team.
Jayden Daniels (WAS): A+
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 06: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders rushes against the Cleveland Browns at Northwest Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Insane to me that I have a rookie QB this high, but Jayden Daniels is SPECIAL. So many big wins and moments for the kid – poise beyond his years.
Sam Darnold (MIN): A
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
If Darnold isn’t Comeback Player of the Year, something is wonky. True, he benefitted from having a fantastic WR room, but we don’t hold that against Burrow. Or Joe Montana. Darnold = Montana. Kidding.
Baker Mayfield (TB): A-
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 17: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signals at the line of scrimmage during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 17, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Lover that Baker is good at something other than insurance commercials. And it’s no coincidence he’s on a team with fantastic leadership. Right guy, right situation.
Jared Goff (DET): B+
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 21: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on August 21, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
He absolutely has the numbers you look for in a Tier 1 signal caller. I want to rank him higher, and I will when he stops throwing costly interceptions.
Patrick Mahomes (BAL): B
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 13: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts as he takes the field before the AFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Miami Dolphins at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
You have to give it to Mahomes – maybe the most resolute QB in the league. Unfazed by game or situation, the only reason he’s not higher is his stats, which dipped this season. Oops. I just got flagged for roughing. Sigh.
Jalen Hurts (PHI): B
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws the ball during the second half in the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
It’s really weird to me on a team stacked with pass-catcher talent that his numbers dipped so badly, taking into consideration the impact of Saquon. Sure, Hurts passed less, but he also wasn’t as good at it this season.
Bo Nix (DEN): B
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Another rook with a better-than-I-expected grade out. Wasn’t high on him in the draft, but Payton has really worked his magic with yet another QB.
Kyler Murray (ARI): C-
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 31: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts to a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Maybe the QB I’m most disappointed in, based on expectations entering 2024. I’m convinced more and more every day he should be playing centerfield for the Yankees.
Justin Herbert (LAC): C+
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after defeating the Washington Football Team 20-16 at FedExField on September 12, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Decent little rebound, and he made a bonafide WR out of Ladd McConkey. He just doesn’t have much else on a run-first, second, and sometimes third offense.
Matthew Stafford (LAR): B-
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 29: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams drops back to pass during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Stafford is ageless, and has been one of my most favorite QBs since entering the league. All-world WRs help, but Stafford still knows how to play the position.
CJ Stroud (HOU): C+
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Texans 30-6. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
A step back, or was he playing in the clouds in 2023? Losing Nico and Tank definitely hit hard, but CJ is developing into a solid Tier 3 guy with Tier 2 potential.
Brock Purdy (SF): C+
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Injuries to himself and his weapons derailed what I was certain would be a fantastic season. Expecting a nice bounce back in 2025, with Pearsall coming on strong to finish 2024.
Geno Smith (SEA): C-
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 12: Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Lumen Field on September 12, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Looking at his numbers, you’d think he would be higher. But Seattle struggled to win games, and he seemed to have tunnel vision for JSN in the last month or so of the season.
Tua Tagovailoa (MIA): C
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 12: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins embraces Tua Tagovailoa #1 after leaving the game with an injury during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
I really wish this guy would retire, truly for his health and safety. But there’s no denying that when they’re firing on all cylinders in Miami, Tua can produce. Inconsistency and injuries remain issues.
Caleb Williams (CHI): C
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – APRIL 26: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears speaks answers a question from the media during his introductory press conference at Halas Hall on April 26, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. Caleb Williams was drafted first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Right in the middle of the middle. As a Bears fan, I’m so disappointed in the season. But Caleb showed flashes, and a solid coaching staff forming around him. The outlook is still sunny.
Jordan Love (GB): C+
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 31: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Another disappointing season, I had much higher expectations for Love (see Kyler Murray). Maybe the lack of a true WR1 hurts him, and he can still make big-time throws.
Aaron Rodgers (NYJ): C
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 14: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets throws a pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
I have such a disdain for Rodgers. I’m not sure I can write an unbiased article. Had him at a D (which by his standards that’s about right), but looked his stats over again and moved him to a C. His QBR is garbage, and that also speaks volumes.
Derek Carr (NO): C
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 19: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints looks to pass during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Caesars Superdome on October 19, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Never sexy, but the numbers generally hang in there when he and his arsenal are healthy. Started the season like a hurricane and finished as a light mist.
Drake Maye (NE): C+
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 17: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots runs with the football during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
I really enjoyed watching Maye play. Once he took over, I he was steady and showed tremendous poise as a rookie. New coach, a few more weapons, and he’ll be a solid game manager.
Trevor Lawrence (JAX): C
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 19: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at TIAA Bank Field on December 19, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Tools and talent around him, I’m not sure why Lawrence can’t take the next step. Maybe new head coach Liam Coen (see Baker Mayfield) can unlock the next level in him.
Pittsburgh QBS (PIT): C-
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 9: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Split between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, the season was just mehhhhh as we watched the Steelers fade again in January. Both are adequate; neither are winners at this point.
Dallas QBS (DAL): D
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 10: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
A tale of two QBs – Dak was playing at a decent level, and Cooper was not (he had flashes as he gained more experience, though). Talented roster, unexceptional results.
Kirk Cousins (ATL): D
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 20: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Cooked. The most often-used word I had for Kirkers this season. Cooked and benched. And probably done in Atlanta. Penix looks ready to take the reigns and show flashes himself.
Las Vegas QBS (LVR): D
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Gardner Minshew #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Brutal QB room but the best facial accessorizing in the NFL. Neither played like they wanted the job, and Davante Adams hated it so much he faked an injury for weeks until they traded him. Having Brock Bowers translate stats is the only thing that kept this grade from being an F.
Bryce Young (CAR): D+
CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 25: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
“F” in the early season, then benched, then a “C” after the benching. Love seeing the improvement, and with a focused offseason, he’ll be the biggest mover on this list in 2025.
Daniel Jones (NYG): D-
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 10: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
I think the talent is there, they added weapons, and the HC is an offensive guru. Still, Jones continues to be a dumpster fire back there. Just a poor decision-maker. We’ll see what 2025 brings.
Cleveland QBS (CLE): D-
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 27: Jameis Winston #5 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after his team’s 29-24 win against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field on October 27, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Speaking of dumpster fires, my god. Winston was the best of the bunch, but he was up to his old tricks as well. Curious where 2025 goes.
Tennessee QBS (TEN): F
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 31: Will Levis #8 of the Tennessee Titans warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
I want to like Will Levis, but another terrible decision-maker. He’s got the moxy, he just doesn’t make plays (for his team).
Anthony Richardson (IND): F
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
The worst starting QB in the NFL – talent-wise, commitment-wise, and otherwise. Terribly inaccurate, fragile, and lazy – and the stats (and wins) reflected it.
