2025 Passer Preview, Part 4: NFC South Quarterbacks
As the NFL landscape shifts toward a new era of quarterback play, the 2025 season promises a fascinating mix of established elites, rising stars, aging legends, and system-driven wildcards. This eight-part series breaks down each division’s projected starting quarterbacks, blending statistical output from 2024 with contextual analysis and forward-looking insight.
As a part of this series, each passer will be evaluated based on situation, skill, and projections for what they bring to the table in 2025 for their team. In addition, every QB will be placed in one of the following 5 Tiers:
1. The Big 4
2. Elite
3. Above Replacement
4. Risers/Bridge Guys/Rookies
5. Cellar Dwellers
Up next it’s the NFC South; a division full of question marks at the most important position in Football.
Previous articles in this series:
AFC North
NFC North
AFC South
BAKER MAYFIELD — TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 
2024 STATS:
Age: 30 Exp: 7 GP: 17 CMP: 407 ATT: 570 YDS: 4,500 TD: 41 INT: 16 RTG: 106.8 Rush Yds: 378 Rush TDs: 3
QB Tier 3: Above Replacement
2025 Projection: Firmly ranked in the top half of the league
Mayfield enters 2025 with momentum after a career-best season, proving he can elevate a functional offense with poise and grit. His leadership and deep-ball efficiency have solidified his status as a top-half starter. While not elite, he’s a dependable option for teams seeking stability and playoff contention. Expect him to anchor Tampa Bay’s offense with confidence, although the ceiling of 2024 may not be reached this season.
BRYCE YOUNG — CAROLINA PANTHERS 
2024 STATS:
Age: 23 Exp: 2 GP: 14 CMP: 234 ATT: 384 YDS: 2,403 TD: 15 INT: 9 RTG: 82.2 Rush Yds: 249 Rush TDs: 6
QB Tier 4: Riser
2025 Projection: Establishes himself as a mid-level long-term starter
Young showed flashes of growth in Year 2, especially in his pocket awareness and red zone decision-making. With improved weapons and a more cohesive system, he’s poised to take the leap into mid-tier starter territory. His ceiling remains high if Carolina continues to build around his strengths. 2025 could be the year he earns long-term trust.
MICHAEL PENIX JR. — ATLANTA FALCONS 
2024 STATS:
Age: 25 Exp: 1 GP: 5 CMP: 61 ATT: 105 YDS: 775 TD: 3 INT: 3 RTG: 78.9 Rush Yds: 11 Rush TDs: 1
QB Tier 4: Riser
2025 Projection: Top 20 QB
Penix displayed his trademark arm talent in limited action, hinting at a high-upside future. With a full offseason to develop and a clearer path to starting reps, he’s a strong candidate to crack the top 20. His deep passing (nobody throws a better frozen rope on a corner route) and poise under pressure make him a potential breakout star. Atlanta may have found its franchise QB.
SPENCER RATTLER — NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 
2024 STATS (College at University of Miami)
Age: 24 Exp: 1 GP: 7 CMP: 130 ATT: 228 YDS: 1,317 TD: 4 INT: 5 RTG: 70.4 Rush Yds: 146 Rush TDs: 0
QB Tier 5: Cellar Dweller
2025 Projection: Replacement-level hold in for Rookie (Tyler Shough)
Rattler heads into 2025 as a placeholder option in NO. This coaching staff will likely want to get a look at Rookie 2nd Rd. Pick Tyler Shough at some point. While he brings some mobility and arm talent, his inconsistency and size limitations will probably be his undoing as a starter in the NFL. This is the worst QB room in the NFL, and Rattler probably cements his status as a career backup in an on-again, off-again season for the Saints.
For more NFL analysis from Jeremy Betz, click HERE.