Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Free Agent Report Card On QBs ...

--D Jones B+ ... Has the Colts with one of the best records but still has eight games to go, as well as postseason

--M Jones B ... Filling in well for Purdy, despite injuries to receivers. Playing hurt as well. A satisfying year so far

--Darnold B ... To early to give out As to QBs until postseason but getting better every week for Seattle.

--Rodgers B ... Has the Steelers in first place despite shaky defense and lack of playmakers. Throwing short until more receivers emerge

--Flacco C ... playing well with the Bengals but defense letting him down. Wasnt playing well in Cleveland but had no offensive support.

--Wentz C- ... helped Vikings but also got worse before injuries shut him down. Will he be back next season, or move on again?

--Wilson D ... Couldnt keep his starting job but didnt have many playmakers either. Still, the team responded better to rookie Dart.

--Smith F ... Not alot of weapons or an offensive line with Vegas but not playing well either. Why couldnt he get the ball more to Meyers, who is now gone?

--Fields F ... Just isnt a pocket passer and has few weapons to work with. Can Wilson, Mitchell and Hall help him get better by seasons' end?

Had to revisit this thread again, with many of these QBs possibly being with a new team in 2026.

Rodgers and Darnold should be starting in the playoffs, though the Steelers still need to beat the Browns, to assure their spot.
Could back in if the Ravens lose to the Packers.

Tough luck for Jones, with Rivers trying to salvage a winning season for the team. Will the Colts re-sign him or move on?

Jones might get a chance at a starting job himself. The 49ers are in position to secure the division and #1 seed, thanks to his efforts. Could he stay another year as insurance for Purdy?

If Taylor stays HC in Cincy ... would be smart to bring Flacco back as insurance for Burrow.

Brian wolf wrote: ↑Fri Dec 26, 2025 6:15 pm Jones might get a chance at a starting job himself. The 49ers are in position to secure the division and #1 seed, thanks to his efforts. Could he stay another year as insurance for Purdy?

Mac Jones is signed with the 49ers through next season (2 years, $7 million)
It'd be foolish to let him walk for no compensation. I'd keep him as insurance unless someone made "an offer you can't refuse."

JuggernautJ wrote: ↑Fri Dec 26, 2025 8:07 pm

Brian wolf wrote: ↑Fri Dec 26, 2025 6:15 pm Jones might get a chance at a starting job himself. The 49ers are in position to secure the division and #1 seed, thanks to his efforts. Could he stay another year as insurance for Purdy?

Mac Jones is signed with the 49ers through next season (2 years, $7 million)
It'd be foolish to let him walk for no compensation. I'd keep him as insurance unless someone made "an offer you can't refuse."

The Steelers could use a QB next season. I highly doubt Aaron Rodgers returns, and they will likely not draft high enough for Dante Moore or Fernando Mendoza.

I dunno Matt, Rodgers has been throwing the ball better until Metcalf had his brain freeze. Winning games are fun for him again and imagine the team getting better receivers next year? Its amazing how little production they have gotten from Jonnu Smith and Friermuth this year. We will see if Thielen and Valdez-Scantling can pick up some slack for the playoffs ... I feel he will be back.

"How about that Mac Jones vs. Brock Purdy QB Controversy now?" -- Every 49ers fan within earshot

Others may disagree JJ, but I feel Shanahan is COTY. Not only getting more out of Jones but keeping this team at a high level despite so many injuries. The defense is tough and resourseful but cant get to QB. The Bears should have won last night but didnt get the ball in the endzone. Purdy and the offense got it done without Kittle. Can this defense stop the Seahawks again?

Brian wolf wrote: ↑Mon Dec 29, 2025 5:16 pm Others may disagree JJ, but I feel Shanahan is COTY. Not only getting more out of Jones but keeping this team at a high level despite so many injuries. The defense is tough and resourseful but cant get to QB. The Bears should have won last night but didnt get the ball in the endzone. Purdy and the offense got it done without Kittle. Can this defense stop the Seahawks again?

I won't argue that point... I'm not exactly unbiased.
I do think he's one of several qualified candidates... but one never knows the thinking of those who makes such decisions.

Brian wolf wrote: ↑Sat Dec 27, 2025 12:16 pm I dunno Matt, Rodgers has been throwing the ball better until Metcalf had his brain freeze. Winning games are fun for him again and imagine the team getting better receivers next year? Its amazing how little production they have gotten from Jonnu Smith and Friermuth this year. We will see if Thielen and Valdez-Scantling can pick up some slack for the playoffs ... I feel he will be back.

Steelers have gotten next to nothing from both Smith and Friermuth (even though he signed a big extension last off-season). I imagine they use their first-round pick on a WR in 2026 draft.

Do you think Rodgers returns if the Steelers lose Sunday night and are out of the playoffs?

Good question, Matt ... I really felt the Steelers would have won the division with Metcalf in Cleveland but he screwed up big time.
Now, I am not sure if Rodgers would want to play with him next year, even if he has forgiven him. This team had no one produce against the Browns but that defense is tough. The Steelers always have problems there but can still win the division at home.

Its easy to say the Ravens will beat them, but we dont know what Jackson will do? Yes, Henry had a huge game last week but he is older now and might not recover as quickly. The Ravens may have to throw more but this Steelers team can rise to the occasion. The real question is, how much does Rodgers like Tomlin? Even if they lose, I feel if he believes in Tomlin, he will be back but with Heyward, Watt and Ramsey aging before our eyes, and Metcalf suffering from roid' rage ... like you said, he might not be back.