When NFL draft experts analyze quarterback prospects, it is common to categorize quarterbacks into two groups: Pocket Passers and Dual-Threat quarterbacks. Historically, analysts have valued a high-performing Pocket-Passing quarterback over a high-performing Dual-Threat quarterback. The term “Dual-Threat Quarterback” is often viewed as a derogatory term when describing a quarterback’s potential longevity in the NFL. In reality, every decade for the last 50 years, the NFL has had dual-threat quarterbacks who have raised the performance of their teams, including Fran Tarkenton, John Elway, Steve Young, and Cam Newton, all of whom helped their teams make runs to Super Bowls in their eras. In 2025, six quarterbacks separate themselves from the rest of the NFL, and they will have a chance to lead their teams to a championship this season.
#6: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow does not necessarily fit the proto-type for a dual-threat quarterback in the NFL. For Burrow, being a dual-threat player is a function of his situation. Over the last five years, the Bengals have struggled to provide adequate pass protection for Burrow, so the natural development of Burrow’s skill set is more of a function of survival. During his NFL career, Burrow has completed 1,748 passes out of 2,547 pass attempts for 19,001 yards, resulting in 140 passing touchdowns and 46 interceptions. Burrow has also run the ball 225 times for 806 yards and has scored 12 rushing touchdowns during his career with the Bengals.
#5: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Another non-typical dual-threat quarterback is Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Similar to Burrow, Mahomes has had to utilize his athleticism to compensate for pass protection issues and give his receivers time to get open. Mahomes has used his mobility to lead the Chiefs to three Super Bowl victories and several more appearances. Throughout the last eight seasons, Mahomes has completed 2,778 out of 4,171 pass attempts for 32,352 yards and has scored 245 passing touchdowns with only 74 interceptions. The Chiefs quarterback has also run the ball for 432 rush attempts for 2,243 rushing yards and has scored 14 rushing touchdowns.
#4: Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
When the Arizona Cardinals selected Kyler Murray in the 2019 NFL Draft, many experts criticized Murray’s height. While only being 5’10”, Murray has found a way to be a consistent contributor for a Cardinals offense that has been improving during the last several seasons. During his six-year NFL career, Murray has completed 1,864 passes with 2,780 pass attempts for 19,498 yards. Murray has thrown 115 touchdown passes and has only thrown 57 interceptions. The Cardinals’ quarterback has also run the ball 503 times in his career, gaining 3,020 rushing yards and scoring 31 rushing touchdowns.
#3: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Over the next 20 years, Jalen Hurts could become one of the most notable dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL. That distinction is strongly associated with the Philadelphia Eagles’ “Tush Push” play, which the NFL owners attempted to ban during this year’s NFL Owners’ Meetings. The success of the controversial play has resulted in Hurts scoring 55 rushing touchdowns during his five-year NFL career while running the ball 674 times for 3,133 rushing yards. Hurts has also been an effective passer, completing 1,248 passes with 1,939 pass attempts for 14,667 yards. Hurts helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl win in 2025, and he has thrown 85 touchdown passes against 39 interceptions during his NFL career.
#2: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has resisted the dual-threat categorization throughout his seven-year NFL career. When the Ravens drafted Jackson, many expected Jackson to be a running back that is capable of throwing the ball. Over the last several seasons, Jackson has bucked that description while becoming one of the top passing quarterbacks in the NFL, allowing the Ravens to be a championship contender for the last several years. The addition of running back Derrick Henry has taken more of the rushing load off Jackson’s shoulders, allowing him to focus on becoming a better passer. During his NFL career, Jackson has completed 1,678 passes with 2,586 pass attempts for 20,059 passing yards, along with 166 passing touchdowns and only 49 interceptions. Jackson has run the ball regularly as well, with 1,014 rushing attempts for 6,173 yards and 33 rushing touchdowns.
#1: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Similar to Lamar Jackson, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has built a reputation for being a dual-threat quarterback who can also pass the ball effectively. Allen has also worked to overcome the simplification of his ability to lead the Bills’ offense, utilizing both his running and passing skills. During Allen’s seven NFL seasons, the Bills quarterback has completed 2,296 passes on 3,628 pass attempts for 26,434 passing yards. The Buffalo Bills offense has scored 195 passing touchdowns primarily due to Allen’s elite play; however, Allen has thrown 84 interceptions, which has resulted in significant criticism. Along with his passing success, Allen has run the ball 759 times for 4,142 rushing yards and has scored 65 rushing touchdowns while playing for the Bills.
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