This one may be controversial, as Justin Herbert has only been to the playoffs twice in his five years in the league, losing both games. It’s just so hard to deny the talent. Put him in a pass first offense with talented and healthy WRs, there’s MVP upside here.
Perhaps Jared Goff is a system QB in the perfect system. But his numbers suggest otherwise. Game managers don’t post prolific games the way Goff does. He’s already been to a Super Bowl. He was on the winning end of the greatest regular season game in NFL history (Week 11, 2018 vs. the Chiefs). And he just led the Lions to the No. 1 seed in the NFC. You’re good enough for Detroit Jared Goff.
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws during the second quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
It’s been a tumultuous start to Baker Mayfield’s career. After flaming out in Cleveland, he bounced around as a backup on a couple of teams before landing in Tampa Bay. Mayfield has since revived his career and proved why he was one a No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Not turning 30 years old until later this year, Mayfield could easily play for another decade. He might be the most underrated QB in the league.
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) runs off the field after defeating the Miami Dolphins at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
After a historically great rookie season, C.J. Stroud regressed in 2024. There were extenuating circumstances, though. The Texans had an awful offensive line. Stroud had to go four games without Nico Collins. He lost Stefon Diggs in the first half of the season. Tank Dell wasn’t himself until the second half of the season and then he suffered a season ending knee injury. Stroud may not be as great as he was as a rookie, but he’s definitely better than his sophomore year. He’s only 23 years old.
Still just 27 years old, Jalen Hurts has plenty of great football ahead of him. He just hasn’t shown the ability to carry his team the way the guys ahead of him have. Nevertheless, Hurts is one of the best QBs in the league and any team would be thrilled to have him.
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates after winning a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Is Jayden Daniels already a top five QB? Maybe. Even if he’s not, he’s close. The soon-to-be 2024 offensive rookie of the year already looks like a seasoned veteran. At just 24 years old, Daniels can spearhead a franchise for the next decade.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) before the Buffalo Bills wild card game against the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 12, 2025.
Josh Allen has been a consensus top five QB every year since 2020. It’s a shame he hasn’t found his way into an MVP yet. You can make a case for Allen as high as No. 2, but his play style will likely result in his career being over by his mid 30s.
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up before an AFC wild card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Likely headed for his third MVP award, Lamar Jackson was the best quarterback in football in 2024. At 28 years old, he should have at least another 5-6 elite years left. Given his obvious improvements as a passer, even as his athleticism wanes in his mid 30s, Jackson could very well thrive as a less mobile version of himself, extending his career even longer.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates after the game-winning touchdown pass to Tee Higgins in overtime of the NFL Week 17 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. The Bengals took a 30-24 win in overtime to remain in the post season chase.
For one reason, we might prefer Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen. They may all be the same age, but as more of a pocket passer, Joe Burrow’s career will almost certainly outlast his more mobile peers. In his three seasons where he didn’t get hurt, Burrow has thrown for 34, 35, and 43 touchdowns. He led the league in passing yards last season. Someone get this guy a defense.
Six AFC Championship Games, four Super Bowl appearances, three Super Bowl wins, two MVPs, all before the age of 30. Three of those numbers can improve over the next month. Patrick Mahomes is the most talented quarterback in NFL history and is on a GOAT trajectory. He is inevitable. With a good decade in front of him, Mahomes is the easy choice to top this list.
