Cover photo taken from Sharp Football.
This week, Netflix released their highly-anticipated series Quarterback: an eight-part look into the lives and seasons of Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins, and Atlanta’s Marcus Mariota during the 2022 season. I have been watching the show and thoroughly enjoying it, and it got me thinking about quarterbacks as a whole. More specifically, how would I rank every QB in the league right now? So that’s what I’ve done here: all 32 starting signal callers ranked in order and divided into specific tiers that accurately reflect what I think about them and their peers as we inch closer towards the 2023 season.
Tier 1: The Best Ever
1 – 
Patrick Mahomes
2022 stats: 5,250 yards, 41 TD, 12 INT, 358 yards rushing, 4 rushing TD (won MVP and Super Bowl MVP)
I have been singing Patrick Mahomes’ praises since his final year at Texas Tech. While I thought he would be the best QB in the 2017 draft class, I never could have envisioned him becoming what he is today: the best quarterback to ever play this game. Now, there’s a difference between being the best ever and the greatest ever. Mahomes has a long way to go in terms of accolades and accomplishments before he can dethrone Tom Brady as the GOAT. But his talent speaks for itself, and it’s plain to see that his skillset and unique abilities on the field make him the best ever. Even if you disagree with that sentiment, you can’t disagree that he’s currently the best quarterback in football. Last year’s MVP campaign and subsequent title run put any doubt about that swiftly to bed. Even without the most explosive player in football in Tyreek Hill, Mahomes was surgical all season long and put the team on his back in the playoffs to secure his second MVP, Super Bowl and Super Bowl MVP. He continues to redefine the game on a weekly basis, and we should all be so lucky to see it happening in real time.
Tier 2: The Best of the Rest
2 – 
Joe Burrow
2022 stats: 4,475 yards, 35 TD, 12 INT, 257 rushing yards, 5 rushing TD
I have held the belief that Joe Burrow is second to only Patrick Mahomes since the 2021 AFC Championship Game. I feel like most people would put Josh Allen in this spot, but I refuse to do that. I think Burrow is much more careful with the ball and has already had infinitely more playoff success, including a dominant win over Allen and the Bills in January. If a few more things went Cincinnati’s way, he might have wound up as a two-time Super Bowl champion. Regardless, Burrow has been mightily impressive since tearing his ACL in his rookie season three years ago, continuing to put up amazing numbers and wowing us with his playmaking ability. His blend of talent, determination, leadership, and swagger make it clear that he is destined for long-term success in this league.
3 – 
Josh Allen
2022 stats: 4,283 yards, 35 TD, 14 INT, 762 rushing yards, 7 rushing TD
Josh Allen is one of the most unique QB talents I have ever seen, which speaks for itself on a weekly basis. He has incredible athleticism and strength for his giant 6-foot-5 frame. Whether he’s launching the ball 60 yards through the air or hurdling defenders like a running back, he truly is must-see TV. I would definitely like to see him be a lot more careful with the ball, as he has been one of the most turnover-prone QBs in football in his career due to his style of play. I think an increased emphasis on his ball safety could have be very fruitful long-term for the Bills.
4 – 
Justin Herbert
2022 stats: 4,739 yards, 25 TD, 10 INT
The eighth wonder of the world is why Justin Herbert gets so much hate. I’ll never understand it. All he has done since entering the league in 2020 is ball out. He is off to the most prolific start to a career in NFL history in terms of his passing stats while playing for the league’s equivalent of a traveling circus. Everyone loves to blame him for the Chargers’ implosion in January’s Wild Card game where they blew a 27-0 lead to the Jaguars, but that’s hardly fair. I might be crazy, but I don’t think a defense allowing 31 points in just over a half of football is the quarterback’s fault. Regardless of whether you love or hate him, Herbert’s arm talent cannot be denied. He makes ridiculous throws every game with perhaps the best deep ball in the league. I can’t say I’m confident in how successful he can be while he plays for such a snake-bitten franchise, but Herbert will certainly be getting his game off as one of the league’s best QBs for years to come.
