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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
