The quarterback landscape in the NFL has never been more competitive, and Patrick Mahomes’ throne is starting to feel a little less secure. When league executives, coaches, and scouts were asked to rank the top signal-callers for 2025, the results painted a picture of a position group that’s deeper and more talented than it’s been in decades.
What emerged from this comprehensive survey is fascinating – we’re witnessing a golden era of quarterback play that should be celebrated while it lasts. The top tier isn’t just good, it’s historically exceptional, with four players who have separated themselves from the rest of the field in ways that leave everyone else fighting for scraps.
The big four create unprecedented separation
The voting results tell a remarkable story about the current state of quarterback play. While previous years saw at least sixteen quarterbacks attracting significant votes, this year only twelve players generated any real traction. That’s a level of exclusivity that reflects both the rising standards at the position and the emergence of a true elite tier.
Mahomes still sits at the top, but his grip on that position has loosened considerably. After dominating previous votes with overwhelming support, he managed only about 60 percent of first-place votes this year. That’s still impressive, but it represents a significant shift in how evaluators view the position’s hierarchy.
Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson have all closed the gap significantly, creating a legitimate four-way race for supremacy. All four quarterbacks are in their prime years, between 28 and 29 years old, with five MVP awards among them. This isn’t just talent – it’s generational excellence hitting its peak simultaneously.
Allen’s evolution reaches championship level
Josh Allen’s transformation from talented but turnover-prone to MVP-caliber precision has been remarkable to witness. His 2024 season erased any lingering doubts about his decision-making, posting nearly 4,300 total yards with 40 touchdowns and just six interceptions while leading Buffalo to 13 regular-season wins.
The statistical improvement tells only part of the story. Allen’s ability to perform under pressure has reached elite levels, leading the NFL in QBR and yards per dropback when facing pass rushers. His willingness to stay in the pocket and let plays develop, combined with his scrambling ability, makes him virtually impossible to game-plan against.
What makes Allen’s rise even more impressive is his supporting cast. Without a true number-one receiver in his prime, he still managed to apply legitimate pressure on Mahomes for the top spot. That’s the mark of a quarterback who has reached the highest level of individual excellence.
Burrow’s accuracy becomes the gold standard
Joe Burrow has quietly established himself as the most accurate quarterback in football, and his 2024 campaign provided overwhelming evidence. Leading the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns while completing 70.6 percent of his passes on a league-high 652 attempts is simply extraordinary.
His off-target rate of 11.0 percent is the lowest among starting quarterbacks, demonstrating a level of precision that sets him apart from his peers. When evaluators discuss pure quarterback play – footwork, ball placement, pocket presence, and decision-making – Burrow consistently emerges as the standard-bearer.
The context makes his performance even more impressive. Cincinnati’s defense struggled throughout the season, forcing Burrow to keep his team competitive in virtually every game. His ability to perform at an elite level despite subpar supporting elements showcases the kind of individual excellence that defines elite quarterbacks.
Jackson reaches unprecedented heights
Lamar Jackson’s 2024 season might have been the most dominant individual performance by any quarterback, combining elite passing with historic rushing production. Becoming the first player in NFL history with 40 passing touchdowns and four or fewer interceptions while leading his team in rushing attempts is simply unprecedented.
His touchdown-to-interception ratio of 10.3 to 1 represents the kind of efficiency that transforms offenses. The combination of his Total QBR leadership and revolutionary rushing ability creates matchup problems that defensive coordinators simply cannot solve consistently.
Jackson’s evolution as a pocket passer has been remarkable. Years ago, evaluators questioned his ability to succeed from traditional passing situations. Now he ranks among the top five in QBR while maintaining the rushing production that makes him unique among NFL quarterbacks.
The rookie phenomenon continues
Jayden Daniels’ inclusion in the top five represents more than just rookie success – it’s validation of exceptional talent transcending experience levels. His fourth-best QBR in the NFL and league-leading performance on third and fourth downs demonstrate readiness that typically takes years to develop.
The context of his achievement makes it even more remarkable. Taking one of the league’s worst franchises to the NFC Championship game with limited offensive weapons around him showcases the kind of transformative impact that defines elite quarterbacks.
League evaluators aren’t concerned about a sophomore slump because Daniels possesses the fundamental skills that translate across seasons. His ability to read coverages, deliver accurate passes at all levels, and create plays with his mobility suggests sustainable excellence rather than temporary success.
The veteran class remains competitive
Matthew Stafford’s continued presence in the top tier at 37 years old demonstrates the value of experience and toughness. His ability to elevate the Rams despite constant roster turnover and injury concerns showcases the kind of scheme-transcendent talent that defines elite quarterbacks.
Justin Herbert’s placement reflects both immense talent and unfulfilled potential. His NFL-record 21,093 passing yards through five seasons, combined with his lowest interception rate since Tom Brady in 2016, shows elite production that hasn’t yet translated to postseason success.
The surprising risers and notable absences
Baker Mayfield’s emergence as a top-ten quarterback represents the NFL’s capacity for career resurrection. His 73 touchdowns over the past two seasons trail only Allen and Jackson, proving that talent combined with proper system fit can produce elite results.
Jared Goff’s continued rise from reclamation project to reliable top-ten performer demonstrates the value of proper coaching and system fit. His transformation from rhythm-and-timing thrower to complete quarterback showcases how players can overcome early career struggles.
The absence of Aaron Rodgers from the top ten for the first time since these rankings began represents a seismic shift in the position’s hierarchy. Age and declining production have finally caught up with one of the generation’s greatest talents.
What this means for the future
The current quarterback landscape represents a perfect storm of talent, youth, and competitive balance. The top four players are all in their prime years, suggesting this level of excellence could continue for several more seasons.
The depth behind the elite tier remains impressive, with players like Stroud, Love, and others positioned to potentially break into the top group. The 2020 draft class continues to produce at historic levels, with four representatives in the top twelve.
This golden era of quarterback play deserves appreciation while it lasts, as the combination of individual excellence and competitive balance creates the kind of entertainment value that makes the NFL appointment television.
