The modern NFL is tailor-made for quarterbacks. With relaxed rules on contact, pass-friendly schemes, and offensive creativity at an all-time high, some past signal-callers would absolutely thrive in today’s game if they were dropped into a 2025 huddle.
So let’s fire up the hypothetical time machine. Here are 20 former NFL quarterbacks who would be absolute stars if they played in today’s pass-happy league.
20. Steve Bartkowski
Bartkowski had a cannon and touch, but played in a run-first era that didn’t showcase his skills. Drop him into today’s wide-open systems and he’s slinging for 4,500 yards a season.
19. Randall Cunningham
Cunningham was basically a prototype for today’s dual-threat QBs, just born 20 years too early. With RPOs and designed QB runs in vogue, he’d be an MVP candidate in today’s game.
18. Jeff Garcia
Garcia’s mobility, quick release, and gutsy style would shine in today’s spread-out offenses. He’d be the guy defenses hate to play—never flashy, but always effective.
17. Boomer Esiason
Boomer had the arm strength, leadership, and confidence to thrive in a system like Buffalo’s or Kansas City’s today. Give him a modern playbook and watch the fireworks.
16. Jim Everett
Everett could launch it with the best of them and was more accurate than he got credit for. With today’s protections and offensive minds, he’d be airing it out weekly.
15. Jake Plummer
Plummer’s backyard style and ability to improvise scream 2025 quarterback. In a Shanahan-style system with motion and misdirection, he’d be a nightmare to defend.
14. Daunte Culpepper
Culpepper’s size, mobility, and deep ball would be weaponized in today’s vertical offenses. Throw in better injury management, and he’s putting up Josh Allen numbers.
13. Vinny Testaverde
Vinny had the classic big arm and just needed a little more help schematically. Put him in today’s wide-open setups and you’re looking at a fantasy football goldmine.
12. Marc Bulger
Bulger was accurate, smart, and decisive—exactly what you want in a timing-based passing attack. With today’s spacing and tempo, he’d carve defenses up.
11. Jeff George
George had one of the best arms ever—his deep ball would light up today’s league. All he needed was a coach who believed in him and a little more patience.
10. Tony Romo
Romo was already good, but his creativity and off-script magic would be even more lethal now. With today’s freedom and spacing, he’s throwing 40 touchdowns.
9. Neil Lomax
Lomax could sling it with anticipation and wasn’t afraid to push the ball downfield. He’d be a perfect fit in a quick-strike system like Miami’s.
8. Ken Anderson
Anderson was Joe Burrow before Burrow—accurate, poised, and unshakeable. Modern rules would give him the platform to become a passing-yardage king.
7. Archie Manning
Forget the record—Archie was stuck on awful teams and still showed elite flashes. In a competent offense with today’s protections, he’s an all-pro.
6. Trent Green
Green was efficient, polished, and made great decisions. With today’s emphasis on rhythm and timing, he’s a 4,000-yard lock every season.
5. Bernie Kosar
Kosar had a funky style but deadly accuracy and football IQ. He’d absolutely thrive in a system that values quick reads and efficiency.
4. Warren Moon
Moon might be the best fit on this list for today’s game—smooth delivery, deep ball touch, and aggressive mentality. He’d be an absolute superstar with a top-five offense.
3. Steve Young
Young was elite even back then, but with today’s rules and schemes? He’s Lamar Jackson with more accuracy and an even higher football IQ.
2. Kurt Warner
Warner’s lightning-quick processing and ball placement would be even more dangerous in today’s spread, tempo-heavy world. He’d be tossing 5,000-yard seasons like nothing.
Read More: Ranking Former NFL Quarterbacks Who Could Still Play in Today’s Game
1. Dan Marino
Marino in 2025? Forget about it. With his release, confidence, and arm strength, he might throw for 6,000 yards in today’s league—seriously.
Read More: 10 Former NFL Quarterbacks Who Deserved a Better Supporting Cast
