Why NFL legend Joe Montana's top QBs list misses the mark

On Tuesday, NFL legend Joe Montana appeared on "The Pat McAfee Show" and was asked by Bruce Arians which three quarterbacks he would build around if starting a franchise today. There was one stipulation — the 49ers' Brock Purdy was off the table.

Montana answered with Josh Allen, Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, while also giving a nod to Jalen Hurts. On the surface, it’s a solid list. But when you dig deeper, a few question marks begin to surface. Let's break it down.

Josh Allen and Joe Burrow are no-brainers

There’s no controversy here. Josh Allen and Joe Burrow are elite quarterbacks — top-tier leaders with cannon arms and the ability to change games. 

Allen brings unmatched athleticism and a firebrand style that perfectly embodies Buffalo’s grit. Burrow, on the other hand, is calm, surgical and cold-blooded in the best way. These two should be at the top of anyone’s franchise wish list.

But what about the other two names?

Justin Herbert is talented, but unproven

Yes, Justin Herbert has all the physical tools: size, arm strength and mobility. On tape, he looks like the prototype. But there are serious concerns about his actual impact — especially in big moments.

He’s only made the playoffs twice, and both times were short-lived wild-card exits. He’s averaged just one touchdown per playoff game and has yet to take control of the AFC West, where Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs reign supreme. And while Jim Harbaugh might be the perfect coach to elevate him, the 2024–25 season didn’t show that improvement yet.

Injuries have also been a recurring theme in Herbert’s young career. Availability matters just as much as ability, and so far, Herbert hasn’t made that next leap.

Jalen Hurts: System-dependent or superstar?

Yes, Hurts just won a Super Bowl. But let’s be honest, the Eagles had arguably the most complete roster in the NFL. With an elite offensive line, top-tier weapons and a dominant defense, Hurts was in an ideal position.

Of course, he deserves credit — he made plays when they mattered. But how much of that success was due to Hurts himself, and how much was the product of a perfectly built system around him?

Moreover, it’s hard to ignore how quickly the Eagles spiraled late in the 2023 season. That kind of collapse should give any franchise builder pause. Hurts is tough, a leader and has shown flashes of greatness — but do you hand him the keys if you’re starting from scratch?

Quarterbacks are products of their surroundings

The reality is simple: every quarterback — except maybe Tom Brady — is defined by their surroundings. Coaching, offensive line play, weapons and even front-office stability all play massive roles in shaping a QB’s success. Herbert and Hurts may be stars, but they haven’t yet proved they can thrive regardless of the situation.

Also worth noting is that aside from Allen, all of Montana’s picks were mostly pocket passers — much like Montana himself. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's worth recognizing the bias.

Building a franchise around a quarterback is the ultimate gamble, and some chips just feel safer than others.