The 2025 NFL season is buzzing, and training camp hasn’t started. That’s because several quarterback rooms across the league are shaping to be full-blown soap operas.
From rookies with sky-high potential to veterans, these competitions could shake up charts, playoff races, and maybe even coaching staffs. Let’s break down the 10 quarterback battles that could define this upcoming season.
10. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud vs. Graham Mertz
C.J. Stroud is the guy in Houston, but Graham Mertz could make things awkward if he flashes in the preseason. Stroud’s leash is long, but a surprise camp from Mertz would at least make the Texans rethink their QB room long-term.
9. San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy vs. Mac Jones
Brock Purdy has earned his spot, but the 49ers always seem one awkward sack away from a quarterback shuffle. Mac Jones and rookie Nathan Rourke quietly lurk in case history repeats itself.
8. New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough vs. Spencer Rattler vs. Jake Haener
With Derek Carr hanging it up, it’s open mic night in New Orleans. Shough, Rattler, and Haener are all looking to grab the mic—and the starting job—before Week 1 rolls around.
7. Seattle Seahawks: Sam Darnold vs. Jalen Milroe
Sam Darnold has the edge in experience, but Jalen Milroe might have the edge in everything else. This one feels like it’s going to drag deep into August.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers vs. Mason Rudolph
Aaron Rodgers is the flashy new arrival, but the Steelers know better than to bet the house on a 41-year-old body. Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard will be on high alert if Rodgers pulls another calf muscle in warmups.
5. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones
Anthony Richardson is still the future, but the Colts brought in Daniel Jones just in case the present doesn’t go as planned. It’s a tricky balance between patience and panic.
4. Cleveland Browns: Kenny Pickett vs. Joe Flacco vs. Dillon Gabriel vs. Shedeur Sanders
With Deshaun Watson’s situation in limbo, the Browns have created a four-man circus under center. Pickett and Flacco bring the reps, but the rookies might bring the juice.
3. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy vs. Sam Howell
The Vikings drafted McCarthy to start, but Sam Howell isn’t just here to hold a clipboard. There was one bad half from J.J., and things could get uncomfortable in Minnesota quickly.
2. New York Giants: Russell Wilson vs. Jameis Winston vs. Jaxson Dart
The Giants’ QB room is a college group project where nobody trusts each other. Dart is the future, but Wilson and Winston will scrap for that Week 1 start like their careers depend on it—because they kinda do.
Read More: 20 Pettiest Feuds in Sports History
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward vs. Will Levis
The Titans used the top pick on Cam Ward, but Will Levis still has a pulse—and an arm. This is the ultimate high-stakes battle, and whoever wins could determine the franchise’s direction for the next five years.
Read More: Can C.J. Stroud Win MVP in Year 3? Don’t Count Him Out Just Yet
