2021 brought another year of incredible football to NFL fans, with a new expanded schedule allowing fans to enjoy 18 weeks of competition between the world’s most talented players. Every year sees a great deal of young players looking to make their mark in the league alongside experienced veterans who look to continue their dominance. The league has recently seen an influx of younger talents, especially at the quarterback position, giving fans a glimpse at the next generation of NFL greats. Along with some established names, these players have proven themselves to be some of the league’s best quarterbacks. 

Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes is simply absurd. Whether it be a miraculous throw that he makes as he is going to the ground, his incredible ability to extend plays, or his signature no-look pass, Mahomes is truly special. If you took the best traits of all the other quarterbacks on this list and combined them to form one quarterback, that quarterback would probably not be as good as Mahomes. His playmaking abilities are indescribable, almost to the point where the plays that he can make are considered circus stunts. Along with his unearthly skill, Mahomes is already one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of all time, boasting a ring, an MVP, and a Superbowl MVP, all at the age of 26. He has not even played for five seasons, yet he has already put together a Hall of Fame caliber resume. Not much else can be said about Mahomes’ talent; it speaks for itself. He carries a heavy chip on his shoulder, one that makes the average football fan believe that by the time he retires, he will be one of the best to ever do it, which is undoubtedly true. He is a prime example of “the perfect quarterback.” Mahomes is a must-see, and fans have to acknowledge that one of the best careers in professional football history is slowly unfolding in front of their eyes. 

Josh Allen

Josh Allen is an absolute powerhouse. Although he is a quarterback, he could easily qualify as a tight end because the man is huge. He is one of the most electrifying players in all of football. Allen is already one of the largest dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history. His arm strength is ridiculous, and he can absolutely launch the ball, farther than any other quarterback in the league. He can pass just as well outside the pocket as he can inside the pocket. He is also one of the few quarterbacks that can make any play on the field when needed. He, himself, is the backbone of the Buffalo Bills offense, so much so that the Bills often dial up designed power-running plays for Allen to execute out of an empty backfield. Not only does his massive stature make him extremely hard to bring down, but he is remarkably fast when running with the ball, backing down from almost nothing. His dual-threat abilities allow him to manipulate opposing defenses and make it look easy while doing so. The ball leaves his arm with such ease, and he can throw the ball from any angle, anywhere on the field, making him stand out. Allen has played a huge role in the revival of the Buffalo Bills franchise, and it is clear that he is on his way to becoming the next generational talent. 

Aaron Rodgers

Perhaps no other player at the quarterback position came into the 2021 NFL season surrounded by as much controversy and drama as Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, the probable league MVP only contributed and added on to his Hall of Fame resume. Though his years are clearly catching up to him and he lacks the elite set of physical skills that he once possessed, Rodgers still found ways to torment opposing defenses on a consistent basis. The chemistry that he has developed with his coaches and teammates is special. He has made clear on several instances that he can make any throw on the field, no matter what the case may be. Rodgers has an incredible feel for the ball and possibly the highest football IQ of any player in the league. He can figure out any opposing defense almost instantaneously, and once he gets going, there is little chance of stopping him. No other player in football has proved to be as valuable toward their team as Rodgers has. To go along with his ridiculous stat-lines and player traits, Rodgers almost never throws interceptions. Along with that, he can throw 60-yard bullets with a flick of the wrist, something that most other quarterbacks cannot do. It is for good reason that Rodgers is the leading candidate for MVP, and it is amazing to watch him cook opposing defenses so easily at 38 years old.  

Lamar Jackson 

Lamar Jackson is easily the most exciting player to watch in all of football, and it is not really a debate. He has been in the league for not even five full seasons, and he has already revolutionized the quarterback position in ways that are simply unreal. Although his season was overshadowed by COVID protocols and other injuries, Jackson was electric when he was able to take the field. The former MVP takes the idea of being a dual-threat quarterback to a whole different dimension. His throwing ability and arm-release are both among the best in the league. It means even more when one looks at the subpar weapons that he has had to work with not only for this season but for most of his young career. What really sets him apart from the rest of the quarterbacks in the NFL, however, is his ability to take off with the football. He is often viewed as a “running-back” because of his extraordinary talent and playmaking ability while running with the football. Tackling Jackson in open space is simply unfair. He is the fastest quarterback that the league has ever seen and one of the fastest players in the league in general. His elusiveness and ability to avoid tackles has critics and analysts already comparing him to players like Michael Vick and Steve Young. One can argue that if he indeed was a running-back, he would probably be one of the best running-backs in the league without a doubt as well. Jackson’s ridiculous athleticism allows the Baltimore Ravens to run all sorts of unique plays on offense, keeping any and all defenses on their heels at all times. Jackson’s talent is nothing short of exclusive and generational, and had his season not been cut short, he would probably be even higher on this list. 

Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow came into the league in 2020 as one of the most widely regarded quarterback prospects of all time. He did not get the chance to prove much in his rookie season, however, as it was cut short due to a gruesome injury to his ACL. Flash forward to the 2021-22 season, and Burrow is already playing like a seasoned veteran, even getting MVP consideration. His IQ for the game is ridiculously high, and he helps elevate the abilities of those who play around him. He is more of a simple quarterback who focuses more on productivity than flash and glitter. He is one of the best quarterbacks in the league at simply distributing the ball to the playmakers around him. The chemistry that Burrow has developed with his teammates and coaches in such a short period of time is unreal. It seems like Burrow can just sit in the pocket and throw for 400 yards and five touchdowns on a weekly basis. Alongside his skill and leadership capabilities as a player, Burrow is a proven winner. Not only did he win it all during his days at Louisiana State University, but he took an almost impoverished Cincinnati Bengals franchise and has led them to their best season in 34 years.  He plays with a swagger and confidence that is remarkable for such a young player. He simply knows how to make things happen; it is no wonder his team is on the brink of winning the Superbowl. It will certainly be exciting to watch Burrow continue to grow and develop as a player, and if all goes well, possibly bring a ring to Cincinnati one of these years.   

Justin Herbert: After an outstanding rookie campaign in the 2020/2021 season, Justin Herbert only continued to revamp his talents and improve in the 2022 season. Justin Herbert has proven to be one of the most consistent quarterbacks in football. It seems as though he is an automatic 250+ yards and 2 or more touchdowns each time he takes the field. He is an absolute workhorse and grinder, and is never not on his game.  It is hard to find any flaws in his game, even while nitpicking. His massive stature and unmatched strength, toughness, and perseverance allow for Herbert’s Chargers to compete against any defense in any atmosphere. Bringing Herbert down is quite the burden, even to the best defensive players in the league, which has contributed to Herbert building up confidence inside and outside of the pocket. He stands strong on his feet and methodically picks opposing defenses apart with his dart-like accuracy. His combination of elite accuracy and incredible arm strength allow for him to make the most out of each throw, completing some ridiculous passes. His motor never slows down, and the Chargers have only gone up since drafting. As long as he is throwing the ball for the Chargers, it is hard to say that they won’t be contenders in the years to come.

Derek Carr: Perhaps no quarterback in football has battled through more adversity than Las Vegas Raiders quarterback, Derek Carr. The Raiders season was struck by all sorts of hostility and controversy, significantly more than any other team in football, both physically and emotionally. In the early stages of the season alone, Derek Carr lost one of his top weapons, Henry Ruggs, who senselessly took someone’s life while driving under the influence and had to spend the remainder of his season in prison. Around that same time, Carr had to deal with a switch at head coach after his initial head coach, Jon Gruden, was forced to step down for his scandalous, inappropriate past behavior. The Raiders would deal with more and more issues as the season proceeded, such as disciplinary issues, injuries, and other related incidents. All the while, Derek Carr still managed to put up career numbers and lead his team to the playoffs. Carr’s ability to rally the rest of the team around him despite everything going on in the locker room was second-to-none. He managed to stay on par the whole season, staying both physically and mentally locked in throughout all 18 weeks of the season. He cemented himself as one of the more clutch quarterbacks in football, leading the NFL in late-to-last second victories. Carr has certainly begun to earn his respect from the entire NFL community after showing how valuable he truly is toward his team. One would have to imagine that if the Raiders get things straightened out or Carr is put in a better situation, he would be among the very top tier of NFL quarterbacks.

