There are quarterbacks who were good, quarterbacks who were great, and then quarterbacks who made every front office daydream about what could’ve been. Whether it was because of their cannon arms, calm under pressure, or pure swagger, these guys were the ones every GM wished wore their jersey.
Some became legends with one team, others bounced around the league, but the common thread? Every franchise would’ve signed on the dotted line for a chance to call them their own. Let’s count down the 20 quarterbacks every team wanted on their roster.
20. Tony Romo
Romo didn’t win a Super Bowl, but his ability to make magic happen on broken plays kept him on every team’s radar. He was a gunslinger with charisma and talent that coaches loved—until they had to play against him.
19. Matt Ryan
For years, Ryan was the model of consistency and professionalism. He made throwing for 4,000 yards look routine, and teams loved his leadership as much as his stat lines.
18. Michael Vick
Vick brought video game speed to the quarterback position and made defensive coordinators lose sleep. Every team craved that dual-threat chaos he created when he escaped the pocket.
17. Jim Kelly
Four straight Super Bowl appearances don’t happen by accident, and Kelly was the driving force behind Buffalo’s run. His quick release and command of the no-huddle offense made him a coveted leader.
16. Josh Allen
Allen’s rocket arm and bulldozer running style are straight out of a lab. His growth curve made teams rethink everything they thought they knew about development.
15. Donovan McNabb
McNabb had the size, the arm, and just enough wheels to keep defenses honest. He was a reliable winner, and franchises respected how he always kept his team in contention.
14. Steve McNair
Tough as nails and endlessly competitive, McNair earned respect throughout the league. Teams loved his blend of power and poise, especially in clutch moments.
13. Joe Burrow
Cool, confident, and already battle-tested, Burrow carries himself like a 10-year veteran. Teams admire how he walks into any stadium like he owns it.
12. Dan Fouts
Fouts helped revolutionize the passing game in an era that still loved to run. His command of Air Coryell made him a dream fit for teams wanting to air it out.
11. Kurt Warner
From grocery store shelves to the Hall of Fame, Warner’s story made him beloved. But it was his quick reads and deadly accuracy that made teams wish they had taken a chance on him.
10. Aaron Rodgers
Love him or hate him, Rodgers’ talent is undeniable. Teams drooled over his ability to throw lasers off one foot while making it look effortless.
9. Drew Brees
Brees wasn’t the biggest guy, but his brain and accuracy made him elite. Every team wished they had someone who could dissect defenses like a surgeon.
8. Fran Tarkenton
Tarkenton was scrambling before scrambling was cool. Teams admired how he kept plays alive and defenders guessing long before mobility became a quarterback must-have.
7. Roger Staubach
Staubach was the ultimate leader and a clutch performer under pressure. His military discipline and on-field brilliance made him the face every franchise could build around.
6. Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes redefined what a quarterback could do with a football in his hands. Every franchise in the league would trade the farm for a chance to build around his arm, vision, and improvisation skills.
5. Brett Favre
Favre was unpredictable in the best and worst ways, but no one questioned his passion. Teams wanted that kind of fire, fearlessness, and cannon arm on their side.
4. John Elway
Elway could throw it 70 yards or escape a sack with brute force. He was the prototype, and teams dreamed of finding their own version for decades.
3. Peyton Manning
Manning was a walking offensive coordinator who read defenses like children’s books. His control at the line made teams fantasize about what their offense could look like with him at the helm.
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2. Joe Montana
Montana had ice in his veins and always seemed to find a way to win. Teams didn’t just want him—they wanted to clone him.
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1. Tom Brady
Seven rings, unshakable confidence, and the ability to elevate everyone around him—Brady was every franchise’s fantasy. He wasn’t just the GOAT; he was the blueprint.
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