The NFC South quarterback rankings have shifted significantly ahead of the 2025 NFL season, with Tyler Shough emerging as a top contender for the Saints. Michael Penix Jr. faces uncertainty after a knee injury, while Baker Mayfield's position is also in question.
Key points
NFC South quarterback rankings have changed for 2025
Tyler Shough is emerging as a top quarterback for the Saints
Michael Penix Jr. faces uncertainty after a knee injury
Baker Mayfield's position is in question
Quarterback rankings include projected first and second-string players
Tyler ShoughMichael Penix Jr.Baker MayfieldBryce Young
The quarterback landscape in the NFC South looked a lot different heading into the 2025 NFL season than it does now, after a year full of breakout stars and emerging free agent signings. On last year's list, Baker Mayfield stood at the top. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was behind Mayfield at the division's No. 2 spot, but after suffering a season-ending knee injury and the team adding another veteran, Penix could end up not even being the starting quarterback in Atlanta.
In New Orleans, Tyler Shough has emerged as not only the quarterback of the future for the Saints but also one of the top quarterbacks in the division. After leading the Saints to four wins in the team's last five games while throwing for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns, Shough has shown he can make a big impact in the coming years.
So, where does Shough land on the list? Is Mayfield still the division's top quarterback? How about Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young? All of that and more in these rankings:
(Note: Each team's projected first-and second-string quarterbacks were included)
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 14: Kenny Pickett #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 14: Kenny Pickett #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
2025 rank: NR
A former first-round pick, Pickett has bounced around after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He appeared in six games with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025, completing 62.2 percent of his 45 passes for 188 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Pickett, 27, will have an opportunity to continue perfecting his process behind Young in 2026. Several first-round quarterbacks have rejuvenated their careers in previous seasons (i.e., Sam Darnold) — maybe Pickett is the next to do so in 2027.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 02: Jake Browning #6 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears in the game at Paycor Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 02: Jake Browning #6 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears in the game at Paycor Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
2025 rank: NR
After five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Browning signed a one-year deal to be Baker Mayfield's backup. He appeared in five games with the Bengals in 2025, completing 64.8 percent of his passes for 771 yards and six touchdowns. He became a fan-favorite in 2023, filling in for Joe Burrow, who went down with an injury.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 14: Spencer Rattler #2 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Caesars Superdome on September 14, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 14: Spencer Rattler #2 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Caesars Superdome on September 14, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
2025 rank: 6
Unchanged in his ranking from last season, Rattler is at a career standstill. After starting in eight games for the Saints in 2025, he was benched in favor of Shough, who took the reins and never looked back. Rattler is still a serviceable quarterback with plenty of upside heading into his third season. He completed 67.7 percent of his passes for 1,586 yards and eight passing touchdowns in nine games played.
5. Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) in action against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) in action against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
2025 rank: 7
With a strong season in 2026 — one that he's expected to have — Shough could leap all the way to the top two spots. However, the simple fact is that he's only played in 11 games in his one-year NFL career. It's hard not to rank Shough higher solely on untapped potential, but that potential has yet to be realized. He'll have an opportunity to show that he's better than the four players above him in 2026.
4. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
Dec 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to throw the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to throw the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
2025 rank: 4
Since his benching in the 2024 season, Young has shown significant growth, but he's still finding his footing as a consistent playmaker and game changer. His stats in 2025 (just over 188 yards per game and an 87.8 passer rating) show that he's becoming a safer game-manager, but he still hasn't reached the high-ceiling potential that he was thought to have when he was selected No. 1 overall.
3. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) is introduced before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) is introduced before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
2025 rank: 2
Penix showed plenty of flashes during his 2025 campaign with the Falcons before he was sidelined with an injury. He threw for almost 2,000 yards in just nine starts and proved to the league that his arm talent is legitimate. The only thing holding Penix back is his lingering knee injuries. He's suffered several season-ending knee injuries, dating back to his college days at Indiana. He's another player with the potential to be in the top two spots after next season.
Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) carries the ball as New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) defends during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) carries the ball as New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) defends during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
2025 rank: NR
When healthy and clearheaded, Tua operates at an elite level in terms of release and anticipation. The past couple of seasons have had their peaks and valleys, but his quickness in the passing game and ability to effectively facilitate the ball remain among the best among young starters. Tagovailoa is ranked higher than the likes of Shough, Young, and Penix here because of his proven ability, but if he can't limit the turnovers when he's given an opportunity, there is a major risk of disaster.
1. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dec 7, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to throw downfield during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to throw downfield during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
2025 rank: 1
Mayfield has firmly established himself as a reliable and high-producing starter in the NFL over the past few seasons. In 2025, there were early signs that he could be an MVP candidate, although that momentum faded as the season went on. The former No. 1 overall pick, who experienced a career resurgence in Tampa Bay, threw for nearly 3,700 yards that year, along with 26 touchdown passes. He consistently poses a threat to reach 4,000 yards in a season.
