Off-season Quarterback Rankings
Photo by Mark LoMoglio/AP Photo
Tom Brady
2021 stats: 19 games | 67.2 percent | 5,916 pass yds | 7.3 yards-per-attempt | 46 pass touchdowns | 13 interceptions | 81 rush yards | 2 rush TDs | 5 fumbles
At 44-years-old, the GOAT probably had one of his most impressive statistical seasons. Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the NFC divisional round. Even though he is farther out the door than ever before, his accolades and consistent performance leave Brady at number one.
Josh Allen
2021 stats: 19 games | 64.5 percent | 5,044 pass yards | 7.1 yards-per-attempt | 45 pass TDs | 15 interceptions | 897 rush yards | 6 rush TDs | 9 fumbles
The AFC east is his. The only thing that kept Allen out of the AFC championship game and the Super Bowl was the league’s overtime rules. He arguably has the strongest arm in the league. His ability to extend plays and move the chains with his legs causes headaches for opposing defenses.
Aaron Rodgers
2021 stats: 17 games | 68.9 percent | 4,340 pass yards | 7.8 yards-per-attempt | 37 pass TDs | 4 interceptions | 101 rush yards | 3 rush TDs | 4 fumbles
Besides his off-the-field attitude, the 2021 MVP’s intelligence and arm talent make him one of the most feared quarterbacks. It looks effortless when he plays the game. He never turns the ball over, and his efficiency has improved under head coach Matt LaFleur. As long as Rodgers is at the helm, Green Bay will have as good a chance as anybody to play in January and February.
Patrick Mahomes
2021 stats: 20 games | 67.3 percent | 5,896 pass yards | 7.6 yards-per-attempt | 48 pass TDs | 16 interceptions | 498 rush yards | 3 rush TDs | 10 fumbles
Mahomes’ 2021 was inconsistent to start the year, but he is the NFL’s future. Every team wants the next Patrick Mahomes. His ability to improvise, throw from various launch angles, throw no-look passes, and his athleticism is unprecedented. It is like watching a more talented Brett Favre every Sunday when his skills are tied together with his creativity and demeanor on the field.
Matthew Stafford
2021 stats: 21 games | 67.7 percent | 6,074 pass yards | 8.2 yards-per-attempt | 50 pass TDs | 20 interceptions | 85 rush yards | 2 rush TDs | 5 fumbles
The 2009 number one overall pick got his ring. The Detroit Lions trading him to Los Angeles saved his career. Everybody knew Stafford had top-five talent. One year under Sean McVay, Stafford limited his turnovers while maintaining explosiveness. Odell Beckham Jr. and Cooper Kupp are Stafford’s top weapons, priming him for another MVP caliber season.
Joe Burrow
2021 stats: 20 games | 69.9 percent | 5,716 pass yards | 8.6 yards-per-attempt | 39 pass TDs | 16 interceptions | 149 rush yards | 2 rush TDs | 5 fumbles
The 2020 Number one overall pick and 2021 comeback player of the year lit up the AFC during the playoffs. In their 23-20 super bowl loss, Burrow threw for more than 200 yards and a touchdown while being sacked seven times. Burrow was sacked 19 times during the AFC playoffs, an NFL record. If the Bengals protect him this coming season, Burrow has the talent, demeanor, and supporting cast for an MVP season.
Russell Wilson
2021 stats: 14 games | 64.8 percent | 3,113 pass yards | 7.8 yards-per-attempt | 25 pass TDs | 6 interceptions | 183 rush yards | 2 rush TDs | 6 fumbles
When healthy, there are not many more quarterbacks who are more accurate, dependable, and dynamic than Russell Wilson. The Seattle Seahawks got plagued by a lack of depth on the defensive side and no running game. I believe a fresh start in the Rocky Mountains will give us a different and improved Russell Wilson.
Justin Herbert
2021 stats: 17 games | 65.9 percent | 5,014 pass yds | 7.5 yards-per-attempt | 38 pass TDs | 15 interceptions | 302 rush yards | 3 rush TDs | 1 fumble
Justin Herbert is a legitimate NFL talent. He's proven it repeatedly, especially in big spots against the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately, the Chargers' defense has failed to keep up their end. Herbert's arm is as strong as Josh Allen's, and his football IQ is off the charts. He may find himself higher on this list come the regular season.
