Why these 7 NFL QBs face the most pressure to succeed in 2025

With Super Bowl LIX in the books, NFL teams are resetting for a new year. The free agency and draft period this spring brings hopes and expectations for 2025. 

[Related: Top 100 2025 NFL free agents: Tee Higgins, Sam Darnold lead the way ]

With that comes pressure. And quarterbacks, as the faces of their franchises, can feel that in the realist way. It’s faced by starters around the league to varying degrees. 

Here are the seven quarterbacks facing the most pressure entering 2025: 

7. Anthony Richardson , Indianapolis Colts

General manager Chris Ballard said in his end-of-season press conference that Indianapolis hasn’t given up on Richardson, but the GM was clear that the team plans to add competition for the 2023 No. 4 overall pick. Through two seasons, Richardson has not only been incredibly inconsistent as a passer (a 50.6% completion rate in 15 games), but he’s also missed 17 games due to injury.  

Next season is shaping up to be Richardson’s last chance to prove to the Colts that he can be their franchise quarterback. 

6. Trevor Lawrence , Jacksonville Jaguars

The onus is on Lawrence to start proving he’s worthy of the five-year, $275 million extension he signed with the Jaguars last June. 

Injuries derailed the end of his 2024 season, and he has a new playcaller and coach to build a rapport with in Liam Coen. But the reality is that Lawrence has never shown a high level of consistency on a week-in, week-out basis. His career hasn’t taken off as many expected it would after Jacksonville’s 2022 season, when the Jags won the AFC South and a playoff game.

5. Tua Tagovailoa , Miami Dolphins

Tagovailoa, who in the past has mulled retirement due to concussions, is coming off a season in which he