• A contemporary begin in Cleveland: With Jameis Winston on the helm in Week 8, the Browns’ 0.260 EPA per passing play was simply a season excessive.
• The Vikings ought to flip to J.J. McCarthy: Sam Darnold has been up and down, and the Vikings have touted the Michigan product as their quarterback of the long run.
• Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full entry to all our in-season fantasy instruments, together with weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and extra. Sign up now!
Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes
With Week 8 within the rearview mirror, the 2024 NFL season has already provided a comparatively ample pattern of video games to judge gamers on each crew. Sure, a participant can get crimson scorching on the finish of the yr (see: Jordan Love in 2023), however organizations have probably began to take inventory of efficiency and shall be planning for positions heading into the offseason.
Through eight video games, there seems to be a transparent tier of NFL groups with little selection however to draft a signal-caller in 2025. Meanwhile, there’s nonetheless time for others to kind out their choices.
Here’s an early roadmap of one of the best plans for squads with quarterback uncertainty to understand.
Cleveland Browns: Draft early
The Browns’ win over the Ravens completely encapsulated precisely why the Deshaun Watson experiment should come to an finish. In his first begin after Watson tore his Achilles, veteran backup Jameis Winston posted a 74.9 PFF passing grade with two big-time throws — and three turnover-worthy performs, in signature vogue.
It’s not as if Watson hadn’t posted a passing grade that top this yr, however Winston made the requisite performs to steer the crew to victory — together with a go-ahead landing cross to Cedric Tillman with 59 seconds left. The Browns’ 0.260 EPA per passing play in Week 8 was simply a season excessive, and that’s not a coincidence.
The most possible option to transfer on from Watson is to commerce him with a post-June 1 designation. According to Over the Cap, that may incur useless cap hits of $26.7 million in 2024 and $26.9 million in 2025. While each are lofty figures, they’re significantly decrease than the opposite choices. The easy reply is that if the Browns need to be taken considerably critically, they can not trot Watson out once more.
As of now, the Browns would decide No. 8 general within the 2025 NFL Draft. In a yr the place questions abound in regards to the upcoming quarterback class, that looks as if placing distance to land a top-three or top-four participant on the place, enabling the group to start out new.
Carolina Panthers: Draft early
An group by no means desires to confess that it made a mistake with a No. 1 general decide, particularly after solely two years. But that’s the uncomfortable actuality the Panthers could have to confront with Bryce Young.
The No. 1 general decide ranks thirty sixth in PFF passing grade this season amongst 37 certified quarterbacks, being relegated to Andy Dalton’s backup. In 21 profession begins, Young has secured an general grade above 70.0 simply twice. The proven fact that Young took main steps backward regardless of the Panthers’ additions of a brand new play-caller, higher weapons and an improved offensive line is deeply troublesome.
Having gone 1-7 thus far this yr, the Panthers are within the driver’s seat for the No. 1 general decide: Carolina is projected for under 4 wins, based on PFF ELO. The crew may justify choosing the right participant obtainable at that slot with out a lot hesitation, however choosing a quarterback can be smart. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward would determine into that dialog.
Tennessee Titans: Draft early
The Titans’ practice has fully derailed. Tennessee is 1-6 with a -76 level differential and a 4% probability of constructing the postseason. Brian Callahan’s first season as head coach doesn’t appear salvageable, and he should revitalize his quarterback room earlier than it’s too late.
Will Levis’ second season calling the pictures hasn’t featured many encouraging developments. The 25-year-old ranks thirty seventh amongst 37 certified quarterbacks with a 41.1 PFF passing grade — a full 20 factors beneath his 2023 mark. Levis’ turnover-worthy play fee has remained above 4.0%, however his big-time throw fee has dipped from 5.9% to 1.5%. Plus, the Kentucky product has performed in solely 5 video games due to lingering shoulder accidents.
Callahan has been visibly unsettled by Levis’ quite a few miscues in 2024, which doesn’t bode nicely. The Titans have given Levis ample possibilities to show his potential to be an NFL quarterback, and the outcomes aren’t as much as par.
