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5 Best Quarterbacks in Jacksonville Jaguars History
Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Although the Jacksonville Jaguars have yet to even reach the Super Bowl, they’ve had their share of notable starting quarterbacks over their 30-plus years.

Mark Brunell and Trevor Lawrence are easily the most successful, and the latter is tasked with helping Jacksonville claim its second straight AFC South title.

To determine our rankings, we factored in counting stats, team success, and the context of their time with the Jaguars.

5. Gardner Minshew (2019-2020)


Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner MinshewDarren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Initially, I planned to put Byron Leftwich here, but Minshew had better statistics despite playing only two seasons in Jacksonville.

Yes, Leftwich was 24-20 with the Jaguars, but his numbers left much to be desired, and he’s among the more notable busts in franchise history — or, at least, he would be if the Jaguars hadn’t had so many significantly greater flops.

As for Minshew, he completed 62.9% of his passes for 5,530 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions over 23 games and 20 starts.

Although he’s since bounced around the league, he’s made the most of his starting opportunities and ranks among the league’s more trustworthy backup quarterbacks. Not too bad for a sixth-round pick.

4. Blake Bortles (2014-2018)


Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake BortlesReinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Bortles was the human version of playing your friend in “Madden” and always trying to connect on deep touchdown passes. No throw ever scared Bortles, who had 75 interceptions in as many games for the Jaguars.

He was the type of quarterback who you’d trust to keep things competitive against elite teams but struggle mightily against other cellar dwellers. 

Jacksonville’s surprising run to the 2017 AFC Championship Game can make it easy to forget that Bortles qualifies among the worst quarterback busts of the 2010s. He didn’t make it beyond his rookie contract with the Jaguars and went 24-49 as a starter.

3. David Garrard (2002-2010)


Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David GarrardKim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back, it’s strange to think that Garrard only spent five seasons as a starting quarterback. Well, 4 ½ seasons, because he “only” started 11 games in 2006, but that’s debating semantics. 

Either way, Garrard went 39-37 in eight seasons, completing 62.4% of his passes for 14,195 yards, 81 touchdowns, and 50 interceptions. He was a slightly above-average starter at his best and the type of quarterback who could save your fantasy team in a pinch.

If not for back and knee injuries, Garrard may have spent the back of his career as a high-level backup similar to Minshew. 

2. Trevor Lawrence (2021-Present)

It’s amazing how much one season can entirely change the narratives surrounding a quarterback.

At this time last year, most football fans likely would have agreed that Lawrence had been fine, but nowhere near the level expected of a No. 1 pick. It didn’t help that the former Clemson standout was among the most-anticipated top picks in league history. 

Lo and behold, Lawrence stepped up throughout the 2025 season, completing 60.9% of his passes for 4,007 yards, a career-high 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He finished fifth in MVP voting and brought the Jaguars back to the playoffs for the first time since 2022.

1. Mark Brunell (1995-2003)


Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark BrunellUSA TODAY Sports

With respect to Lawrence, he hasn’t done anything close to surpassing Brunell for the top spot.

Given that Brunell was the first full-time starting quarterback in Jaguars history, turning an expansion team into a consistent playoff threat within three seasons is nothing short of remarkable. If you’re a baseball fan, Brunell did for the Jaguars what Luis Gonzalez did for the Diamondbacks. 

Brunell still holds most of the Jaguars’ passing records, and he’s the only one thus far to surpass 20,000 yards. Lawrence is closing in quickly, though, and we won’t be surprised to see the 2021 No. 1 pick atop this list by 2030. 

More Jacksonville Jaguars Rankings

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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