10 NFL Quarterbacks Who Aren’t as Elite as People Think

Every NFL season, certain quarterbacks get hyped up as if they’re on the same level as Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow. Spoiler alert: they aren’t. Some are carried by elite supporting casts, others are just fine but get treated like superstars, and a few have yet to prove they’re more than just potential.

Here are 10 quarterbacks who aren’t as elite as people think, ranked from “maybe a little overrated” to “how do people not see this?”

10. Derek Carr

Every offseason, some team convinces itself that Derek Carr is the missing piece to a playoff run. And every year, we watch him play solid but never spectacular football. He’s a professional quarterback, no doubt—but elite? Nah. If your team needs a QB who will throw for 250 yards, two touchdowns, and exactly one soul-crushing interception per game, Carr is your guy.

9. Jared Goff

Goff is playing the best football of his career in Detroit, but let’s be real—he’s a system quarterback through and through. Give him a great O-line, a strong run game, and playmakers, and he’ll thrive. But ask him to carry a team or improvise under pressure? Good luck. Take away his protection, and suddenly, he looks a lot more like the guy the Rams were desperate to get rid of.

8. Jalen Hurts

Eagles fans, relax—Hurts is good. But let’s not pretend he’s carrying the offense on his back. Philly has one of the best offensive lines in the league, elite weapons in A.J. Brown, Saquon Barkley, and DeVonta Smith, and a defense that keeps games in control. Hurts makes big plays, sure, but the way he gets talked about, you’d think he’s a one-man wrecking crew. He’s more of a beneficiary than a reason why Philly is dominant.

7. Kyler Murray

Every year, we hear how Kyler Murray is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. And every year, he gets hurt, fades in the second half of the season, or both. His mobility and arm talent are undeniable, but his leadership and consistency? Big question marks. At some point, it’s fair to ask if he’s more of a highlight machine than a true franchise QB.

6. Dak Prescott

The Cowboys treat every season like this is the year Dak finally proves he’s elite, and every year, he finds a way to prove that he’s just not that guy. Great in the regular season? Absolutely. Can he put up stats? You bet. But when the playoffs roll around, turnover machine mode activates and Dallas fans are left wondering why they got their hopes up. Again.

5. Tua Tagovailoa

Tua is the definition of a system quarterback. When he has Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle running wide open, he looks like a star. But if you pressure him or take away the first read, things get ugly fast. Miami’s offense is a well-oiled machine, and Tua plays his role well—but elite quarterbacks can create when things break down. Tua? Not so much.

4. Justin Herbert

Herbert is so close to being great, but it’s time to admit that the hype doesn’t match the results. Physically, he has everything you want in a quarterback—size, arm talent, mobility—but at some point, the excuses have to stop. Elite QBs find ways to win, yet Herbert has yet to make a strong playoff run. Blame coaching all you want, but shouldn’t a generational QB be able to elevate his team?

3. Brock Purdy

Look, Purdy is way better than anyone expected for Mr. Irrelevant, but let’s be real—he is not an elite QB. Kyle Shanahan’s system, elite weapons, and a dominant defense are doing most of the heavy lifting. Purdy does his job well, but let’s stop acting like he’s a top-10 guy on his own.

2. Jordan Love

Packers fans are convinced they’ve got another generational quarterback, but let’s slow down a bit. Love flashed brilliance down the stretch last season, but he can still be a bit shaky. His accuracy still wavers, and he has yet to prove he can consistently perform against top defenses. The potential is there, but for now? He’s more promise than proven.

1. Trevor Lawrence

Lawrence was supposed to be the next great quarterback, but four years in, he hasn’t really lived up to that billing. He’s talented, but his decision-making is still shaky, and the “generational prospect” label is starting to wear off.