5 – 
Trevor Lawrence
2022 stats: 4,113 yards, 25 TD, 8 INT, 291 rushing yards, 5 rushing TD
A lot of people might think I’m nuts for putting Lawrence this high, but I’m fully sold on him. I have been for a very long time. I wasn’t going to let a bizarro rookie season littered with off-the-field drama change my mind. In his first real season, Lawrence was absolutely outstanding en route to a division title and a playoff win. He was finally able to showcase his arm talent with a proper skill group around him, and it was very impressive. Things are only going to get better next year as Calvin Ridley enters the fold. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for the former #1 pick.
6 – 
Lamar Jackson
2022 stats: 2,242 yards, 17 TD, 7 INT, 764 rushing yards, 3 rushing TD (missed five games due to injury)
I hope that a couple of injury-riddled seasons haven’t made you forget about how good Lamar Jackson is. He was on a tear to start the 2022 season before a nagging leg problem derailed him and the Ravens. When he’s fully healthy, Lamar is one of the most dynamic players in the sport with his lightning-quick abilities as a ball carrier and incredible arm talent (yes, he is a great passer, don’t kid yourselves). I don’t think anyone doubts that he has what it takes to return to his unanimous MVP form from 2019. With a revamped offense and a new, improved scheme, this is the year to do it.
7 – 
Jalen Hurts
2022 stats: 3,701 yards, 22 TD, 6 INT, 760 rushing yards, 13 rushing TD (missed two games due to injury)
Jalen Hurts was 2022’s breakout star with his jaw-dropping play and video game numbers, leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl and being a few plays away from winning it. He was a sprinkle of Patrick Mahomes greatness away from being an MVP and a Super Bowl MVP. Alas, he’s still a consensus top QB in the NFL and got a very, very large bag from the Birds, and for good reason. Hurts is like a less explosive but more refined and stronger version of Lamar Jackson. He has the arm to make any throw, the speed to burn any defense, the strength to run over defenders, the IQ to outsmart any defense, and the determination and leadership ability to win rings. For all of those reasons, he is one of my favorite players in the league, and despite the fact that he plays for the Eagles, I’m always going to root for him to succeed. He has everything it takes to be one of the most successful QBs of this generation.
Tier 3: Show Me Again
8 – 
Aaron Rodgers
2022 stats: 3,695 yards, 26 TD, 12 INT
2022 was a massive step backwards for Aaron Rodgers. After winning back-to-back MVPs, he had the worst passer rating of his career (!!!) while throwing for the fewest yards since 2015 and second most interceptions in his career. Oh, and the Packers finished below .500 and missed the playoffs thanks to losing the season finale. Now, he gets a fresh start with the Jets and their fantastic young core. I think we’ll see Aaron return to form this year, but I have serious doubts about whether or not he can fully look like the Aaron of 2019, 2020, and 2021. It’s a serious problem when your off-the-field antics get more attention than your on-the-field performance.
9 – 
Matthew Stafford
2022 stats: 2,087 yards, 10 TD, 8 INT (missed eight games due to injury)
I’m giving Matt Stafford the benefit of the doubt here. He’s coming off a potentially career-derailing injury after playing half a season of garbage football. 2021 showed us how great he can be, but 2022 might have been the straw that broke the camel’s back. I don’t know what to expect from Stafford this year on an anemic offense with only one real playmaker, but I have a feeling I won’t see anything special. He has been one of the most fun, talented QBs to watch over the last decade or so, but I think we’re seeing the last of Matt Stafford in the NFL.
10 – 
Deshaun Watson
2022 stats: 1,102 yards, 7 TD, 5 INT (missed 11 games due to suspension)
I am also giving the benefit of the doubt to Deshaun Watson, who I don’t even feel like talking about. After serving a suspension that was far too short, he didn’t look anything like the star QB we saw in Houston. But perhaps that’s the result of entering a new system in November after months of not practicing with a new team. I’m expecting a much better season from Watson in 2023, but I’m not sure if we’ll ever see the Texans version of him again.
