10 starting NFL quarterbacks who could be axed by November – Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson and $296m superstar
Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow do not have to worry.
Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have both won the NFL MVP award, so neither are getting benched anytime soon.
But Spencer Rattler better watch his back in New Orleans, while Tom Brady will surely have a close eye on Geno Smith in Las Vegas.
The return of the NFL means that Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are back on prime time TV across the globe, as the NFL expands internationally and the best quarterbacks in the league shine weekly.
It also means that head coaches can be fired at anytime, and lesser QBs are one bad throw away from riding the pine.
Here is talkSPORT’s look at the NFL quarterbacks most likely to be benched in 2025.
Check back every week, because the rankings will keep changing from Week 1 until Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
10. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Prescott has top-10 QB potential and finished second in NFL MVP just two years ago.
But he’s 32-years-old, coming off a major injury, is making too much money not to be playing in the Super Bowl, and didn’t throw a touchdown during Dallas’ frustrating season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
With $296 million in his personal NFL bank, the former fourth-round draft pick is set for life.
Owner Jerry Jones was intrigued by backup Joe Milton during training camp, and is known to make impulsive decisions.
“I’m just excited that we had a chance to get him,” Jones said.
“And he hasn’t disappointed. We’re just more and more encouraged by what we’re seeing.”
If the Cowboys float around .500 this year, Prescott could watch his job go to a younger and much cheaper option.
9. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are obviously committed to the future of Hall of Famer in Week 1.
But Rodgers is 41-years-old, he missed the 2023 season due to injury, and a man with $394m in career earnings wouldn’t be starting for most NFL teams.
Mason Rudolph sits behind Rodgers, so there’s no real QB competition.
But if the Steelers struggle and Rodgers disappoints, Pittsburgh fans will quickly pivot to 2026.
Head coach Mike Tomlin can’t afford to let Rodgers drag the Steelers down.
8. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Tua Tagovailoa is also facing a prove-it year in Miami.
But Lawrence is under more pressure in Jacksonville, which used a No. 1 overall pick on the former Clemson star in 2021 and has yet to receive a real return on its big investment.
Lawrence’s $275 million contract is one of the worst in the NFL as Week 1 begins.
Nick Mullens won’t inspire hope in Jacksonville, but a 2026 draft loaded with talented QBs could catch the Jaguars’ eye.
7. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Darnold is coming off the best year of his career.
He also changed teams, and received $105m contract to lead a squad that will likely have to fight for a playoff spot.
Minnesota was willing to invest in second-year QB J.J. McCarthy, who’s yet to play an NFL snap, rather than pay Darnold.
There’s no doubt that the ex-Jet, Panther, 49er and Viking is Seattle’s starter.
But for how long?
6. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
If it all goes well, Penix plays all 17 games for the Falcons and becomes a franchise QB.
He’s also playing in front of a proven and respected veteran in Kirk Cousins, who received a massive $180m contract from Atlanta in March 2024.
Penix will get time to prove he’s worthy of the Falcons’ starting role.
If he falters, promoting Captain Kirk is just one conversation away.
5. Justin Fields, New York Jets
The preseason normally doesn’t mean anything.
Unless you keep struggling during the regular season.
Fields is on his third team since being drafted No. 11 overall in 2021 by the Chicago Bears.
He signed a two-year, $40m deal with the Jets that is team friendly because it’s only worth $40m.
Tyrod Taylor isn’t the answer in New York in 2025, but new head coach Aaron Glenn is known for his intensity and won’t tolerate weekly losses.
4. Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns
In some ways, the 40-year-old from Delaware is the most likely QB to be benched, just because he has so many QBs behind him in Cleveland.
Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson could all argue they deserve a shot this season.
If Flacco plays well and wins, he’s fine — he’s well-liked by Browns fans and was a Cleveland hero in 2023.
If the former Super Bowl winner and MVP with Baltimore falters in the early season, Sanders’ social-media army will be ready to pounce.
3. Russell Wilson, New York Giants
Jaxson Dart in 3, 2, 1 …
Mr. Unlimited is on a short leash in New York.
With head coach Brian Daboll still fighting for his long-term job security, going 6-11 with Dart is much more promising than winning just six games with Wilson.
Week 5 against New Orleans could create an opening for the strong-armed rookie from Ole Miss.
2. Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts
It’s hard to believe that Jones is starting for the Colts in 2025, but this is the world we live in.
He’s athletic, possesses a solid arm and might still have upside.
Jones also lost his job in New York and is 24-44-1 as a starting QB.
Throw in a one-year deal worth $14m, and Anthony Richardson better be ready.
It’s hard to imagine Jones lasting a full season as the Colts’ starting arm.
1. Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints
The 2026 NFL Draft is only seven months away.
Rattler has one good chance to prove that he can inspire the Saints.
Tyler Shough is a recent second-round pick, and almost won the starting job during training camp.
New Orleans is expected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this year.
Flip-flopping between QBs could be a regular occurrence for Saints fans until the next draft arrives.
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