As we dive into the intricacies of the NFL, it’s clear that the quarterback position is undergoing constant scrutiny and evolution. This league, often dubbed the “Not For Long” league, demands excellence from its signal-callers, and teams are on the lookout to ensure they have the right player at the helm. As we inch closer to the 2025 season, three notable quarterbacks are facing growing pressure to secure their starting roles—if their performance doesn’t improve, we could see significant changes on the horizon.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray, since being chosen first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, has faced his fair share of challenges. His career has been marred by injuries in 2022 and 2023, and when he has been on the field, the consistent success that many anticipated hasn’t quite materialized. Statistically speaking, Murray’s performance during healthy seasons has yielded an average of 3,832 yards, along with 23 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and nine fumbles. While those numbers might seem decent on the surface, they would place him around the middle of the pack if we look at where they would rank in the 2024 season.
Given his status as one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, the expectation is for Murray to elevate both himself and his teammates. However, continuing to turn the ball over at such a rate raises serious concerns. A quarterback with aspirations of leading his team to victory cannot afford to burden his defense with turnovers. If he doesn’t turn things around, there’s a real possibility the Cardinals will seek a fresh start at the quarterback position come 2025.
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
For Dak Prescott, the stakes have never been higher. With a contract that positions him as the top quarterback in average annual value—topping out at $60 million—expectations are sky-high. The Dallas Cowboys have gone through some significant coaching changes, which only heightens the pressure on him to lead the charge, particularly with Mike Schottenheimer starting his head coaching journey.
Should Prescott falter early in 2025 and his performance leads to mounting losses, it’s feasible that the coaching staff might reconsider their options. The Cowboys have the flexibility to part ways with Prescott after this season, potentially saving a significant amount of cap space. The looming cloud of Arch Manning’s draft eligibility in 2026 adds an additional layer of intrigue. If Prescott doesn’t meet the expectations, the Cowboys might pivot and begin looking to the future, especially if a standout prospect is available.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa finds himself in a similar position as he heads into 2025—his tenure with the Miami Dolphins has been riddled with questions concerning his health and consistency. Earning a top-five salary among quarterbacks at $53.1 million, the stakes are undeniably high. However, the lingering concern has been his ability to remain on the field, having completed a full 17-game season only once in five years.
Investing top-tier money in a quarterback who struggles with durability is a gamble that rarely pays off, particularly if there are injury guarantees tied to the contract. The Dolphins, much like the Cowboys, hold the option to escape Tagovailoa’s deal after the forthcoming season, depending on the implications of dead money involved. With a promising quarterback class expected to emerge in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dolphins could find themselves reevaluating their options if Tagovailoa doesn’t show improvement and remains sidelined due to injuries.
As we look ahead, each of these quarterbacks faces a pivotal turning point in their careers. The pressure is mounting, and performance in the upcoming season will be critical. The decisions made by their respective franchises could not only shape their futures but also redefine the trajectory of these teams in the NFL landscape.