Dak Prescott
2021 stats: 17 games | 67.8 percent | 4,703 pass yads | 7.4 yards-per-attempt | 38 pass touchdowns | 11 interceptions | 173 rush yards | 2 rush touchdowns | 15 fumbles
Prescott started the season playing as good as anybody listed ahead of him. However, a calf injury led to tentative play and inaccuracy down the stretch. His supporting cast is one of the best in football. He has all the skills and weapons but is yet to win the big game. His attitude, leadership, and work ethic are his best chance of getting over his lack of postseason success.
Kyler Murray
2021 stats: 15 games | 68.3 percent | 3,924 pass yards | 7.6 yards-per-attempt | 24 pass touchdowns | 12 interceptions | 429 rush yards | 5 rush touchdowns | 13 fumbles
Kyler Murray was an MVP candidate for the better half of the 2021 season. He has Russell Wilson’s accuracy, Matthew Stafford’s arm strength, and the speed of Lamar Jackson. In last season's playoffs, Murray’s performance against the Rams put a sour taste on an incredible year. Murray will have a great season if he can limit his turnovers and play decisively.
Derek Carr
2021 stats: 18 games | 67.2 percent | 5,114 pass yards | 7.5 yards-per-attempt | 24 pass touchdowns | 15 interceptions | 147 rush yards | 0 rush touchdowns | 14 fumbles
One can only imagine how Derrek Carr’s season would have ended barring the events. If only John Gruden did not resign mid-season and Henry Ruggs III did not get arrested for driving under the influence and reckless driving. Carr’s leadership and consistency propelled the Las Vegas Raiders to the playoffs. They lost to the AFC champion, Cincinnati Bengals.
Ryan Tannehill
2021 stats: 18 games | 67.0 percent | 3,954 pass yards | 7.1 yards-per-attempt | 22 pass touchdowns | 17 interceptions | 282 rush yards | 7 rush touchdowns | 10 fumbles
Ryan Tannehill’s defied everyone’s expectations playing well throughout the regular season without stalwart Derrick Henry who was sidelined with an injury. Tannehill laid an egg in the playoffs and pressure has mounted after the Titans selected Malik Willis in last spring’s draft. The Titans have stood firm behind Tannehill and they should for how well he’s performed.
Lamar Jackson
2021 stats: 12 games | 64.4 percent | 2,882 pass yards | 7.5 yards-per-attempt | 16 pass touchdowns | 13 interceptions | 767 rush yards | 2 rush touchdowns | 6 fumbles
The 2019 unanimous MVP struggled in 2021 with injuries and inconsistent play. He has one of the biggest arms in the NFL but has struggled with his mechanics and accuracy. Jackson is entering a contract year, but the Raven’s traded away Marquise Brown, his most dynamic wide receiver. Jackson has all the intangibles but still has much to prove.
Deshuan Watson
2020 stats: 16 games | 70.2 percent | 4823 yards | 8.9 yards-per-attempt | 33 touchdown | 7 interceptions | 444 rush yards | 3 rush touchdowns | 8 fumbles
Watson did not play in 2021 because of disputes with Houston Texan’s management and several accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct. This past offseason, the Texans traded Watson to the Cleveland Browns; however, the Browns organization doubts Watson will avoid punishment from the NFL for the 2022 season.
Kirk Cousins
2021 stats: 16 games | 66.3 percent | 4,221 pass yards | 7.5 yards-per-attempt | 33 pass touchdowns | 7 interceptions | 115 rush yards | 1 rush touchdown | 12 fumbles
Kirk Cousins has yet to prove that he is anything more than a premier game manager in the NFL. He has one big playoff games in New Orleans a few years back, yet when the Vikings ask for more, he struggles.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Jameis Winston
Matt Ryan
Baker Mayfield
Jared Goff
Carson Wentz
Mac Jones
Jalen Hurts
Tua Tagovailoa
Zach Wilson
Trevor Lawrence
Davis Mills
Justin Fields
Sam Darnold
Trey Lance
Taysom Hill
Marcus Mariota
Mitch Trubisky
Drew Lock
Kenny Pickett*
Desmond Ridder*
Matt Corrall*
