The NFL has evolved into a faster, smarter, and more pass-happy league than ever before. And while some past quarterbacks would thrive even more in today’s game, others would be absolutely exposed if dropped into a modern offense.
Whether it’s because they relied on outdated schemes, never faced today’s athletic defenses, or simply rode elite defenses to relevance, these quarterbacks are looking a little suspect through a 2025 lens. Let’s take a look at 20 QBs whose legacies might be a bit overhyped—and who’d have a tough time hanging in the league today.
19. Neil O’Donnell
He looked the part of a competent game manager, but let’s not forget those brutal Super Bowl interceptions. In a league that demands playmakers at QB, he’d get eaten alive.
18. Jim McMahon
He had swagger and a Super Bowl ring, but the 1985 Bears won in spite of him, not because of him. Today’s offensive expectations would’ve left him holding a clipboard.
17. Doug Williams
A historic Super Bowl performance doesn’t erase a largely average career. In today’s league, he’d be a solid backup—not a starter.
16. Vince Young
Electric in college, but erratic and inconsistent as a pro. Modern defensive coordinators would figure him out by halftime.
15. Jay Schroeder
Big arm, small results. He’d struggle mightily against today’s complex coverages and pass-rushing freaks.
14. Mark Sanchez
He rode the Jets’ defense to two AFC title games, but those butt fumble jokes exist for a reason. In today’s pass-heavy game, his flaws would be magnified even more.
13. Joe Namath
He guaranteed a Super Bowl win and delivered, but also threw way more interceptions than touchdowns. That gunslinger style wouldn’t fly in today’s analytics-obsessed world.
12. Jeff Hostetler
He was steady, but never scary. A guy like this would get outdueled every Sunday in the modern QB arms race.
11. Craig Morton
Solid career for his era, but painfully one-dimensional. Defenses today would feast on his lack of mobility.
10. Jack Trudeau
He somehow kept a job for years despite being aggressively average. Today, he’d be replaced before midseason.
9. Marc Wilson
His stats look rough even by 1980s standards. Drop him into today’s NFL and it’d be a short experiment.
8. Bobby Hebert
Serviceable, sure—but never someone you wanted with the ball late in the game. He’d be exposed immediately in a league that thrives on late-game heroics.
7. Chris Chandler
He made it to a Super Bowl, but that Falcons team was more about Jamal Anderson and the Dirty Bird defense. In 2025, he’d be a backup at best.
6. Elvis Grbac
He looked the part but rarely delivered when it mattered. He’d be swallowed up by today’s media pressure and defensive complexity.
5. Brad Johnson
Yes, he won a Super Bowl—but that Bucs defense carried the load. A modern offensive system would expose his limited arm and creativity.
4. Matt Cassel
One good year in New England turned into years of false hope elsewhere. In today’s game, the mask would come off quickly.
3. Kerry Collins
He had the longevity, but not the results to match. Today’s precision passing requirements would highlight every flaw.
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2. Jay Cutler
He had the arm, but never the discipline or leadership. In 2025, teams wouldn’t put up with the apathy.
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1. Trent Dilfer
The poster boy for being carried to a ring. In a league built around quarterback excellence, there’s no chance he’d be starting games today.
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