Assuming the Titans decide within the high three of the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward or a wild card like LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier would go a good distance towards upgrading the place on an offense with present items, plus a protection holding its personal.
Las Vegas Raiders: Draft early
The Raiders’ quarterback room was a morass going into 2024, and the group has been as dangerous as anticipated. Neither Aidan O’Connell nor Gardner Minshew ranks above 42nd in PFF passing grade amongst quarterbacks this yr. In different phrases, there’s no long-term reply at quarterback on this roster.
Las Vegas may decide to signal a less expensive free agent — like Sam Darnold or Justin Fields — however it feels prefer it’s time to tear the bandage off and draft a marquee, dynamic younger gunslinger. Vegas has been related to every yr’s high quarterbacks virtually each season because the departure of Derek Carr however hasn’t really pulled the set off. With Tom Brady now within the fold from a crew course perspective, that feels prone to change.
Indianapolis Colts: Sign a veteran for competitors
The Colts are 4-4 with their playoff aspirations nonetheless very a lot alive. Head coach Shane Steichen doesn’t need to completely fear about 2025 simply but, however questions have gotten tougher to suppress about Anthony Richardson.
The former No. 4 general decide was seen as a high-ceiling, low-floor prospect who merely wanted recreation reps, given his restricted expertise of beginning in faculty. So far within the professionals, the outcomes have skewed extra towards the underside of that scale.
Richardson’s 48.7 PFF general grade slots in at 51st amongst all quarterbacks to play this yr, together with 35th out of 37 with 100-plus dropbacks. His 5.0% turnover-worthy play fee is the third highest amongst qualifiers, with the second-year quarterback seemingly making inexplicable choices on a weekly foundation. On high of all of it, accidents have restricted Richardson to only 468 whole snaps in two seasons.
It would really feel a little bit rash for Steichen and normal supervisor Chris Ballard to wave the white flag on Richardson so early, however the strain is mounting. If Richardson doesn’t show some sort of progress within the second half of 2024, assuming he regains the beginning function after Joe Flacco was named the Week 9 starter, then he ought to actually be on a decent leash in 2025. Flacco has really carried out higher (70.0 passing grade) than Richardson this season whereas working the identical offense.
Altogether, the very fact the Colts have been a aggressive crew with Flacco and Minshew beneath middle the previous two years — and largely not beneath Richardson — isn’t an ideal omen for his play to this point.
New York Giants: Draft comparatively early, commerce Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones entered the 2024 season beneath intense strain to carry out, and the highlight hasn’t dimmed. In his return from a torn ACL, Jones has largely performed on the identical stage as in his lackluster 2023 marketing campaign.
His 66.1 PFF general grade is barely three factors increased than final yr, although his PFF passing grade has risen from 54.4 to 62.9. The excellent news is that Jones’ turnover-worthy play fee has declined from 4.1% to 2.6%, however his big-time throw fee has gone all the way down to a minimal 2.0% — which is tied for the fifth lowest amongst certified quarterbacks.
With two extra years of his profitable contract left after 2024, it doesn’t make a lot sense for the Giants to attempt to trip issues out with No. 8 beneath middle. Moving him this offseason is one of the best thought for each New York and Jones, particularly on condition that head coach Brian Daboll and normal supervisor Joe Schoen will presumably be again in 2025.
Consequently, the precise choice could be to permit Daboll to hand-pick a quarterback. The group displayed large curiosity in some premier rookie quarterbacks in 2024, together with Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, however was unable to maneuver up the draft board to nab them. A yr later, it looks like Big Blue wants to pick a signal-caller with both its first or second decide. The latter would possibly make extra sense if the Giants don’t decide inside the highest 5.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Draft comparatively early, preserve Russell Wilson/Justin Fields
Expectations have been low for the Steelers’ quarterback room, on condition that each Wilson and Fields have been low-cost gamers with upside but additionally vital limitations. The cumulative outcomes have mirrored simply that, with neither posting a PFF passing grade above 70.8 to this point. That final result might be barely higher than anticipated — and higher than what Pittsburgh has endured on the place since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement — however most likely not adequate to warrant a full-time gig.
