The 2025 NFL offseason has brought a whirlwind of quarterback moves, from free agency shakeups to dramatic draft selections. Some moves have made perfect sense, while some questions still loom on others.
With OTAs and training camps underway and the preseason just a month away, a few teams still don’t have a nailed-on QB1. So, let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing quarterback battles as we head towards the new season.
New York Giants – Russell Wilson vs. Jaxson Dart vs Jameis Winston.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Giants made a bold move by trading up to secure the services of Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick, but he faces tough competition from season veterans including Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.
With a brutal early season-schedule, it’s unlikely Dart will be thrown straight into the deep end, however his performances in training camp could accelerate his ascent or even hold him back.
Cleveland Browns – Shedeur Sanders vs. Joe Flacco vs. Dillon Gabriel vs. Kenny Pickett
Embed from Getty ImagesLets be honest the Browns quarterback room is a bit of a mess. With Deshaun Watson sidelined due to an achilles injury, the role is open to any of the four names above.
Joe Flacco proved he still had gas in the tank when he helped Cleveland to the playoffs in 2023, but he didn’t quite have the same impact with the Indianapolis Colts last year.
Shedeur Sanders will be favourite to start due to the fact he was labelled a top 20 player in the draft, but his slide was concerning – and the fact the Browns hierarchy selected Dillon Gabriel two rounds – raises questions about how the front office really sees him.
Then there’s former first-rounder Kenny Pickett on the roster, who could potentially start while the Rooks sit and develop for a few games.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has a real challenge this summer: determining which of the four quarterbacks he’ll give the starting role to.
New Orleans Saints – Tyler Shough vs. Jake Haener vs. Spencer Rattler
Embed from Getty ImagesFollowing the retirement of Derek Carr the Saints enter a new era under centre. Second round pick Tyler Shough is seen as one of the most ‘NFL ready’ quarterbacks from this years draft class and he’ll likely get the first crack at QB1.
Still he’ll have o beat out Jake Heaner and Spencer Rattler – both of whom showed flashes last season but didn’t exactly light it up.
Shough will be looking to become the first rookie to start for the Saints in week one since Archie Manning in 1971.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Will Howard vs. Mason Rudolph vs. Skylar Thompson
Embed from Getty ImagesIf we’re being blunt the Steelers need another quarterback. Whether it’s Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers or another veteran presence because their current crop is uninspiring.
Although it may be unfair to make that comment about Will Howard because we don’t know what he’s about, there is probably a reason he was the 185th pick. But for now, it will be him, Mason Rudolph, and Skylar Thompson taking snaps during OTAs.
Howard has publicly stated he’s ready to learn from Rodgers if he arrives, but is also prepared to compete for the starting role outright.
Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward vs. Will Levis
Embed from Getty ImagesThis one should be straightforward right? The Titans made Cam Ward the No.1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft and is expected to lead the offence from day one.
But as we know with the Titans, things are rarely simple. Will Levis is still on the roster and could be still start if Ward isn’t fully ready during training camp. Ward’s talent is undeniable, but the staff will be watching him closely to see whether he needs time to adjust or if he can hit the ground running.