There used to be a time when the best NFL teams relied on experienced signal callers, if not actual veterans, to lead them to glory. The old cliché might suggest that it is defenses that win championships but it was generally expected that any Super Bowl-winning team would triumph because of a quarterback who had been around the league for a few years.
It used to be the case that wide receivers and running backs were younger athletes but the redefining of what a quarterback can – and is expected to – do has changed the types of players we see leading football teams now. Many fans who visit the best NFL online betting sites look to the athleticism and youth of the modern quarterback as a major plus.
The 2025 NFL season is still a few months away but, with the summer camps already in full swing, we thought we would take a look at some of the young quarterbacks hoping to make an impression on the league this year.
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
If any of the young quarterbacks need to look for inspiration, they should search no further than DC, where Jayden Daniels blew everyone away in his rookie year. He was the number two pick overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and instantly turned the Commanders from also-rans into postseason stars.
It was probably too much to expect Daniels to win a Super Bowl in his first year – where he was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of Year – but he should only improve in 2025, making the Commanders one of the top teams in the East and a real test for the current Super Bowl champs in their own division.
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Nix became the first Broncos rookie to be named as a starting QB since the legendary John Elway last year, so he was always going to face a lot of pressure as Denver attempts to regain its place in the top tier of NFL teams. Although there were a few wobbles, he came through the season well and looks good working with head coach Sean Payton.
There is the prospect of the sophomore slump to deal with this year, of course, but Nix could well improve and become the young hotshot in a division that sees all other teams going for veteran experience in the QB position. He took the Broncos to the playoffs for the first time in almost a decade last year and will want more in 2025.
Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
The only first round pick quarterback expected to be a starter in week 1, Cam Ward will have the eyes of the football world upon him from the very first snap, The Titans haven’t made the postseason for three years now and won just three games last season, so things are not going to be easy for Ward.
Little will be expected of Tennessee this year though, so Ward may win a little grace at the beginning of his professional career. But such an exciting rookie QB is always going to be seen as a savior to any ailing team. His wild and sometimes risky style could win over a lot of fans if everything goes right.
J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
There were rumors of veteran QB Aaron Rodgers possibly pitching up in Minneapolis at one point in the offseason but he has now chosen Pittsburgh as his new home and J.J. McCarthy has been given the starting orders for the Vikings after missing all of what was supposed to be his rookie year through injury.
McCarthy looked impressive in his only preseason game in 2024 and there will be high hopes that the faith that Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings organization have in him will bear fruit. He will be blessed with one of the best receiving teams in the league, as well as an improved O-line, so this rejigged rookie year could be a real standout.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots
When it comes to quarterbacks in New England, there will always be a comparison with arguably the greatest ever to play the game, Tom Brady. Since he left for Tampa Bay, there has been precious little success for the Patriots – but there is great hope for the latest young athlete to take over the signal-calling.
Coming into the Pats team in week six last season, Maye proved that he has the talent to survive in the NFL, and he will also have an improved supporting cast to work with in 2025. Eight wins in the last two years combined means that the only way is up for the Pats – and Maye might well benefit from leading the team.
One of the most dysfunctional teams in the NFL has been revamped this offseason and there is finally some excitement in Chicago as Bears fans feel like their team might be able to replicate the resurgence of divisional rivals Detroit in 2025. Second-year QB Caleb Williams is seen as the man who can bring that success.
He was one of the few bright lights in the Bears team last year and should benefit greatly from the new, offensive-minded coaching team. The team’s schedule is also very friendly at the beginning of the season, so there will even be time for Williams to iron out a few creases before the real race for the playoffs begins.
