QB Showdown: Ranking the Fiercest Quarterback Battles Heating Up NFL Training Camps

The air is thick with anticipation as NFL training camps kick into high gear. While veterans fine-tune their skills, a new crop of quarterbacks are battling for their chance to lead their teams. With Super Bowl 60 in San Francisco on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever. Remember when Tom Brady, a sixth-round pick, stepped in for an injured Drew Bledsoe in 2001 and led the Patriots to their first Super Bowl win? This year’s training camps could unearth a similar Cinderella story. Here’s a ranking of the most intense quarterback battles to watch this preseason.

1. Cleveland Browns: A Four-Way Frenzy

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation is arguably the most complex in the league. With Deshaun Watson sidelined due to a torn Achilles, the Browns are left with a quartet of contenders: veteran Joe Flacco, offseason acquisition Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

Joe Flacco: The Super Bowl XLVII MVP showed he still has some gas left in the tank, leading the Browns to a 4-1 record in 2023. At 40 years old, Flacco brings experience and a steady hand, making him a safe bet to start.
Kenny Pickett: Acquired from the Steelers, Pickett is looking for a fresh start. While his time in Pittsburgh was inconsistent, the Browns see potential in the former first-round pick.
Dillon Gabriel: The former Oregon Duck had a strong college career, passing for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2024. Gabriel impressed during OTAs, completing 48 of 83 passes with eight touchdowns in five open practices.
Shedeur Sanders: The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shedeur brings a high profile and a willingness to throw into tight windows. However, some analysts caution that he primarily worked with the third-team during OTAs.

The Verdict: While Sanders has impressed some observers, many believe Flacco has the edge due to his experience. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Browns will likely give all four quarterbacks a chance to compete before head coach Kevin Stefanski “crystallizes the pecking order.”

2. Indianapolis Colts: Richardson vs. Jones

The Indianapolis Colts are another team with a fascinating quarterback dilemma. Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in 2023, is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued rookie season. He’ll be competing with veteran Daniel Jones, who signed with the Colts as a free agent.

Anthony Richardson: The Colts have high hopes for Richardson, but his lingering shoulder issues are a concern. Some analysts believe he needs to focus on getting reps on the field rather than mental reps.
Daniel Jones: After a disappointing end to his tenure with the Giants, Jones is looking to revitalize his career in Indianapolis. He is known to be more accurate than Richardson.

The Verdict: Head coach Shane Steichen has stated that the competition will come down to “who’s the most consistent.” While Richardson has the higher ceiling, Jones’ experience and accuracy could give him the edge, especially if Richardson’s shoulder continues to be a problem.

3. New York Giants: A Crowded Quarterback Room

The New York Giants have completely revamped their quarterback room this offseason. Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston were signed in free agency, and the team drafted Jaxson Dart in the first round.

Russell Wilson: After a disappointing stint in Denver, Wilson is looking to prove he can still be a starting quarterback.
Jameis Winston: Known for his gunslinger mentality, Winston provides a high-risk, high-reward option for the Giants.
Jaxson Dart: The Ole Miss product impressed with his arm in 2024, earning a 92.5 PFF overall grade. However, he is considered a prospect who needs time to develop.

The Verdict: Most analysts believe Wilson will start the season as the Giants’ QB1. However, Dart’s potential could lead to him seeing playing time later in the season, especially if the Giants are out of playoff contention.

4. New Orleans Saints: Shough Seeks to Dethrone Rattler

Following Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement, the New Orleans Saints are searching for their next franchise quarterback. The competition is between second-round pick Tyler Shough, second-year player Spencer Rattler, and veteran Jake Haener.

Tyler Shough: The Saints drafted Shough with the No. 40 overall pick, signaling their belief in his potential. However, some analysts believe he was drafted a bit high due to injury concerns.
Spencer Rattler: Rattler has experience in the NFL, but his performance in 2024 was underwhelming, earning a 52.0 PFF overall grade.

The Verdict: Despite being a rookie, Shough has a good chance of winning the starting job. His talent and the Saints’ investment in him make him a favorite to be under center in Week 1.

5. Tennessee Titans: Ward vs. Levis

The Tennessee Titans made a bold move by drafting Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ward will compete with incumbent Will Levis for the starting job.

Cam Ward: Ward had an outstanding season at Miami in 2024, earning a 92.9 PFF overall grade.
Will Levis: The Titans have invested heavily in Ward, making it unlikely that he will sit on the bench for long.

The Verdict: Most analysts believe Ward is the Titans’ franchise quarterback and will eventually win the starting job.

More Battles to Watch

Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy vs. Sam Howell
Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers vs. Mason Rudolph vs. Will Howard

The quarterback battles of the 2025 NFL training camps promise to be some of the most exciting storylines of the preseason. As these players compete for their chance to shine, fans can expect plenty of drama and surprises along the way.