Sportsnaut
The 2025 NFL season will define careers for several quarterbacks who find themselves at critical crossroads. Whether rebounding from injury, silencing critics, or proving they’re worth long-term deals, these five QBs have everything on the line.
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The Colts’ signing of Daniel Jones means this is a make-or-break year for Anthony Richardson. The pressure is on as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has yet to show he’s capable of being a franchise quarterback. While he’s been plagued with injuries, his on-field opportunity to prove himself to Indianapolis is dwindling.
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Bryce Young has a lot to prove for the Panthers after a rocky start to his NFL career. His poor play led to him being temporarily benched last season. Young needs to show real growth and prove he’s the franchise quarterback Carolina envisioned. He’s shown flashes, but if he doesn’t take a major step forward this season, the Panthers could start looking at other options.
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Caleb Williams’ first year at quarterback didn’t live up to expectations for the Bears. The No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft led his team to a mere 5-12 record last season. His rookie season was dramatically overshadowed by the quarterback taken after him, Jayden Daniels, who led the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship Game in his first season. Year two will be a chance for Williams and Chicago to bounce back after a disappointing campaign.
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This season is likely Justin Fields’ final chance to establish himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL. After an up-and-down tenure in Chicago and limited action for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Fields now has a fresh start with the New York Jets. The pressure is immense, and if he struggles again, he risks being labeled a career backup.
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After successful campaigns in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Trevor Lawrence struggled for the Jaguars in 2024. Given that Jacksonville gave him a $275 million extension, he’s been given the keys to the franchise. For a team that has historically struggled as much as the Jaguars, the pressure is now on Lawrence to turn things around and show he was worth the big contract. If the team continue to struggle, fingers will start to be pointed.
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