NFL 2023 Quarterbacks

The Quarterback is the most important position in all of football. Nine of the past ten NFL MVPs have been quarterbacks and many NFL teams' fates rely on who they start at the NFL’s premier position. Many NFL teams make huge moves in the NFL draft to get a shiny new signal caller, others spend millions in the offseason to lure the league’s best free agent QBs. This year has been no different, and with the NFL season around the corner, it’s time we preview the NFL landscape in 2023.

What does a Quarterback do?

Before we get into how the NFL looks this season, we have to analyze why the Quarterback is so important. As leaders of the offense, quarterbacks call plays, hand the ball to the running backs, and make passes to the receivers. Quarterbacks don’t just have to be passers. They can run with the ball, especially if there's not an open receiver down field. Simply put, the Quarterback gets things started for the offense and it all runs through him. While teams can succeed without an elite-level QB, it sure makes it easier when they have one who can get things done.

What NFL Quarterbacks changed teams in 2023?

We had a lot of big name NFL quarterbacks retiring, signing big contracts, and getting traded. In fact, we have seen a record number of QB’s on the move in the past couple years. So let’s take a look at who was on the move in the 2023 offseason.

Aaron Rodgers traded to the New York Jets

Aaron Rodgers had a down year for the ages last year as frustration boiled over for the reigning MVP. With a lack of talent around him and the loss of Davante Adams, Rodgers would throw for twelve interceptions and miss the playoffs. That would be the final nail in the coffin for the already strained relationship between the Green Bay Packers and the 39 year old QB and he would request a trade to the Jets which would be granted. This makes New York an instant contender and the Packers a frontrunner for the first overall pick in next year’s NFL Draft with Jordan Love at the helm.

Derek Carr signs with the Saints

The former franchise QB for the Las Vegas Raiders will be moving to the NFC for 2023. Derek Carr got paid big money to become the Saints newest QB, as New Orleans has failed to find a solid signal caller since Drew Brees retired. Derek Carr signed a monster 4 year $150 million dollar deal that makes him the twelfth highest paid QB in the NFL Carr makes the Saints a contender to win a very weak NFC South especially now that Tom Brady has retired.

Jimmy Garoppolo signs with the Raiders

Last season looked to be the redemption arc for Jimmy G as he put up big numbers after replacing injured 49ers QB Trey Lance. However, a foot injury paved the way for Brock Purdy to go on one of the greatest underdog runs in NFL history and oust Garoppolo from the 49ers QB plans. Garoppolo will now act as the starter for a Raiders team that is in flux with the departure of franchise QB Derek Carr. The signing could be a rousing success for Vegas if Garoppolo can stay healthy which has failed to do many times throughout his career.

Baker Mayfield signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Tom Brady retiring (again), Tampa Bay went to the bargain bin for their next starting QB. Mayfield signed with Tampa Bay on a one year $4 million dollar deal. He’ll be fighting with Kyle Trask for the helm of a mediocre Buccaneers squad.

Who were the QBs picked in this year’s NFL Draft?

After one of the weakest QB draft classes in years, the 2023 NFL draft class did not disappoint. There were heated debates about who would be the first QB off the board but it was Alabama QB Bryce Young who would become the first overall pick. Other first-round picks included C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson. Here are the notable QB’s picked in the 2023 NFL Draft.

• Carolina Panthers selected Alabama’s Bryce Young with the 1st overall pick.
• Houston Texans selected Ohio State’s CJ Stroud with pick #2
• Indianapolis Colts selected Florida’s Anthony Richardson 4th overall
• Tennessee Titans selected Will Levis with the 33rd overall pick.
• Detroit Lions selected Texas QB Hendon Hooker in the 3rd round
• Los Angeles Rams selected National Champion Georgia QB Stetson Bennett in the 4th round

2022 NFL Rankings and Tiers

Tier 1 - The Elite

‌1. Kansas City Chiefs - Patrick Mahomes‌: The NFL and SB MVP has lit the league on fire since he became the KC starter in 2018. He leads the NFL in passing TD’s and yards since 2018.

‌2. Buffalo Bills - Josh Allen‌ : Josh Allen is top five in both passing yards and TDs since 2020, making him easily a tier one QB. He is one of the most skilled QBs in the game and it’s only a matter of time until he gets some hardware to show for it.

