As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, several teams are facing crucial decisions at the quarterback position. While some quarterbacks have solidified their place as franchise leaders, there are a number of teams that are likely to make a change at quarterback heading into the 2025 season. Whether it’s due to underperformance, contract issues, or a team looking to rebuild, these eight NFL teams are set to move on from their current starting quarterbacks next year.

 

 

1. Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers’ quarterback situation has gone from bad to worse. After trading up to the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Bryce Young, it became clear early on that the former Heisman Trophy winner wasn’t ready to lead the team. Despite being given a chance to prove himself, Young was benched for veteran Andy Dalton—highlighting just how quickly the Panthers have soured on their rookie quarterback.

 

With a top-five draft pick likely on the horizon, the Panthers will be in position to select one of the top quarterback prospects in 2025, such as Georgia’s Carson Beck, Texas’ Quinn Ewers, or Alabama’s Jalen Milroe. This means the Panthers will almost certainly draft a new quarterback and move on from the Young experiment, especially since they need a long-term solution at the position to get their rebuild back on track.

 

 

2. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns’ decision to trade for Deshaun Watson in 2022 has not worked out as planned. After missing nearly two full seasons due to legal and off-field issues, Watson has struggled to find the form that made him one of the league’s top quarterbacks before his suspension. Despite the Browns’ financial commitment to Watson (a fully guaranteed $230 million contract), it’s clear he is not the long-term answer.

 

As the Browns continue to be stuck in mediocrity, it’s highly likely that they will take a long, hard look at drafting a new quarterback in 2025. With a potential high draft pick and the team’s failure to find success with Watson, the Browns could turn the page and look for a fresh face to lead them into the future. A new quarterback might be exactly what the Browns need to break free from the cycle of disappointment.

 

 

3. New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints are currently stuck in quarterback purgatory with Derek Carr. After signing Carr in 2023, the Saints hoped he would be the answer to their QB woes, but it hasn’t worked out. Carr has been inconsistent, and despite changes to the coaching staff, the Saints remain stuck in the middle of the NFL pack—never quite good enough to contend for a Super Bowl but also not bad enough to secure a top draft pick.

 

Looking ahead, the Saints may decide that it’s time to start fresh at the quarterback position. With a solid defense and a promising young core on offense, New Orleans could look to the 2025 NFL Draft to find their next signal-caller. Drafting one of the top quarterbacks in the class could be the move to finally push them back into contention.

 

 

4. Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are in the midst of an identity crisis at quarterback. After selecting Will Levis in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the team hoped he could be their long-term solution. However, Levis has shown minimal improvement, and his struggles have continued into 2024. With the Titans looking likely to finish with a poor record this season, they will be in prime position to draft a new quarterback in 2025.

 

Levis’ underwhelming performance, coupled with the team’s aging roster and the lack of a clear long-term answer at quarterback, means the Titans will likely be looking for a fresh face to lead their offense. Tennessee could turn to one of the top prospects in the 2025 draft or make a move to bring in a veteran, but it’s clear that Levis is not the answer moving forward.

 

 

5. New York Giants

Daniel Jones has been the starting quarterback for the New York Giants for six seasons, but his time in New York is quickly running out. Although Jones helped lead the team to the playoffs in 2022, his inconsistency has been a major problem. His contract structure allows the Giants to cut ties with him after the 2024 season, and it’s increasingly clear that he won’t be the long-term solution for the franchise.

 

If the Giants can’t find their franchise quarterback in the draft, they will likely explore trade or free-agent options. Given the struggles of Jones and the team’s need for a new direction, it would not be surprising to see the Giants make a move for a fresh quarterback in 2025. Whether it’s through a high draft pick or an offseason trade, the Giants will almost certainly have a new starter next season.

 

 

6. Seattle Seahawks

While Geno Smith’s story in Seattle has been impressive, it’s clear that his best days may already be behind him. After a Pro Bowl-caliber 2022 season, Smith has struggled with consistency in 2024, and at 34 years old, he may no longer be the player the Seahawks can build around. Seattle has a promising young roster and a solid foundation with players like DK Metcalf, Kenneth Walker, and Jalen Carter, but they need a young quarterback to complement their future.

 

If the Seahawks finish with a high draft pick, they could use it to select a top quarterback, or they may look to trade up for one of the top prospects in the class. With a young core ready to contend, Seattle should be planning for the future and moving on from Smith. Expect the Seahawks to be in the quarterback market next offseason.

 

 

7. Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are another team that desperately needs a new starting quarterback. After acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo in the offseason, the Raiders were hoping for stability under center. However, Garoppolo has been inconsistent, and he has already been benched in favor of second-year QB Aidan O’Connell. O’Connell has shown flashes, but he hasn’t done enough to convince anyone that he is the future of the franchise.

 

The Raiders are likely to be in the quarterback market in 2025. Whether they end up drafting a high-potential rookie like Shadur Sanders or looking for a veteran in free agency or trade, there’s no question that the Raiders need to find a new leader for their offense. The Garoppolo experiment has failed, and the team will need to find a fresh direction in the coming season.

 

 

8. Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford’s time with the Los Angeles Rams may be coming to an end sooner rather than later. While Stafford helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2021, his age (he’ll be 37 in 2025) and injury history are major concerns. Stafford has shown signs of regression in recent years, and with the Rams needing to plan for the future, it may be time for them to part ways with their Super Bowl-winning quarterback.

 

Although Stafford’s contract may make it difficult to release him immediately, the Rams will need to start preparing for a post-Stafford future. With a solid coaching staff and a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball, the Rams should look to the 2025 draft to find their next quarterback. It’s time for the Rams to start building for the future and hand the reins over to a younger, healthier QB.

 

 

Conclusion

As we look ahead to the 2025 season, it’s clear that several teams will be undergoing significant changes at the quarterback position. Whether it’s due to underperformance, aging veterans, or a team simply looking to hit the reset button, these eight NFL teams will undoubtedly be in the market for a new starting quarterback next year. From the Panthers to the Rams, the 2025 NFL Draft promises to be a pivotal moment for these franchises as they attempt to find their next leader under center.