Kyler Murray: Kyler Murray, the young prodigy/first overall pick of the 2019 draft, has absolutely balled out for the Arizona Cardinals… and he has barely even scratched the surface. The Cardinals have shown instant signs of improvement as a franchise since acquiring Murray in the 2019 draft. Murray is yet to unlock his full potential as a player, but has every tool necessary to become a superstar. Murray has an extremely explosive playstyle, making him one of the most entertaining players to watch in all of football. He is one of the fastest quarterbacks in the league. He has proven that he is capable of dominating on the ground with his lightning-like speed, and he has the ability to make all sorts of funky throws from outside and inside the pocket. To complement his elite dual threat ability, Kyler Murray has an absolute cannon for an arm. Although he is one of the smaller quarterbacks in the league, he is well known for throwing lollipop-like throws and lobs far down the field, over the heads of secondary defenders, in order to get the ball into the hands of his playmaking receivers. Once the Cardinals straighten out their coaching situation and Murray gets some more experience under his belt, it looks the Cardinals will be in pretty good hands with this young stud leading the way.

Matthew Stafford: Matthew Stafford has been one of the more underappreciated quarterbacks of the past decade, particularly due to his lack of success with the Detroit Lions, despite consistently putting up great numbers. This year, however, Stafford’s brilliance has really come into light.  In his first season with the Los Angeles Rams, Matthew Stafford has overachieved significantly and has proven just how valuable and effective he can be when linked with the right system. Coach Sean McVay’s offense has been a seemingly perfect fit for Stafford’s “gunslinger” style of play. McVay has helped Stafford expand and unlock his full potential as a player. McVay’s offense is built and centered around Stafford’s elite downfield passing abilities, along with the top notch velocity that he puts on the ball. Stafford and the Rams often use simple route combinations that stem from the Rams zone running scheme to fire the ball inside and outside of the numbers, to any spot on the field, from any position. His chemistry with the rest of the Rams offense has allowed the offense to thrive in all sorts of spectacular ways. Most notable of Matthew Stafford during his first season with the Rams was his instant ability to connect with all-pro wide receiver, Cooper Kupp. The duo put up historic numbers all season long while clicking on all cylinders, and have cemented themselves as one the top quarterback-wide receiver duos in the league. The only thing that seems to hold back Matthew Stafford from entering the top-tier of quarterbacks is his quality and tendency of being over-aggressive, leading to occasional turnovers. Other than that, however, Matthew Stafford has ultimately been all that the Rams needed him to be, thus it’s no surprise that the Rams will be hosting the NFC Championship game, and are new favorites in the NFC to make the Superbowl.

Tom Brady: Coming in at number 10 on the list is the ageless wonder, Tom Brady. At nearly 45 years old, Brady continues to prove critics wrong each and every time he takes the field. This season, Tom Brady put up MVP caliber numbers and preserved his spot as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league, despite his age. Brady has proven repeatedly that he can take any team/roster and turn them into a legitimate contender, as he has done so well throughout his entire football career. His elite weapons around him such as Rob Gronkowski, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Leonard Fournette, and an outstanding offensive line, allow Brady to elevate his style of play as a pure pocket passer, consistently making easy reads and high percentage throws and completions, typically being checkdowns worth 4-6 yards. This allows Brady to lead the Buccaneers offense down the field with ease.  Brady has made it clear throughout his entire career that this is a recipe for winning football, and has proven it in his game. However, unlike most of the other elite quarterbacks in the league, Tom Brady is limited dramatically  in terms of overall skill due to his inability to extend plays. Brady is arguably the most immobile quarterback in the league, and when the conditions inside the pocket aren’t favorable and his receiving outlets are not getting open, Brady is rarely ever able to improvise and make a play when needed. In addition, Brady, who has been surrounded with some of the top weapons in football for the majority of his career, is often too heavily reliant on his playmakers to carry him to victory. This has been the case for most of his career. This year in particular, however, when some of Tom Brady’s top playmakers went down for injury and other personal issues, such as Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown, there was a noticeable drop in Brady’s level of play, which is also a contributing factor as to why Brady and the Bucs failed to find success in the playoffs. If this season was the last we saw of Tom Brady, he certainly put together a great resume and brought joy to everyone that watched him, despite occasional flaws and unforgettable cheating scandals.