‌3. Philadelphia Eagles - Jalen Hurts:‌ Hurts had a breakout season in 2022, almost winning the MVP and making his first Super Bowl. Hurts has a stellar arm and is quick on his feet, making him near unstoppable.

‌4. Cincinnati Bengals - Joe Burrow:‌ Joe Burrow continued to make waves by almost making a second Super Bowl in as many years. He and Ja’maar Chase form a near unstoppable duo and should be favorites to win the AFC North.

Tier 2 - The Very Good.

‌5. Baltimore Ravens - Lamar Jackson‌: Lamar Jackson is one of the most talented QB’s in the league, both throwing and running the ball. Alas, Jackson still has to stay healthy which he hopes to prove in 2023

‌6. Los Angeles Chargers - Justin Herbert:‌ Herbert has broken a lot of records and hit a lot of milestones in his short career. But a lack of playoff success has marred his career so far.

‌7. New York Jets - Aaron Rodgers:‌ The former back to back MVP has had a very successful few years in Green Bay. However, a change of scenery in new York could lead to some growing pains.

‌8. Miami Dolphins - Tua Tagovailoa:‌ A young gun with big name weapons; Tagovailoa has had his ups and downs. But this year could be the year that he truly breaks out.

Tier 3 - Above Average QBs

‌9. Seattle Seahawks - Geno Smith:‌ Smith was one of the best stories of 2023, winning the starting job in training camp and becoming one of the NFL’s top passers. Time will tell if it is sustainable however.

‌10. Minnesota Vikings - Kirk Cousins:‌ Cousins proved that he was worth the contract that he signed a few years ago after a stellar year. Now, Minnesota looks to win the NFC North for a second consecutive season.

‌11. Detroit Lions - Jared Goff:‌ After being cast out of LA, Goff has quietly made himself a home in Detroit. Maybe he can drag this struggling team back to the playoffs.

‌12. New York Giants - Daniel Jones:‌ Jones will have to prove himself in his new contract but so far his career has been picking up steam.

‌13. Dallas Cowboys - Dak Prescott:‌ The Cowboys QB has exceeded the expectations that were set when he was drafted in the 4th round. He had an up and down year last year but looks to put himself in a higher tier this year

‌14. San Francisco 49ers - Brock Purdy:‌ After being the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, many never saw Purdy being more than a backup. That all changed when he led the 49ers to the NFC Championship.

Tier 4 - Average QBs

‌15. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence:‌ Lawrence showed flashes of potential in his first year not under the oppressive rule of Urban Meyer. He made the Divisional round of the playoffs but could go further this year.

‌16. Las Vegas Raiders - Jimmy Garrapolo:‌ The Raiders have been hurting for any sort of consistency. Can Jimmy G provide it?

‌17 Arizona Cardinals - Kyler Murray:‌ Murray had a decently successful start to 2022 as the Cardinals looked to win a weak NFC West, but an injury derailed his season.

‌18. Chicago Bears - Justin Fields‌: Justin Fields learned to use his legs in 2022 and could be a breakout candidate in 2023

‌19. LA Rams - Matthew Stafford:‌ In 2022 Stafford got one of the biggest pieces of hardware you can get: the Lombardi Trophy. However, 2023 was less than kind as injuries derailed a potential title defense

‌20. Tennessee Titans - Ryan Tannehill:‌ Tannehill’s career resurgence has been amazing to witness, but after missing the playoffs, things are beginning to look bleak.

Tier 5 - Below Average

• ‌21. New Orleans Saints - Derek Carr‌
• ‌22. Cleveland Browns - Deshaun Watson‌
• ‌23. Denver Broncos- Russell Wilson‌
• ‌24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kenny Pickett‌
• ‌25. New England Patriots - Mac Jones‌

Tier 6 - Unproven QBs

• ‌26. Carolina Panthers - Bryce Young‌
• ‌27. Indianapolis Colts - Anthony Richardson‌
• ‌28. Houston Texans - CJ Stroud‌
• ‌29. Atlanta Falcons - Desmond Ridder‌

Tier 7 - Bad

• ‌30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Baker Mayfield‌
• ‌31. Green Bay Packers - Jordan Love‌
• ‌32. Washington Commanders - Sam Howell‌