During a recent appearance on a panel alongside renowned sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, legendary quarterback Tom Brady shared his insights on the top quarterbacks currently playing in the NFL as the new season approaches. Brady, who boasts an unparalleled career with seven Super Bowl victories—six with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—did not hold back in expressing his admiration for several of the league’s elite signal-callers.
The discussion, which took place on Monday, began with Brady affirming his belief that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes stands atop the current NFL hierarchy. “In my opinion, he’s the best quarterback in the NFL,” Brady stated unequivocally. He went on to elaborate on what sets Mahomes apart from his peers, saying, “I could talk about his physical skills, but do you know why I look at him and say he’s great? I see the way that he’s endeared himself to his teammates. I see the joy they have when they’re out there playing together… I’m listening to the press conferences as much as I’m watching him throw a tight spiral. That’s ultimately what the quarterback position is about.”
Brady’s commendation of Mahomes highlights not just the young quarterback’s athletic prowess but also his leadership qualities and the camaraderie he fosters within his team—a combination that has led the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances and victories in recent years.
When prompted to name other quarterbacks who have impressed him, Brady listed several standout players who have been making significant impacts on their respective teams. “Josh Allen is someone who impresses me as a player,” Brady remarked, referring to the Buffalo Bills’ dynamic quarterback known for his strong arm and mobility. “Lamar Jackson impresses me,” he added, acknowledging the Baltimore Ravens’ dual-threat quarterback who won the MVP award in 2019 and continues to redefine the position with his electrifying playmaking abilities.
Brady didn’t stop there, continuing to praise Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “Some guys might have different moments, but Joe Burrow is very impressive in how he throws the ball, and he’s another guy who has a great connection with his teammates,” Brady noted. Burrow, who led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in just his second season, has been lauded for his poise, accuracy, and leadership on the field.
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Initially, Brady seemed content with naming these four quarterbacks, but Stephen A. Smith interjected, suggesting the inclusion of New York Jets’ new acquisition, Aaron Rodgers. Brady immediately concurred, responding, “Oh, of course. Absolutely.” Rodgers, a four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers, has long been considered one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, known for his exceptional passing ability and football IQ.
The conversation then shifted to the upcoming NFL season and which teams might pose the biggest threat to the Chiefs’ quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl title. Brady identified the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals as the primary contenders within the AFC. “I would say it’s, man, all those teams are going to be tough. I think it’s still the Bills or the Bengals because of their quarterback play,” he explained. Both teams have made deep playoff runs in recent years, with the Bills consistently improving under Josh Allen’s leadership and the Bengals showcasing resilience and talent with Joe Burrow at the helm.
When asked specifically about the Baltimore Ravens, Brady acknowledged their potential but expressed a desire to see more postseason success from them. “They are right up there. They are exceptional. The Ravens just have to do more in the postseason for me to feel like, ‘Okay, they are right there.’ The Bengals have made it to a Super Bowl. The Bills have been in championship games,” he commented. The Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, have faced challenges translating regular-season success into deep playoff runs, a hurdle they aim to overcome in the upcoming season.
Expanding his analysis beyond the AFC, Brady identified several NFC teams that could challenge the Chiefs on the grand stage. “I think it’s still probably the 49ers and the Packers, I think, are going to be great teams,” he stated. The San Francisco 49ers, with their strong defensive unit and versatile offense, have been perennial contenders, while the Packers, now navigating the post-Aaron Rodgers era, are looking to prove themselves with a new quarterback at the reins.
Brady also mentioned the Los Angeles Rams as a team to watch, despite recent roster changes. “I think the Rams are going to be a good team, too. Very good offense, receiving corps. They lost Aaron Donald; nobody can replace him, but they’ve drafted really well, got a really underrated defense. I think that’s going to be a team to watch, too,” he said. Notably, this statement contains a factual inaccuracy, as Aaron Donald, the star defensive tackle and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, is still with the Rams. Nevertheless, Brady’s assessment underscores the Rams’ potential to bounce back and compete at a high level.
Throughout the discussion, Brady’s evaluations reflect not only his deep understanding of the game but also his respect for the talent and leadership exhibited by the league’s current quarterbacks.
As the new NFL season approaches, fans eagerly anticipate how these insights will unfold on the field, with each mentioned player and team poised to make significant impacts in their pursuit of championship glory.