It could be logical for Pittsburgh to maintain both Wilson or Fields as a baseline starter, however most likely not each. Given that the upcoming free-agent class doesn’t boast many headliners, the Steelers probably wouldn’t profit a lot from signing an outsider. Still, this room wants an improve, which is the place the draft comes into play.
Sitting at 6-2, Pittsburgh will probably decide outdoors of the highest half of the primary spherical for the fourth straight yr. That would handicap choices when it comes to high-profile quarterbacks, barring a trade-up. Nevertheless, going quarterback in both the primary or second spherical looks as if the sensible transfer, contemplating the 2025 class is plagued by fringe Day 1 prospects and intriguing Day 2 choices.
Minnesota Vikings: Turn to J.J. McCarthy
The Vikings are 5-2 and prone to make the playoffs (65% probability, per PFF ELO). The crew’s offense has been spectacular, and Sam Darnold deserves some credit score. His 72.7 PFF passing grade is a profession excessive, and his 12 big-time throws are tied for the sixth most in soccer.
At the identical time, Darnold hasn’t been unimaginable, per se. He nonetheless sits 16th amongst certified quarterbacks in PFF general grade, to not point out 14th in adjusted EPA per play. Those numbers mirror extra of a league-average quarterback, and given how a lot the Vikings invested in McCarthy, that’s most likely not value retaining.
In gentle of the aforementioned weaker free-agent quarterback class, Darnold will probably fetch a deal value at the very least $15 million per yr, prone to be a crew’s both QB1 or competitors for a youthful starter. In flip, Minnesota ought to merely flip to the cheaper McCarthy, if for nothing however to see what he’s able to. After all, the Vikings took him 12th general and have touted him as their quarterback of the long run. That’s what the 2025 season is about figuring out.
New York Jets: Stick with Aaron Rodgers however draft early
The Jets are formally in free fall, sitting 2-6 with only a 9% probability of constructing the playoffs getting into Week 9. Dysfunction is plaguing the crew from the highest down, however Rodgers stays a power.
Rodgers’ 76.8 PFF passing grade ranks 12th, and his 1.5% turnover-worthy play fee is the third lowest amongst quarterbacks with 100 or extra dropbacks. His mobility could also be compromised at this stage, however it might be powerful to ascertain extra from a 40-year-old quarterback.
Given Rodgers’ age, although, it might be prudent for the Jets to pursue long-term solutions on the place. Doing so within the first spherical would not appear inconceivable, particularly because the Packers did so in 2020 by deciding on Jordan Love with Rodgers probably nearing the tip of his tenure.
It’s simple to view Rodgers as a scapegoat for the Jets’ broader issues — and he’s not past reproach, given the facility he wields within the group. But Rodgers nonetheless has one yr left on his contract, so rolling with No. 8 for 2025 is a possible possibility.
New Orleans Saints: Embrace present competitors
The Saints’ hopes of being an NFC contender are verifiably dashed after dropping their sixth straight recreation. The crew has a whopping $81 million in useless cap going into subsequent season, getting cash tough to navigate (as New Orleans has gotten accustomed to). As a outcome, the Saints don’t have a ton of sensible splashes to make — however given their present quarterback scenario, that is likely to be high quality as is.
Before his indirect damage, Derek Carr was acting at a really excessive stage. Carr’s 87.8 PFF passing grade is a profession excessive and nonetheless ranks second within the league. His 5.1% big-time throw fee additionally slots within the high 10.
Without Carr, the Saints’ backups haven’t fared successfully. Rookie Spencer Rattler has notched solely a 54.7 PFF passing grade, together with being extremely subpar beneath strain. Rattler’s 26.2 PFF passing grade beneath strain is the second lowest amongst all quarterbacks to play this yr.
New Orleans presently holds the No. 6 general decide within the 2025 NFL Draft, which may make a signal-caller attractive. But given the crew’s wants alongside the offensive line, getting old defensive core and prolonged damage historical past, different positions would probably be a precedence. The finest scenario for Dennis Allen (or whoever would be the crew’s coach getting into the offseason) is to allow Carr and Rattler to extract essentially the most out of each other, particularly since Carr received’t be a free agent till 2027.