Full Breakdown
NFL's Struggling Quarterback Rooms: A Deep Dive
8/29/2025, 3:10:50 PM
Overview of the Quarterback Landscape
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, several teams are grappling with subpar quarterback situations, leading to concerns about their competitiveness. Among these, the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints have been highlighted as possessing some of the worst quarterback rooms in the league.
New England Patriots' Quarterback Challenges
The New England Patriots recently added Tommy DeVito to their quarterback lineup, which includes starter Drake Maye and backup Joshua Dobbs. Despite Maye's potential as the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Patriots were ranked ninth in the NFL for their quarterback situation by Saad Yousuf of The Athletic. Yousuf noted that while Maye showed promise, the overall depth is concerning, particularly with Dobbs and DeVito, who have struggled in previous seasons. The Patriots will face the Las Vegas Raiders in their season opener on September 7.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Uncertainty
The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback room was ranked fifth worst by Yousuf, primarily due to concerns surrounding Aaron Rodgers' durability as he approaches his 42nd birthday. Although Rodgers had a solid 2024 season, the backup options—Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson—are viewed skeptically. Yousuf pointed out that while Rudolph has had success in the past, the lack of a solid future plan for the quarterback position raises red flags for the Steelers.
New York Jets' Dismal Outlook
The New York Jets have been criticized for their quarterback situation, which features Justin Fields and veteran Tyrod Taylor. Yousuf ranked their unit as the third worst in the NFL, citing Fields' inconsistent performance and Taylor's declining effectiveness. The Jets' decision to cut Aaron Rodgers and rely on Fields has drawn skepticism, with concerns that if Taylor is called upon, it could signal a lost season for New York.
New Orleans Saints' Dire Straits
The New Orleans Saints find themselves at the bottom of the quarterback rankings, with Yousuf labeling their situation as the worst in the league. Following Derek Carr's unexpected retirement, the Saints are left with Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, neither of whom has proven to be a reliable starter. The lack of a clear path forward at the quarterback position has left the Saints in a precarious position as they look toward the future.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of these rankings argue that the assessments may overlook potential growth and development within these quarterback rooms. For instance, some believe that Drake Maye could significantly improve in his second year, while others point to the experience of backup quarterbacks like Mason Rudolph as a potential stabilizing factor for the Steelers.
Official Statements & Responses
Saad Yousuf's rankings have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, with many acknowledging the challenges these teams face. The consensus is that without significant improvement at the quarterback position, these teams may struggle to compete effectively in the upcoming season.
What's Next
As the season begins, all eyes will be on how these quarterback situations evolve. The performance of Drake Maye, Justin Fields, and the other quarterbacks will be critical in determining their teams' success or failure in the 2025 NFL season.
