Some quarterbacks don’t just play the game—they redefine it. These guys made front offices across the league think, “What if we could land that guy?”
These quarterbacks were the total package, whether it was their arm, leadership, or pure ability to win games. No matter the scheme or roster, every team in the NFL would’ve happily cleared cap space and made a call. Let’s count down 10 QBs every team would’ve traded for in a heartbeat.
10. Josh Allen
Allen has the size, speed, and rocket arm that make scouts drool. He’s the kind of modern QB who can win with his legs or launch a 70-yard bomb like it’s nothing.
9. Joe Burrow
Burrow has that “it” factor—calm under pressure and ice in his veins. Every franchise wishes they had someone with his confidence and command under center.
8. Drew Brees
Brees may not have had prototypical size, but he more than made up for it with accuracy and leadership. His ability to elevate an offense made him a plug-and-play superstar.
7. John Elway
Elway was a human highlight reel with a cannon for an arm. He could carry a team through sheer willpower, and coaches knew it.
6. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers made off-platform throws look routine and read defenses like a book. Every GM would’ve traded the farm to get him in his prime.
5. Dan Marino
Marino didn’t need a Super Bowl ring to be considered one of the best to do it. His release, vision, and confidence made him a quarterback any team would’ve wanted.
4. Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes makes the impossible look easy and does it with a smile. His creativity, arm talent, and leadership make him among the most desirable QBs in league history.
3. Peyton Manning
Manning was a coach in pads, dissecting defenses before the snap. Teams would’ve done anything to bring that kind of football IQ and consistency.
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2. Joe Montana
Montana was calm, clutch, and always in control. He made winning look easy, and every team wanted a piece of that magic.
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1. Tom Brady
Brady wasn’t flashy, but he was the ultimate winner. No matter what team you root for, if you had the chance to trade for Brady, you’d do it in a second.
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