Every NFL season comes with its fair share of letdowns, and the 2024-25 campaign was no exception.
Whether it was injuries, poor decision-making, or just plain bad luck, these quarterbacks ended up on the wrong side of history.
15. Russell Wilson – The Mirage of Hope
For a brief moment, it looked like Wilson and the Steelers could be a serious postseason threat. But that illusion faded fast as Pittsburgh tumbled into a brutal losing streak. Wilson reverted to his old habits—holding the ball too long, making questionable reads, and looking lost in the pocket when it mattered most.
14. Sam Darnold – The Backup Who Believed
Darnold gave Vikings fans a glimmer of hope during the regular season, playing some of the best football of his career. But once the playoffs arrived, reality set in. His postseason collapse reminded everyone why he’s spent most of his career as a backup.
13. Tua Tagovailoa – A Rollercoaster of Inconsistency
When Tua was on, he was electrifying. But when he was off, he was way off. Add in the fact that he missed a chunk of the season due to a concussion, and the Dolphins’ offense never found its rhythm. One week, he was carving up defenses. The next, he was throwing picks like he had a personal vendetta against his own team.
12. Jameis Winston – The Human Coin Flip
Winston’s season was, as always, an unpredictable adventure. One play, he’d deliver a jaw-dropping deep ball; the next, he’d gift-wrap an interception so baffling it made his own coach question life choices. With Jameis, it’s never a dull moment—for better or worse.
11. C.J. Stroud – Welcome to the Sophomore Slump
Stroud’s rookie season was electric, but his second year? Not so much. Defenses figured him out, and his pinpoint accuracy started to look more like guesswork. The Texans’ hype train didn’t exactly derail, but it definitely slowed down.
10. Trevor Lawrence – The Perpetual ‘Almost Elite’
Every year, Lawrence is this close to breaking into the elite QB conversation, and every year, he falls short. Turnovers, shaky performances in big games, and moments of hesitation kept him from taking that next step. The NFL’s favorite “maybe next year” quarterback remains stuck in neutral.
9. Anthony Richardson – The Injury Report MVP
Richardson’s talent is undeniable, but availability is the best ability in the NFL—and he just wasn’t on the field enough. If they gave out awards for spending time on injured reserve, he’d be the undisputed champion.
8. Dak Prescott – The King of Empty Stats
Prescott always puts up impressive numbers, but somehow, they never seem to translate into meaningful success. Whether it was costly turnovers or disappearing in crucial moments, Cowboys fans once again found themselves questioning if he’s truly the guy. Oh, and staying healthy? That’s still an issue.
7. Aaron Rodgers – The Season That Never Was
After missing nearly all of last season with an Achilles injury, Rodgers’ return was supposed to be legendary. Instead, it was forgettable. His deep ball magic faded, his decision-making looked rusty, and as it turns out, no amount of ayahuasca can help you read defenses better.
6. Brock Purdy – Cinderella’s Midnight Moment
For a while, Purdy looked like a fairy-tale story. But when he wasn’t surrounded by a perfect supporting cast, the magic wore off. Suddenly, the “Mr. Irrelevant” tag didn’t seem so far-fetched as he struggled against elite defenses.
5. Kirk Cousins – The Prime-Time Mirage
Cousins once again posted impressive regular-season numbers, but under the bright lights of prime time or the playoffs? Vanished. The NFL scheduling committee might want to do him a favor and keep him off the national stage next season.
4. Will Levis – The Hype Train Wreck
Levis burst onto the scene last year with big throws and bold confidence, but the league adjusted, and he… didn’t. Turns out his coffee-mayo gimmick was more of a viral moment than a long-term success strategy.
3. Bryce Young – Carolina’s $37 Million Mystery
The Panthers went all-in on Young as their franchise quarterback, but instead of a franchise savior, they got a quarterback who looked overwhelmed all season. He had flashes of promise, but more often than not, he played like a rookie struggling to find his footing.
2. Derek Carr – The Checkdown Connoisseur
Every year, the argument is made that Carr is an above-average quarterback, and every year, he proves he’s just almost good. If the NFL gave out awards for safest checkdowns, he’d have a trophy case full of them.
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1. Daniel Jones – The $160 Million Catastrophe
Jones got paid like a franchise QB and then played like, well… Daniel Jones. Between injuries, turnovers, and an overall lack of production, the Giants might have accidentally handed $160 million to a backup quarterback. Now, they’re left wondering how to clean up the mess.
Read More: 10 Backup Quarterbacks Who Led Their Teams to Victory