11 – 
Kyler Murray
2022 stats: 2,368 yards, 14 TD, 7 INT, 418 rushing yards, 3 rushing TD (missed six games due to injury)
Kyler is likely to miss most, if not all of the 2023 season after suffering a torn ACL last November. For a QB with his play style, you’ve got to wonder how that is going to affect him when he returns. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. The Kyler Murray we know is a lightning-quick runner with a hell of an arm who just hasn’t been able to fully live up to his potential. His talent is undeniable, but his play on the field just hasn’t been what it can be, and his off-the-field antics aren’t great either. Despite all his talent, the Cardinals might have dug themselves a $250 million hole.
Tier 4: “Would You Rather Be Underpaid or Overrated?” – Jay-Z
12 – 
Jared Goff
2022 stats: 4,438 yards, 29 TD, 7 INT
Jared Goff is starting to be so underrated that he might be overrated at this point. I don’t think that’s true, and I have always liked Goff, but I think social media can chill with flaunting his stats and calling him “underrated”. Guys like Kirk Cousins and Dak Prescott also have great stats and tend to shrink in big moments just like Goff does, but they don’t play for lovable teams like the Lions, so instead social media hates them. It’s no secret that Goff essentially had a career-reviving season in Detroit last year, which is more proof that he can be a truly great QB when surrounded by good talent in a good scheme. I expect to see similar numbers out of Goff this year, and hopefully the Lions see the success that has eluded them for the last… checks watch… well, forever.
13 – 
Geno Smith
2022 stats: 4,282 yards, 30 TD, 11 INT (won Comeback Player of the Year)
The 2022 Comeback Player of the Year was one of the best stories in football last season. After waiting years to get another shot as a starting QB, Geno Smith shocked the world en route to being one of the most prolific passers of the year and leading the Seahawks to the playoffs in their first year of a supposed rebuild. He flashed amazing arm talent and pinpoint accuracy all season long and was rewarded with a massive, well-deserved contract extension. With the offense getting a huge boost this offseason through free agency and the draft, I expect Geno to continue putting up big numbers. I think he’ll be in people’s top 10 lists by January.
14 – 
Kirk Cousins
2022 stats: 4,547 yards, 29 TD, 14 INT
The narratives surrounding Kirk Cousins have been beaten into the ground at this point, so I’ll keep this brief. Kirk is a much better QB than most people realize. I know a lot of his stats are empty. I know he sucks after the sun goes down (most of the time). I know he has limited playoff success. But he’s as good as you can ask for in this league. I have defended him for years and years, and I hope the Quarterback series gave people the appreciation for him that I have. I’d welcome him back to DC in a heartbeat.
15 – 
Tua Tagovailoa
2022 stats: 3,548 yards, 25 TD, 8 INT (missed four games due to injury)
Last season was the first time we saw what Tua was capable of when he’s surrounded by the talent and scheme that lets him cook. He might have gotten a lot of help via YAC from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but he led the league in TD% and passer rating (105.5) all while being one of the most accurate QBs in football. The concussion problems are a very scary concern, but if Tua stays upright with the talent he has around him, he’ll be perfectly fine to put up big numbers. I just question whether or not he has what it takes to take the Dolphins to where they want to be.
16 – 
Dak Prescott
2022 stats: 2,860 yards, 23 TD, 15 INT (missed five games due to injury)
Dak has been perfectly average, if not above average for his entire career. But last season was not a good look for him. He led the league in interceptions while having the second worst passer rating of his career. He had a fantastic 2021, so perhaps we can place some blame on his injury last year, but I need to see it to believe it this season with Dak. It feels like the window is closing rapidly in Dallas, and it’ll close even quicker if he doesn’t return to form.
Tier 5: Make or Break Year
17 – 
Russell Wilson
2022 stats: 3,524 yards, 16 TD, 11 INT, 277 rushing yards, 3 rushing TD (missed two games due to injury)
Last year was the worst season of Russell Wilson’s career by any and every metric. It was an unmitigated disaster from start to finish that was widely publicized and criticized. But I think a lot of that has to do with how generally awful the Broncos were on offense under Nathaniel Hackett. Russ has a real chance to get back on track under Sean Payton. I don’t know how much he has left in the tank, but I know for a fact that his 2023 can’t go any worse than 2022 can.
