For the past few seasons, the NFC South has been widely regarded as one of the weakest divisions in football with inconsistent quarterbacks coming in and out, coaching going in and out as well, and rebuilds of teams. But entering 2025, there’s change to come. Each team features a young or learning-returning quarterback with a chip on their shoulder. The division is suddenly full of surprises and teams looking to make a statement, let’s dive into their signal callers.
1. Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
4,500 Passing Yards
41 Passing TDs
16 Interceptions
71.4% Completion Percentage
106.8 QBR
10-7 Regular Season Record (17 games played)
0-1 Playoff Record (Loss to Washington Commanders in NFC Wild Card)
1st in NFC South
Once viewed as a bridge quarterback, Baker Mayfield has become the face of a tough Tampa Bay Buccaneers team. Tampa Bay believes in Mayfield’s leadership and competitiveness, and his 2024 breakout proved he can elevate an already strong offense when confident. He enters 2025 not just as a starter, but as a renewed franchise quarterback.
Baker Mayfield is coming off a career year, throwing for 4,500 yards and leading Tampa Bay to a hard fought NFC South divisional title and NFC 3rd Seed. The Buccaneers’ offense finished third in total yards and Mayfield earned a Pro Bowl appearance despite a Wild Card playoff exit. With the return of the coaching staff and weapons like WR Mike Evans and WR Chris Godwin returning, Mayfield looks to keep the Buccaneers going strong.
2. Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons)
775 Passing Yards
3 Passing TDs
3 Interceptions
58.1% Completion Percentage
78.9 QBR
1-4 Regular Season Record (3 games started, 1-2 when started)
Missed Playoffs
2nd in NFC South
After multiple years of quarterback instability, the Atlanta Falcons have finally found their main man. Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons 2024 first-round pick, offers a cannon of an arm, mobility, and ability to sling the ball accurately. The franchise is throwing all their chips big on Penix, building an offense around his strengths, hoping that he can bring a long-term solution to a team that’s had playoff potential for the last couple of seasons.
Michael Penix Jr. is set to begin his first full season as a starter after showing potential during his short 2024-2025 action. His debut start included a win over the New York Giants. With Kirk Cousins sitting behind as a mentor, the Falcons are giving the keys to the franchise to Penix in an offense that includes RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London, and TEKyle Pitts; all of which have an amazing amount of potential.
3. Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers)
2,403 Passing Yards
15 Passing TDs
9 Interceptions
60.9% Completion Percentage
82.2 QBR
5-12 Regular Season Record (12 games started, 4-8 when started)
Missed Playoffs
3rd in NFC South
After a rough rookie year and a mediocre start to 2024, Bryce Young looked like another first round quarterback failure. But both Bryce Young and head coach Dave Canales stayed patient, retooled the offense, and saw big potential in Young’s sophomore year. The Panthers are still rebuilding, but they may finally have their field-general to lead their team in the years to come. With Dave Canales continuing to build around Young’s skillset, Bryce looks to take big leaps in the 2025-2026 season.
4. Spencer Rattler (New Orleans Saints)
Filling in for Injured QB Derek Carr
1,317 Passing Yards
4 Passing TDs
5 Interceptions
57.0% Completion Percentage
70.4 QBR
0-7 Regular Season Record (6 games started, 0-6 when started)
Missed Playoffs
4th in NFC South
The Saints find themselves in unfamiliar territory: leaning on a sophomore quarterback with minimal experience to lead a veteran-heavy roster. Spencer Rattler, known for his arm talent and rebounded college career, will lead the Saints following Derek Carr’s injury. Rattler’s performance could determine whether the Saints start/continue their rebuild.
Following Derek Carr’s season-ending injury, rookie Spencer Rattler will open the 2025 season as the New Orleans Saints’ starting quarterback. Drafted for his arm talent and mobility, Rattler impressed during training camp and the NFL preseason with his aggressiveness and versatility. New Orleans is entering the beginning of a rebuild phase, and Rattler will get another opportunity to prove that he may be the option to be the future long-term Saints quarterback.
