NFL QB Tiers 2025: Lamar Jackson cracks Tier 1, Jayden Daniels sets rookie record
Mike Sando Aug. 11, 2025 6:00 am EDT
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6514160/2025/08/11/nfl-qb-rankings-tiers-2025-jackson-daniels/?source=athletic_pulsenewsletter&campaign=14496633&userId=21990430
This article is part of our Rankings & Tiers series, an evaluation across sport about the key players, front offices, teams, franchises and much more.
Quarterback Tiers results are in for 2025, with 50 NFL coaches and executives coronating two first-time Tier 1 QBs — including, finally, Lamar Jackson.
The panel combined to confer 46 top-tier votes on Jackson. That was twice his total from 2024, an indication the two-time MVP has proven his ability as a passer, including in the playoffs, at least to an extent.
Tier 1
A Tier 1 quarterback can carry his team each week. The team wins because of him. He expertly handles pure-passing situations. He has no real holes in his game.
T1 Patrick Mahomes Chiefs 1 Retained tier 1
T1 Joe Burrow Bengals 1 Retained tier 1
3 Josh Allen Bills 1 Retained tier 1.1
4 Lamar Jackson Ravens 1 Jumped to 1 tier 1.1
5 Matthew Stafford Rams 1 Jumped 1 tier 1.5
Tier 2
A Tier 2 quarterback can carry his team sometimes but not as consistently. He can handle pure-passing situations in doses and/or possesses other dimensions that are special enough to elevate him above Tier 3. He has a hole or two in his game.
6 Jayden Daniels Commanders 2 Tier 1.7
7 Justin Herbert Chargers 2 Retained tier 1.8
8 Jared Goff Lions 2 Retained tier 2.1
T9 C.J. Stroud Texans 2 Retained tier 2.2
T9 Jalen Hurts Eagles 2 Retained tier 2.2
11 Baker Mayfield Buccaneers 2 Decreased 2.3 (-0.5)
12 Dak Prescott Cowboys 2 Retained tier 2.4 (+0.3)
13 Jordan Love Packers 2 Retained tier 2.4
14 Brock Purdy 49ers 2 Retained tier 2.5
Tier 3
A Tier 3 quarterback is a legitimate starter but needs a heavier running game and/or defensive component to win. A lower-volume dropback passing offense suits him best.
15 Kyler Murray Cardinals 3 Retained tier 2.7
16 Aaron Rodgers Steelers 3 Dropped 1 tier 2.8
17 Tua Tagovailoa Dolphins 3 Retained tier 2.8
18 Trevor Lawrence Jaguars 3 Retained tier 2.8
19 Geno Smith Raiders 3 Retained tier 2.9
T20 Bo Nix Broncos 3 New to Tier 3
T20 Sam Darnold 3 Jumped 1 tier 3
22 Drake Maye Patriots 3 New to Tiers 3.1
23 Caleb Williams Bears 3 New to Tiers 3.2
24 Bryce Young Panthers 3 Jumped 1 tier 3.4
25 Kirk Cousins Falcons 3 Dropped 1 tier 3.5
Tier 4
A Tier 4 quarterback could be an unproven player (not enough information for voters to classify) or a veteran who ideally would not start all 17 games.
26 Russell Wilson Giants 4 Dropped 1 tier 3.6
27 Justin Fields Jets 4 Retained tier 3.7
28 Michael Penix Jr. Falcons 4 New to Tiers 3.8
29 J.J. McCarthy Vikings 4 New to Tiers 4
30 Daniel Jones Colts 4 Retained tier 4
31 Joe Flacco Browns 4 New to Tiers 4.1
32 Anthony Richardson Colts 4 Retained tier 4.2
33 Spencer Rattler Saints 4 New to Tiers 4.3
Tier 5
A Tier 5 quarterback is best suited as a backup.
34 Kenny Pickett Browns 5 New to Tiers 4.6