Gamer Koala

15 NFL Quarterbacks Under the Most Pressure in 2025

Being a quarterback in the NFL comes with constant pressure, but some guys are walking into the 2025-26 season with a bit of extra heat. Whether it’s because of big contracts, past playoff flops, or a rookie waiting in the wings, these quarterbacks will have more eyes on them than usual this fall.

From former MVPs to former top picks just trying to stay on the field, the expectations are sky-high, and the margin for error is paper-thin. Here are 15 quarterbacks with the most to prove this upcoming season.

15. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) passes on the run against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

It’s year three for Bryce Young, and the excuses are wearing thin. Carolina may start looking elsewhere for its future if it doesn’t take a noticeable step forward.

14. Justin Fields, New York Jets

Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) warms up for a game against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium.
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Fields has all the tools but hasn’t figured out how to assemble them. The Jets are giving him a shot, but it feels like a now-or-never situation.

13. Russell Wilson, New York Giants

May 18, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA;  New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson watches batting practice prior to the game between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Wilson’s mobility isn’t what it used to be, and the Giants already have a rookie waiting in the wings. If he doesn’t flash early, the calls for a change will come quickly.

12. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks

Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates following a victory against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Darnold is on his third or fourth “last chance.” Seattle isn’t exactly loaded on offense, so he’ll need to do more with less if he wants to stick around.

11. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls a play at the one of scrimmage against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Stafford’s arm remains, but his body might not keep up. The Rams are in transition, and another tough season could push him closer to retirement.

10. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow celebrates a Week 17 overtime win over the Denver Broncos that kept Cincinnati's slim playoff hopes alive. Burrow threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns in the game and also added a rushing score.
Sam Greene / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Burrow’s ceiling is sky-high, but the Bengals haven’t been able to capitalize recently. A healthy season and a deep playoff run would quiet the growing whispers.

9. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) greets Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) following Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Mahomes has set the bar so high that anything less than a Super Bowl feels like a letdown. After last season’s Super Bowl collapse, even the face of the league isn’t immune to rising pressure.

8. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) celebrates with wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) after defeating the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Murray is healthy, the roster is better, and the excuses are gone. If he doesn’t lead Arizona to meaningful progress, they may move on while they can still get value.

7. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) rushes for a touchdown Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Richardson has shown flashes but can’t seem to stay on the field. This year will go a long way in determining whether he’s a long-term starter or a what-if.

6. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) looks to pass during the first organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Monday, May 19, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla.
Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The extension is signed, and now it’s time to deliver. The chatter about whether he’s truly “the guy” will only get louder if Lawrence doesn’t elevate his game.

5. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (19) gets ready to throw the ball before the game, Sunday January 5, 2025, in East Rutherford.
Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tua puts up pretty numbers when he’s on the field, but staying on the field is the issue. With big money now in the picture, Miami needs results in January.

4. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

May 12, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws the ball as coach Jim Harbaugh watches during offseason workouts at The Bolt.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Herbert has every tool you want in a franchise QB, but the playoff success isn’t there. Finally, the pressure is on to deliver more than empty stats.

3. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) talks to head coach Mike McCarthy before the game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium.
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Dak is always under the microscope in Dallas, but this year feels bigger than most. With another early exit, the Cowboys may start thinking about life after him.

Read More: 15 NFL Quarterbacks Who Couldn’t Handle the Pressure

2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen could join one of the NFL's most elite circles if he wins the 2025 NFL MVP award.
Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Allen is an MVP and one of the league’s most dangerous weapons, but the playoff wall is real. Until he gets Buffalo over the hump, the pressure only builds.

Read More: 15 NFL Players Who Couldn’t Handle the Pressure

1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson gets ready to launch the ball during first half action at the Buffalo Bills divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 19, 2025.
Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lamar has two MVPs but still no Super Bowl appearances to show for it. Another strong regular season followed by a flameout in the playoffs won’t cut it anymore.

Read More: 25 Fan Bases That Somehow Think They’re the Underdog

Scroll to Top