Preseason QB Battles That Could Shape 2025 NFL Rosters

With training camps in full swing, the battle for quarterback jobs is heating up across the league. These preseason competitions are more than simply a period of further evaluations; they lead to pivotal decisions that could define franchises for the next several years.

Whether it’s a veteran fighting to hang on or a rookie aiming to rise, several teams face critical choices at football’s most important position.

Let’s examine the signal-caller showdowns that will shape the early landscape of the 2025 NFL season.

Browns: A Four-Way Brawl for the Spotlight

Cleveland is hosting perhaps the most chaotic quarterback contest in recent memory. Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders are all vying for the starting role. It's not just a matter of talent; it's also a question of fit, age, and upside.

Flacco, the grizzled vet, knows Kevin Stefanski’s system and has already led this team in the past. But with 17 interceptions in his last 12 starts and age catching up, he’s hardly a lock.

Pickett offers familiarity with the AFC North and a fresh start after flailing in Pittsburgh. Still, he looks more like a high-end backup than a clear starter. The rookies — Sanders and Gabriel — are wildcards. Sanders has turned heads in minicamp and boasts NFL bloodlines, but both first-year passers need extraordinary camps to climb the depth chart.

If you’re itching for the chance to bet on NFL preseason drama, this quarterback carousel in Cleveland might be the most compelling ticket.

The Browns have hinted they might keep all four quarterbacks, but at least one likely won't make the roster. The real intrigue lies in how long Flacco holds on to the job once the season begins.

Colts: Richardson Hanging by a Thread

Anthony Richardson was once hailed as the Colts’ future. Injuries and inaccuracy have shifted that outlook. Another shoulder setback this offseason forced the Colts to bring in Daniel Jones, who now enters camp as the front-runner.

Jones brings experience and mobility, along with better short-range accuracy — a key trait in Shane Steichen’s offensive system. When protected, Jones has proven he can manage a game, as seen by his solid passing grade when kept clean last season.

Richardson still has upside, especially as a dynamic runner with a cannon arm. But if he can’t stay healthy, the Colts may hand over the offense to Jones permanently. Even if Richardson starts Week 1, the leash could be short if the same struggles resurface.

Saints: Newcomer Poised to Take Over

With Derek Carr retired, the Saints have entered a new era and a wide-open quarterback battle. Tyler Shough, a second-round rookie, is squaring off against Spencer Rattler for the top spot.

Shough, despite being 26 and having a history of injuries, has the frame and arm talent of a prototypical NFL starter. He earned one of the highest passing grades on intermediate throws in college, which bodes well for his fit in Kellen Moore’s vertical attack.

Rattler, meanwhile, is a known quantity, raw, flashy, but turnover-prone. His first year showed glimpses of potential but also growing pains.

Unless Shough faceplants in August, this job looks like his to lose. The Saints need to evaluate him over a full season to decide if they’re still in the quarterback market come 2026.

Giants: Wilson for Now, but for How Long?

New York handed Russell Wilson the keys back in April. But let’s be real — that ignition could be pulled at any time.

Wilson isn’t the game-changer he once was. He’s cautious, sometimes too cautious, and hasn’t delivered consistent deep-threat production in years. But with a brutal September schedule, Brian Daboll will likely lean on the veteran to avoid early disaster.

FanDuel NFL player trends already suggest a steep decline in Wilson’s fantasy upside, and with first-round rookie Jaxson Dart looming, the pressure’s mounting. He's got raw talent and the mobility to thrive if given time to develop. Should Wilson falter or injuries arise, the crowd in New York will call for Dart,  and Daboll may have to answer.

Don’t count out Jameis Winston either. His experience makes him a logical trade piece if another team suffers an injury during the preseason.

Packers: A Quiet Battle Brewing in the WR Room

Jordan Love has his job secured, but the wideouts around him are still jockeying for snaps. While the Packers spent a first-round pick on Matthew Golden, the WR2 through WR6 slots remain unsettled.

Jayden Reed has earned trust, but veterans like Romeo Doubs are slipping. Savion Williams and Dontayvion Wicks offer youthful upside, while Mecole Hardman has impressed in offseason work with his elite separation ability.

LaFleur’s offense requires timing and flexibility. Who he trusts with in-game adjustments will determine who’s on the field come September. If Golden and Hardman click early, Doubs could be expendable in a trade.

Texans: Protecting Stroud is Priority No. 1

C.J. Stroud’s sophomore season will hinge on the revamped offensive line in Houston. The Texans brought in a mix of rookies and vets to replace last year’s underwhelming unit.

Jake Andrews and Blake Fisher are penciled in at center and right tackle for now, but Aireontae Ersery is lurking. The rookie has the tools to win a job outright. Houston must solidify this group fast, and it’s likely that preseason reps will decide who earns those crucial starting spots.

Jaguars: Etienne’s Last Chance?

Liam Coen’s arrival signals a committee approach in Jacksonville’s backfield, but Travis Etienne will get one more shot to prove he belongs as the lead dog.

After a disappointing 2024 campaign, Etienne faces real pressure from Tank Bigsby and rookie Bhayshul Tuten. Bigsby looked more explosive late last season, and Tuten offers home-run ability - if he can fix his ball security.

Coen wants versatility, and Etienne’s usage in the screen game could keep him on the field early. But don’t be surprised if the rookie makes a strong push before Halloween.

What to Expect When the Pads Come On

Training camps often produce surprises, and that’s especially true under center. For now, veterans like Flacco, Wilson, and Jones have early advantages. But injury concerns and underperformance can quickly reshuffle the deck.

As rookies gain confidence and reps increase, expect roles to evolve. By the time Week 1 arrives, several of these quarterback battles may not be fully resolved. And for some teams, the name that starts the season might not finish it.

*This article is based on information and analysis available as of 2025/07/29. Player roles, performances, and team decisions are subject to change. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute betting or investment advice.