NFL quarterbacks are the backbone of their teams—until they’re not. Some guys seem indestructible, shaking off brutal hits like they’re in a video game, while others crumble faster than a house of cards in a wind tunnel. So, let’s rank all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks based on one thing: durability.
This list isn’t about talent. It’s about which quarterbacks you can count on to suit up every week—and which ones are more fragile than your grandma’s antique china.
32. Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns)
Aside from the… other issues, Watson has had a hard time staying on the field. The Browns paid him a fully guaranteed contract, and he’s spent more time on the sideline than playing.
31. We Still Don’t Know (New York Jets)
The Jets have had worse luck with quarterbacks than your friend who always picks the slowest checkout line. Rodgers lasted two seconds. Zach Wilson? Not durable or good. At this point, whoever starts in 2025 might as well wear bubble wrap.
30. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)
Tua’s head has taken too many hits in the last handful of seasons. He’s shown toughness, but concussions are a serious concern. Let’s hope Miami’s O-line treats him like the national treasure he is.
29. Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)
Tiny but mighty—until he’s not. Kyler’s ACL tear took him out for most of 2023, and given his history, durability is a major question mark.
28. Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts)
Richardson is built like a superhero but plays like he’s got a vendetta against his own body. His rookie year ended with a shoulder injury, and while his upside is tantalizing, availability is also a skill.
27. We Don’t Know? (Las Vegas Raiders)
Gardner Minshew was the Raiders starting quarterback in 2024, that is until he got injured. With Vegas looking to go in a different direction, we’ll have to see who they decide to bring in for 2025.
26. Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
Dak has had some significant injuries in his career and while he’s shown moments of brilliance, fans are starting to worry. He desperately needs a fully healthy 2025.
25. Daniel Jones (New York Giants)
The Daniel Jones experiment has officially ended in New York, so now the Giants are moving on to someone new. The question is, will it be an old veteran like Aaron Rodgers or an up-and-coming rookie?!
24. Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears)
Caleb Williams had a solid rookie season, but he desperately needs his offensive line to improve or else he’s going to be dealing with a lot of injuries.
23. Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints)
Carr is a weird one—he’s played through some tough injuries, but he also gets banged up a lot. Not the worst, but not exactly Eli Manning-level indestructible.
22. Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons)
Penix Jr. only played in a handful of games last season, but his body looks like it’s up for the challenge. However, we’ll have to wait to see how he does will a full season under his belt.
21. Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers)
Young is small, but he has held up OK. We’ll have to wait and see if that continues.
20. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers)
Purdy was an iron man—until his elbow said “enough” in the NFC Championship Game. So far, he’s proven tough, but we’ll see if he can hold up long-term.
19. Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Sunshine has been mostly reliable, though his ankle didn’t cooperate in 2023. He’s got the frame to be durable, but let’s see how it holds up.
18. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
Lamar is one of the most electrifying players in football, but let’s be real—he’s missed time the past few seasons. Still, when healthy, he’s unstoppable.
17. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
Burrow is elite, but those injuries are adding up. Torn ACL, wrist issues—he takes a beating. Hopefully, Cincinnati invests in better protection.
16. Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
Hurts is built like a tank, but those designed runs take a toll. He’s played through injuries, which earns him points, but his physical playstyle is always a concern.
15. Drake Maye (New England Patriots)
It’s too early to say how durable Maye really is, but it does help that he is very young!
14. Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)
Jayden Daniels looked great his rookie season, but he did deal with a rib injury. He needs to avoid getting hit because his frame is fragile.
13. Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)
Goff isn’t flashy, but he is durable. He’s only missed a handful of games in his career, which is impressive considering how much he gets hit.
12. Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks)
Geno has taken his fair share of hits and keeps coming back. He’s tough, even if the Seahawks’ O-line sometimes forgets to block.
11. Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Baker might not be the best QB, but he’s one of the toughest. He’s played through all kinds of injuries, and you’ve got to respect that.
10. Will Levis (Tennessee Titans)
Levis plays like he’s chugged a gallon of coffee and dares defenders to hurt him, but he’s certainly taken a little bit of a beating.
9. Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings)
It’s unclear whether or not Sam Darnold will be sticking around in Minnesota for 2025, but he’s done a good job of staying healthy throughout his career.
8. C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)
Stroud’s first two seasons were impressive—both in performance and durability. If he keeps this up, he’ll climb even higher.
7. Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Say what you will about Russ, but he’s tough. He’s had a couple of injuries recently, but he’s mostly been reliable throughout his career.
6. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers)
So far, so good for Love. He’s young, fresh, and has yet to show any major durability concerns.
5. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
Mahomes has played through a sprained ankle, a knee that went sideways, and still wins Super Bowls. His durability is impressive, but he’s had his moments of concern.
4. Bo Nix (Denver Broncos)
Bo Nix looked very solid throughout his rookie season and doesn’t appear to have any injury concerns.
3. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
Herbert plays through cracked ribs and still slings it 60 yards downfield. Absolute warrior.
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2. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
Allen plays like he’s trying to fight off a bear. He’s insanely tough, but his reckless style makes you wonder how long he can keep taking hits.
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1. Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)
Stafford has been held together by duct tape for years and still plays. His toughness is legendary.
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