Oct 11, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) talks to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) after the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-Imagn Images Evan Habeeb-Imagn Images

'Cream of The Crop in That Division' - Jason McCourty Ranks Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson as Top AFC North Quarterbacks

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By Russell Heltman | Last updated May 30, 2025 4:16 PM ET

NFL analyst and former cornerback Jason McCourty sees a clear quarterback hierarchy in the AFC North. He noted Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow are a cut above Aaron Rodgers in the division if/when the veteran eventally signs a new contract.

Jackson and Burrow are coming off of their best NFL seasons, while Rodgers has dropped off since winning back-to-back MVPs to start the decade.

"Aaron Rodgers is third," McCourty said on the show. "Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow are the cream of the crop in that division."

A measured take considering recent production. Jackson had one of the best offensive seasons in NFL history last campaign, checking in with the top ESPN QBR among all quarterbacks (77.3 overall, tied with Josh Allen).

Burrow wasn't far behind as the NFL's most prolific passer last season, notching the third-best QBR (74.7). Meanwhile, Rodgers was rough coming off of a torn Achilles (48 QBR, 25th in the NFL).