As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, much of the spotlight is on perennial stars like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts. But amid the headlines, several quarterbacks whose performances merit more respect remain underrated — often overlooked despite strong metrics, peer recognition or improved supporting casts. Here are five signal-callers who, heading into 2025, are widely considered among the league’s most underrated.
5 Underrated Quarterbacks
1. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers)
Perhaps no quarterback is more broadly regarded as underrated than Brock Purdy. In multiple NFL‑player polls, he has been tied for the most votes as “most underrated quarterback.”
What fuels his case: despite team injuries and losing key players, Purdy has delivered impressive production. In 2024, he completed a high percentage of his passes and ranked among the league leaders in yards per attempt and overall passer rating.
Moreover, his contract reflects his rising stature — a five‑year, $265 million deal, with $181 million guaranteed. Even with that payday, many analysts argue that he remains underappreciated, especially in comparisons with more high‑profile names.
2. Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)
A veteran presence, Stafford frequently shares the underrated label with Purdy. In the same player polls, Stafford tied with Purdy for top votes.
Some of Stafford’s strengths are less flashy but meaningful: when given protection, his EPA (Expected Points Added) per drop back is solid. Analysts note that in games where key receivers such as Puka Nacua were available, Stafford’s efficiency metrics rose markedly.
Despite advancing age, he remains capable of delivering high-level performance — especially in tight games. For many critics, Stafford’s consistency and experience are undervalued in an era that tends to favor younger or more mobile quarterbacks.
3. Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
Though Hurts carries the recent Super Bowl MVP tag, many analysts believe he remains under‑recognized for his overall abilities, particularly his leadership, consistency, and playoff performances.
In particular, a CBS Sports preview labeled him as underrated heading into the 2025 season, arguing that even after high‑visibility achievements, Hurts is still left out of some “elite QB” conversations.
Part of what seems to be undervalued is his dual threat: his ability to make plays with both arm and legs, especially when games tighten, and defenses force action. If Hurts can continue building on an already strong resume, his quiet consistency could push him higher in national perception over the coming months.
4. Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers)
A young quarterback with early promise, Bryce Young has drawn praise from his peers for being underrated. In one NFL‑player poll, Young tied for third in the “most underrated quarterback” category along with other established names. Key to his underrated status are the additions around him: Carolina worked in the offseason to improve Young’s receiving options, adding speed and route competition. These upgrades may allow Young to better showcase his passing skill.
While Young has had rough patches early in his career (as many young QBs do), those developments suggest his performance may be due for an uptick — and that his reputation may lag behind what his tape and metrics increasingly show.
5. Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)
Another QB frequently mentioned in peer rankings for being underrated is Jared Goff. He tied with others like Kirk Cousins and Jordan Love for votes in polls assessing “most underrated quarterback.” Goff has quietly delivered solid production in Detroit, especially when factoring in offensive line play, target quality, and game scripts. Some analysts argue his strength is being able to win close games and maintaining efficiency even when the odds are against his team.
Though not always in flashy highlight reels or national discussions, Goff’s consistency and results suggest he deserves more respect, particularly from those outside his regional fanbase.
What to Watch in 2025
These QBs now have a chance to move out of the “underrated” bin:
- Quarterbacks like Purdy and Stafford must sustain strong efficiency metrics and win games, especially in stretch or playoff‑type pressure.
- Young quarterbacks, especially Bryce Young, need visible growth: fewer turnovers, better decision-making under pressure, success when the opponent focuses on their weaknesses.
- For veterans like Goff, big wins and milestones still carry weight: statistical achievements combined with clutch moments often shift narratives.
- Media and peer recognition also matter: player polls are influential, and continued endorsements by coaches and analysts will help reshape perception.
While stars dominate headlines, Brock Purdy, Matthew Stafford, Jalen Hurts, Bryce Young and Jared Goff are carving out strong cases for greater recognition. For fans, fantasy players and analysts alike, 2025 could be the season those names stop being “underrated” and start being universally acknowledged among the league’s elite.