18 – 
Derek Carr
2022 stats: 3,522 yards, 24 TD, 14 INT (missed two games due to being shut down by LVR)
It’s hard to make heads or tails of Derek Carr these days. Yes, he puts up good numbers, but it hasn’t translated to wins much lately. Yes, he can make any throw in the world, but he forgets how to do so inside the 10-yard line. Yes, he gets a fresh start in New Orleans, but it’s under an abysmal coaching staff. I know he still has plenty of talent left in the tank, but I believe things can get ugly for Derek Carr very soon.
Tier 6: So Much Potential
19 – 
Justin Fields
2022 stats: 2,242 yards, 17 TD, 11 INT, 1,143 rushing yards, 8 rushing TD (missed two games due to injury)
Justin Fields is perhaps the most polarizing QB in football right now. Everyone either thinks he’s the next Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts or thinks he’s the worst QB in the league. There’s no in between. My love for Justin obviously goes back to his college days, so it’s clear where I stand. It took everything I had to not place him higher on this list. But he clearly needs to show more development as a passer. I do think a lot of his faults in that regard lie with the scheme and complete lack of talent around him. Both of those will improve this year, so hopefully he makes a huge leap with his arm. His rushing talents need no explanation, as he led all QBs in rushing yards and finished seventh in the league among all rushers, becoming just the third QB to ever rush for 1,000 yards in a season. He might just be the fastest player in football with extremely underrated strength. If he can get his act together as a passer, Justin will take the league by storm. I’m hoping and praying that it happens.
20 – 
Brock Purdy
2022 stats: 1,374 yards, 13 TD, 4 INT (five games as starter)
I wasn’t really sure who to put as the 49ers QB in this list, but I assume that the QB1 job currently belongs to Brock Purdy after his efforts last season. He might not start in Week 1, and I personally feel like Trey Lance is the better option, but he gets my nod here. Purdy was one of the best stories in football last year, going from being Mr. Irrelevant to leading the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game before an unfortunate elbow injury ended his season. Regardless of whether or not he’ll be ready to play or start for the Niners in September, he deserves our respect. He was a perfect fit in their offense with fantastic accuracy and playmaking ability, all while keeping the ball safe. If he does end up being the QB of the future in San Francisco, I think he has what it takes to lead them to greatness.
21 – 
Daniel Jones
2022 stats: 3,205 yards, 15 TD, 5 INT, 708 rushing yards, 7 rushing TD (missed one game due to rest)
I think I’m putting Danny Dimes a tad low on this list considering the great year he had in 2022. But I’m just not as moved as everyone else is. I think he will be a solid starting QB for the Giants for the next few years. But there isn’t a lot about 15 passing touchdowns in 16 games that makes me fawn. He’s a solid passer with a decent arm and fantastic athletic ability that honestly almost makes up for his shortcomings as a passer. The potential is there, but he’ll never be anything special in my eyes.
Tier 7: Panera Bread
22 – 
Jimmy Garoppolo
2022 stats: 2,437 yards, 16 TD, 4 INT (missed six games due to injury/being backup)
I’ve been a supporter of Jimmy G for a very long time. I think he’s a perfectly fine QB that will always produce and be successful when put in the right spot. San Francisco was that right spot for a while. I don’t know if Las Vegas will be. But he has everything he needs to be successful, including one of the best WRs and RBs in football and his old buddy as his head coach. He still won’t blow anyone away, but all the ingredients are there. We’ll see what this new era of Jimmy looks like.
23 – 
Ryan Tannehill
2022 stats: 2,536 yards, 13 TD, 6 INT (missed five games due to injury)
For what it’s worth, Ryan Tannehill was having a decent year in 2022 for about 10 weeks before the wheels completely fell off. Now, he’s a 35-year old coming off a tough injury on a team with not a lot of offensive talent. With the Titans spending a second round pick on a QB in Will Levis, it’s easy to see that Tannehill is nearing the end of the road.
24 – 
Mac Jones
2022 stats: 2,997 yards, 14 TD, 11 INT (missed three games due to injury)
This is a huge year for Macaroni. The Patriots are more than ready to move on from him if he doesn’t produce. Last season was a bit of a disaster that included a nagging ankle problem and a benching in favor of Bailey Zappe, who New England fans often chanted for when Jones struggled. While I had high hopes for Macaroni when he entered the league, it’s clear that he’s not exactly being put in a position to succeed. He hasn’t shown many flashes of talent either. If it doesn’t happen this season, we won’t be hearing his name much anymore.
