The New Breed: How Dual-Threat Quarterbacks are Taking Over the NFL in 2025

The NFL is a constantly evolving landscape, and in 2025, one thing is clear: the dual-threat quarterback is no longer a novelty; it’s the prototype. These quarterbacks, equally adept at dissecting defenses with their arms and scrambling for crucial yardage with their legs, are reshaping offensive strategies and redefining what it means to be a franchise player. Last season, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson led the league in both yards per pass (8.8) and yards per rush (6.6), a feat never before accomplished in NFL history. This dominance underscores the rising importance of quarterbacks who can impact the game in multiple ways.

The Evolution of the Position

For decades, the quintessential NFL quarterback was a pocket passer – a statuesque figure with a cannon arm and the ability to read defenses with laser-like precision. Names like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees epitomized this era. However, the game has changed. Defenses have become faster and more complex, making it increasingly difficult for quarterbacks to operate solely from the pocket. This shift has paved the way for a new breed of quarterback, one who possesses the athleticism to evade pressure, extend plays, and even become a significant threat in the running game.

The 2024 Season: A Dual-Threat Showcase

The 2024 season served as a powerful testament to the dual-threat quarterback’s ascendance. Several quarterbacks put up remarkable numbers both through the air and on the ground:

Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): Jackson’s historic season solidified his place as the poster child for the modern dual-threat quarterback. He threw for 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns while adding 915 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns.
Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): Allen continued his reign as one of the league’s most dynamic players, throwing for 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushing for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns. Allen also scored one receiving touchdown. Allen tied Thurman Thomas for the most rushing touchdowns in Bills franchise history with 65.
Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles): Hurts led the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory while showcasing his dual-threat prowess. He passed for 2,903 yards and 18 touchdowns, adding 630 rushing yards.

These quarterbacks didn’t just put up impressive stats; they led their teams to playoff contention, demonstrating the direct correlation between dual-threat ability and team success. Ten of the top 13 teams in run play percentage made the postseason in 2024.

Offensive Coordinators Adapt

The rise of the dual-threat quarterback has forced offensive coordinators to become more creative and adaptable. Traditional playbooks are being thrown out the window in favor of schemes that maximize the quarterback’s unique skill set.

Read-Option Revolution: The read-option, once considered a gimmick offense, has become a staple in many NFL playbooks. This play puts the quarterback in a position to either hand the ball off to the running back or keep it himself, based on the defender’s reaction. This keeps defenses guessing and forces them to account for the quarterback’s running ability.
Designed Quarterback Runs: No longer are quarterback runs limited to scrambles when a play breaks down. Offensive coordinators are now designing specific running plays for their quarterbacks, utilizing their speed and agility to exploit defensive weaknesses.
RPO (Run-Pass Option) Dominance: RPOs have become increasingly popular, allowing quarterbacks to make split-second decisions at the line of scrimmage based on the defensive alignment. This puts tremendous pressure on defenses and allows the offense to capitalize on favorable matchups.

The Impact on Defenses

Defensive coordinators are scrambling to find ways to contain these dynamic quarterbacks. Traditional pass-rushing schemes are less effective against quarterbacks who can escape the pocket, and linebackers must be disciplined in their run fits to avoid being exploited by designed quarterback runs.

Spying: One common tactic is to assign a linebacker or safety to “spy” on the quarterback, mirroring his movements and preventing him from taking off on unexpected runs.
Disciplined Pass Rush: Defensive ends and outside linebackers must maintain their lane integrity and avoid over-pursuing the quarterback, which can create running lanes.
Zone Coverage: Zone coverages can be effective in limiting big plays downfield, but they also require disciplined tackling to prevent the quarterback from picking up easy yardage on scrambles. Philadelphia’s defense, which won the Super Bowl in 2024, showcased a possible solution, leading the NFL in run-defense grade when playing from two-high shells, a schematic trend other teams are now working to replicate.

The 2025 NFL Draft: A New Wave of Dual-Threat Talent

The 2025 NFL Draft was further evidence that NFL teams are prioritizing quarterbacks with dual-threat capabilities. While the class wasn’t considered exceptionally strong, the top quarterbacks selected all possessed a combination of athleticism and arm strength.

Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss): Dart, selected by the New York Giants, is a dynamic playmaker with a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his legs. Some analysts have drawn comparisons between Dart and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Cam Ward (Miami): Ward, drafted by the Tennessee Titans, is a strong-armed, accurate passer with premier playmaking ability.
Jalen Milroe (Alabama): Milroe, chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers, is a physically gifted quarterback with the potential to be a dynamic dual-threat weapon.

The Future is Now

The NFL in 2025 is defined by its dynamic, dual-threat quarterbacks. These players are not just passers; they are runners, improvisers, and game-changers. As offensive and defensive strategies continue to evolve, one thing is certain: the dual-threat quarterback will remain at the forefront of the league for years to come.