QB Carousel? Predicting Which Teams Will Draft a Quarterback in 2025
The air in NFL circles is thick with anticipation. As the echoes of Super Bowl LIX fade, all eyes are turning towards the 2025 NFL Draft. Forget the combine workouts and the speculation, the real question is: which teams will be vying for a new signal-caller? The quarterback carousel is about to spin again, and several franchises find themselves staring into the abyss of uncertainty under center.
The Usual Suspects: Teams Desperate for a QB
Cleveland Browns: The Deshaun Watson experiment has been a costly misfire. Despite a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, Watson has struggled to stay on the field, showing flashes of his former self but ultimately failing to deliver consistent results. After acquiring Kenny Pickett, coach Kevin Stefanski has been scouting potential replacements, including Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart. The Browns possess a war chest of picks in the 2025 draft, making them prime candidates to select a quarterback early.
New York Giants: The Giants’ quarterback situation has been a revolving door. After releasing Daniel Jones and cycling through veterans like Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito, the team seems no closer to finding a long-term solution. Coach Brian Daboll has expressed interest in veterans like Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford, and the team even brought back Tommy Cutlets. The Giants hold the No. 3 overall pick, and many believe they will target a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders if he’s available.
Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders’ quarterback room is a question mark. Geno Smith and Aidan O’Connell offer limited upside, and the team could be looking to make a splash in the draft. With Tom Brady potentially influencing personnel decisions, the Raiders might be drawn to a quarterback with a high ceiling, such as Shedeur Sanders, who has a close relationship with the former Patriots quarterback.
Tennessee Titans: The Titans are in rebuild mode under GM Mike Borgonzi and coach Brian Callahan. After Will Levis’s underwhelming performance, the team holds the No. 1 overall pick and is rumored to be eyeing Miami quarterback Cam Ward. The Titans need a new face under center to lead their offense into the future.
The Contenders: Teams with Lingering Questions
Los Angeles Rams: While Matthew Stafford intends to play in 2025, his long-term future with the Rams is uncertain. The team also has Jimmy Garoppolo on the roster, but with Stafford nearing 40, the Rams might be looking for a younger option to groom as his successor. The Rams’ draft picks could give them the chance to find their next franchise quarterback.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers’ quarterback situation is in flux. Mason Rudolph has returned, but the team is still searching for a long-term replacement. While Aaron Rodgers might be a short-term option, the Steelers are likely to target a young quarterback in the draft to lead the team in the future.
New Orleans Saints: Derek Carr’s performance has been inconsistent, and his massive salary cap impact could become a burden. The Saints might look to the 2025 Draft to find a quarterback who can be the new face of the franchise.
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have Sam Darnold, a Pro Bowl quarterback, and J.J. McCarthy, a first-round pick in 2024, but their quarterback situation remains uncertain. The team could explore other options in the draft if they are not convinced that Darnold or McCarthy is the long-term answer.
The Wild Cards: Teams That Could Surprise
New England Patriots: After drafting Drake Maye in 2024, the Patriots might seem set at quarterback. However, if Maye struggles, the team could be tempted to add another quarterback in the 2025 draft.
Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith is due for a new contract, but the Seahawks might not be convinced that he is the long-term answer. The team could explore drafting a quarterback if the right prospect falls to them.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels exceeded expectations in 2024, leading the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game. However, if Daniels regresses, the team could consider drafting another quarterback to compete for the starting job.
Top Quarterback Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft
Several quarterbacks are expected to be highly sought after in the 2025 NFL Draft:
- Cam Ward (Miami): Ward is a dynamic playmaker with a strong arm and excellent mobility. He is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft.
- Shedeur Sanders (Colorado): Sanders is a highly accurate and poised quarterback with a knack for making big plays. He is the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes.
- Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss): Dart is a gunslinger with a strong arm and a fearless attitude. He led the FBS in yards per attempt in 2024 and is known for his ability to make throws into tight windows.
- Jalen Milroe (Alabama): Milroe is a dual-threat quarterback with a powerful arm and exceptional running ability. He set Alabama’s single-season rushing touchdown record for a quarterback in 2024.
The Quarterback Carousel Never Stops
The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be another exciting chapter in the never-ending quarterback carousel. Several teams are desperate for a new signal-caller, while others have lingering questions about their current quarterbacks. With a talented crop of quarterback prospects available, the 2025 NFL Draft could reshape the landscape of the league for years to come.