NFC Quarterback Tiers: How do Projected Starters for Week 1 Compare?
As we approach the next stage of the offseason, rosters and teams are practically set, especially at the quarterback position.
We saw a handful of talented quarterbacks depart the NFC, as Tom Brady retired (again) and Aaron Rodgers emerged from the darkness on a one-way ticket to New York.
The No. 1 pick in Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looks to make his debut in Week 1, while some notable names stayed within the conference after exchanging their old threads for new ones.
These quarterback rankings are solely based off expected starters for Week 1, so the likes of Kyler Murray and Brock Purdy/Trey Lance won't be found here.
Let's get into these tier rankings that are definitely accurate and should be taken very seriously:
Cream of the Crop
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles - Hurts has slowly but surely turned into one of the best quarterbacks in the league, let alone the NFC.
Upper-Tier
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys - Don't let the star on his helmet fool you. Prescott - when healthy - is still one of the best quarterbacks around. Here's hoping he has better help this season.
Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings - Cousins gets a lot of flack, but the numbers are definitely there and the Vikings have seen success under his watch.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints - Carr is one of the most debated quarterbacks in the league: You either love or hate him. He's more than capable of leading the Saints to success in 2023.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams - When healthy, Stafford has proven to be a top passer in the league. Moving to work under Sean McVay has revitalized his career.
Very Serviceable
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - Goff did his job as a game manager and the Lions nearly snuck into the postseason. This might be his last year at the helm, and Detroit could be a sneaky pick to win the division.
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks - Smith was handsomely rewarded with an extension from Seattle in the offseason after he proved he could be their guy, at least for the next few years.
Don't be Surprised
Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers - Love flashed his talents in the one game he was forced to play in last season. With Rodgers out of the picture, this could be his time to shine.
Daniel Jones, New York Giants - Jones probably deserves more respect than I give him. He's talented, but man would you like to see more out of him given his profile.
Justin Fields, Chicago Bears - Is this a Justin Fields problem or is it a Chicago Bears problem? We'll find out, but the potential is still very much there.
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers - Am I sipping the Kool Aid too early? Probably. Young was great at Alabama and with the proper guidance, should turn into Carolina's next franchise quarterback relatively soon.
The Rest
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - I had Baker Mayfield in the above category before some last minute changes. I think with Tampa's offensive weapons he has all the opportunity to make noise - but will he? The jury is still very much out.
Colt McCoy, Arizona Cardinals - Colt McCoy has proven to be a solid veteran who can make a couple appearances and win some games. Will he still hold up, or will age and injury finally catch up to him.
Sam Howell, Washington Commanders - This could very well be Jacoby Brissett who starts, but either way the Commanders will be looking at the 2024 draft for their next quarterback.
Sam Darnold, San Francisco 49ers - The "oh sh--" meter went off for the 49ers last year when Lance/Purdy wen down. People still cling to Darnold's potential, but it's very clear he's not the passer everybody thought he was at USC.
Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons - Ridder was considered a project when he was drafted and he's still very much that. Hopefully another year at the helm allows him to sharpen his iron.