25 – 
Baker Mayfield
2022 stats: 2,163 yards, 10 TD, 8 INT (12 games as starter for CAR/LAR)
I wanted to put Baker much, much lower on this list. It’s a real possibility that he is the worst starting QB in football. It just didn’t feel right putting him below guys who are either very inexperienced or have never played a snap in the NFL. Still, my opinions on Mayfield have been clear for years now. I don’t like him as a person, I don’t like him as a player, and I think his time in the NFL is running out. I would not be remotely shocked if he loses the starting job before Thanksgiving.
Tier 8: New Kids on the Block
26 – 
Kenny Pickett
2022 stats: 2,404 yards, 7 TD, 9 INT, 237 rushing yards, 3 rushing TD (13 games as starter)
Look, I like Kenneth Pickett. I think he’s a great story and I find it very easy to root for him. But I just don’t know if he can be a franchise guy. It doesn’t help that the Steelers offense isn’t exactly budding with talent, but they are improving. I think Pickett can make a leap in his sophomore campaign, but to me, his ceiling is Tier 4 or 5.
27 – 
Jordan Love
2022 stats: 195 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT (appeared in four games)
There might not be a QB in this tier that I have higher hopes for than Jordan Love. He has had three years to sit and learn under Aaron Rodgers and now finally gets his shot to lead the Packers. I think he has all the talent in the world to lead them to success. With great arm talent and mobility, he has the perfect skillset to succeed in today’s NFL. He has shown flashes of it in his few appearances over the last two years. Green Bay still has the talent around him that can allow him to thrive, and I think he’ll do just that. I expect big things out of him in 2023.
28 – 
Bryce Young
2022 stats: N/A
The 2023 #1 pick out of Alabama is one of the most unique QB prospects in recent memory. The concerns about his size are valid, but he has some of the best playmaking ability that we’ve seen in a long time. He has immense talent that I think can translate well to the NFL, and the Panthers are putting themselves in a position such that he can succeed early and often. I’m looking forward to watching his development this season.
29 – 
CJ Stroud
2022 stats: N/A
CJ was probably the best all-around passing prospect in April’s draft, and the Texans were very happy to snag him at #2 overall. He’s a prototypical pocket passer with the arm and accuracy to make any throw and an extremely underrated pocket presence. His mobility is also an under-looked part of his skillset and will only get better in the NFL. I can’t wait to see what he can do in Houston as they continue their rebuild.
30 – 
Anthony Richardson
2022 stats: N/A
Richardson was the most polarizing QB prospect in this year’s draft. He has jaw-dropping raw talent as both a passer and a runner, but it remains to be seen if those skills can be refined and translated into success in the NFL. I believe in the Colts organization and their coaching staff as well as the talent on that offense, so I think Richardson can see some early success in the pros. But it’s clear to everyone that this is a project, and one with an extremely high upside.
31 – 
Sam Howell
2022 stats: 169 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT (one game as starter)
Our fanbase is absolutely head over heels for Sam Howell because he was once heralded as the best QB prospect in college football (over two years ago) and beat the Cowboys in his lone NFL start with one or two highlight plays. Perhaps we should temper our expectations a bit. I think Sam is immensely talented and is in a great position to do good things in our offense. Everything is right in front of him to seize this opportunity and be a solid NFL starting QB. But we really need to pump the brakes with this “franchise QB” stuff. I have to see it to believe it. Maybe I’m just a pessimist. But when it comes to this franchise, can you blame me?
32 – 
Desmond Ridder
2022 stats: 708 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT (four games as starter)
To put it nicely, I have no faith in Desmond Ridder as an NFL starter. He was an average passer and runner at Cincinnati, and it’s safe to say that he’s below average in both categories at the professional level. He’s still very inexperienced, but I just don’t see a world where he is Atlanta’s quarterback of the future. He simply lacks the talent to be a successful QB in this league.
All stats taken from Pro Football Reference.
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