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)
A+ Effort!
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.
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 Barkley.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
