The NFL could be entering another golden age of quarterbacks. While there is still a large contingency of top quarterbacks over 30 (and some over 40), an impressive new crop of youngsters has emerged that gives us hope for the future.
With that in mind, we’re taking a look at the top-10 NFL quarterbacks under the age of 25 heading into the 2019 season.
Kyler Murray, 21, Arizona Cardinals
Of all the rookies this year, Murray stands out as the young quarterback best situated to have an immediate, positive impact for his team. There is already plenty of hype surrounding him heading into training camp. Teammate David Johnson has declared that Murray will be “dominant” as a rookie, and the Heisman winner has been compared to Patrick Mahomes by many within the Cardinals organization. What we know for certain is that he has the tools to win with his arm and his leg, and that the offensive scheme he will be running suits his game to a T.
Lamar Jackson, 22, Baltimore Ravens
One of the most talented dual-threat quarterbacks to enter the NFL in a long time, Jackson has a chance to thrive long term for the Ravens if he can progress as a pocket passer. As a rookie in 2018, starting seven games, he passed for 1,201 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. Jackson also averaged 4.7 yards on the ground with five rushing scores. The Ravens are all in on the former Louisville star, having shipped Joe Flacco off to Denver. Now he has a chance to develop under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who has helped Colin Kaepernick and Tyrod Taylor excel in the past.
Josh Allen, 23, Buffalo Bills
Though he still struggles to deliver accurate passes on a consistent basis (52.8 percent completion rate as a rookie), Allen appears to have a bright future as the franchise quarterback for the Bills. He totaled 18 touchdowns in 12 games last season and wowed with his willingness and ability to deliver clutch play in key moments for his team. Given the moves Buffalo made during the offseason to support its young star, we expect Allen to take positive strides in his second year as a pro.
Josh Rosen, 22, Miami Dolphins
Rosen got a raw deal in his first full year as a professional quarterback. Discarded by Arizona after a brutal rookie season playing for the worst team in the NFL, he is now in Miami and will have a chance to learn from a willing teacher in Ryan Fitzpatrick. Word coming out of Miami is that FitzMagic has dominated the offseason, but Rosen should still get a chance to play at some point for the Dolphins in 2019. A young gunslinger who has the chops to make every throw in the book, Rosen will eventually show he was worth the first-round pick Arizona spent to land him in 2018.
Sam Darnold, 22, New York Jets
Like most rookies, Darnold took his lumps last season playing for a Jets team that featured little talent at the skill positions. However, he gave the organization and its fans plenty of reasons to get excited about the future with big-time throws under pressure. He finished with 2,865 yards and 17 touchdowns passing in 13 games. Now he’ll be playing with All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell, Jamison Crowder, and a healthy Quincy Enunwa. Darnold has also garnered praise for his work this offseason. He and the Jets offense as a whole should take flight with a strong 2019 season.
Mitchell Trubisky, 24, Chicago Bears
Heading into his third year, Trubisky appears to be on quite the upward trend. His second year saw him make significant improvements across the board, thanks in large part to head coach Matt Nagy’s influence. He passed for 3,223 yards, 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 13 games last season. He also played well enough to win his first playoff game, which was derailed by the double-doink heard ’round the world. The Bears have a Super-Bowl-or-bust mindset right now. Trubisky is a big reason why they have that confidence.
Jared Goff, 24, Los Angeles Rams
It’s maddening that Goff still has so many doubters. Sure, his first Super Bowl appearance was brutal. But he is still just a 24-year-old and was going against the grand master of them all in Bill Belichick. Take away his wasted rookie season playing for Jeff Fisher and you’re looking at a young quarterback who has passed for 8,492 yards, 60 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in his first two full seasons with Sean McVay. Goff is just getting started, folks.
Deshaun Watson, 23, Houston Texans
Poise under pressure? You better believe it. Rocket arm? This kid can sling it, with accuracy. Watson is also a natural leader who quickly became the face of the Houston franchise. In 23 games, he’s consistently shown the ability to make tough throws under duress and has passed for 5,864 yards while scoring 52 touchdowns. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s more than two touchdowns per game. Incredibly, Watson was sacked 62 times last season. Hopefully the Texans can figure out their protection issues, because it isn’t hard to imagine just how good he can be if they do.
Baker Mayfield, 24, Cleveland Browns
Selected No. 1 overall in 2018, it didn’t take Mayfield long to prove he was well worth it for the Browns. He got his first regular-season action in Week 3 when Tyrod Taylor got injured, and the veteran never got the chance to get his job back. Starting just 13 games, Mayfield broke the NFL record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie (previously held by Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson). He finished with 3,725 yards and 27 touchdowns passing and is the biggest reason the Browns are now seen as a legitimate contender in the AFC North.
Patrick Mahomes, 23, Kansas City Chiefs
What Mahomes did last year in his first season as a starter was nothing short of legendary. He led a team that was defense-challenged to within an overtime period of Super Bowl LIII. He also became just the second quarterback in NFL history to pass for 5,000-plus yards while throwing 50 or more touchdowns en route to winning NFL MVP honors. In 17 career starts, this 23-year-old has racked up 5,381 yards and 52 total touchdowns. His ceiling appears to be limitless, and we can’t wait to see what he does for an encore in 2019.