NFL QBs under the most pressure to perform in 2025

Whether it's based on the expectations of the fans, a new contract, a past track record or trying to re-write a narrative, quarterbacks are always under the microscope. 

Every NFL starting quarterback faces some degree of pressure, but that pressure is far from equal across the league.

Now with the regular season fast approaching, these quarterbacks are under the most pressure to perform in 2025. 

Aaron Rodgers | Pittsburgh Steelers

No matter what happens this season, Rodgers will go down as one of the all-time greats. That fact can't be denied. However, two miserable seasons in New York marred by a serious injury and the struggles of the team have Rodgers looking to go out on a much better note with the Steelers. 

But if he does not find the fountain of youth and generate headlines about Pittsburgh winning instead of drama, there will be fans who will remember him more for his final years than the four MVPs he won during his prime, fair or not. 

Fortunately for the Steelers, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards in 2024, which was good enough for eighth-best in the entire NFL, showing that he still has plenty left in the tank and could be poised for a successful season to come.

J.J. McCarthy | Minnesota Vikings

Instead of pursuing Rodgers, the Vikings decided to go all in on McCarthy, whom they selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

And while placing pressure on McCarthy in his first season of actually playing is unfair — he missed his entire rookie year after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee during training camp — it's the reality nonetheless. 

Once the Vikings allowed Sam Darnold to leave as a free agent following a Pro Bowl season, the future immediately became the present for one of the NFL's oldest franchises without a Super Bowl title. 

Anything shy of leading Minnesota back to the playoffs will leave a starving fanbase wondering if management made several big mistakes. 

Justin Herbert | Los Angeles Chargers

Some believe Herbert is one of the best quarterbacks in football. Others point to the Chargers' lack of postseason success since drafting him in the first round in 2020. 

The numbers and analytics often support Herbert — he has 21,093 yards and 137 touchdowns through five seasons — but there's now an increased pressure to win in the playoffs, especially in year two under Jim Harbaugh and sitting at 0-2 in the postseason. 

Unlike early in his career, Harbaugh's offense doesn't ask as much of Herbert, which could give him an easier path to success. It also means he could be even more a target of criticism should he struggle.

Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys

There's constant pressure that comes with simply being the Cowboys' QB1, and there's even more on Prescott. 

At 32, Prescott is running out of time to establish his legacy, both in Dallas and in the NFL in general. 

Despite a career that's saw him make three Pro Bowls and throw for 31,437 yards with a solid touchdown to interception ratio of 213 to 82, his 2-5 record in the playoffs will continue to be a negative stain on his story until a deep run through January happens. 

Prescott also currently holds the honor of being the highest paid quarterback in football with an average salary of $60M per year. Being the highest paid quarterback while playing in Dallas and failing to win in the playoffs is a recipe for an immense amount of pressure. 

Honorable mentions: Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals), Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins), Justin Fields (New York Jets) and Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears)

For further reading, here are four NFL coaches under the most pressure in 2025.