NFL QB poll produces surprising results for league's smartest passer

Just a few years ago, the question of who the best quarterback in the NFL was would’ve presumably produced varying results.

The answer to that question in present day would likely yield either Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes or Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, which makes the results of Fox Sports’ recent "quarterback confidential" poll all the more intriguing.

In the exercise, 38 QBs from around the league were polled during training camp and the preseason to net some answers on all things offensively related. One of the top questions asked of the signal-callers was about the smartest signal-caller in the NFL and much to the surprise of some, neither Mahomes nor Allen were No. 1.

In fact, they weren’t even in the top three.

New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers (15 votes) actually took home the top spot, narrowly edging out Los Angeles Rams passer Matthew Stafford (12 votes). 

“You'd hear stories about his IQ and his way of seeing and understanding the game,” one QB said of Rodgers. “But to see it in person, the way he operated, just hand signals ... his whole operation was smooth and calm, like he'd done it a million times. I mean, he has.”

Another NFL quarterback had nothing but praise for runner-up Stafford.

“The way he can adjust on the fly [is impressive], just watching him play live," the anonymous signal-caller said, "he has a great feel for all the intricacies of the position."

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins finished third in the poll with three votes. There were also three quarterbacks who declined to answer the question.

Mahomes received one vote, as did Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love, San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy, Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott and Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson.