As the start of the NFL season draws near, several quarterbacks are under significant pressure to deliver results.

Can Aaron Rodgers, now 40, recover from an Achilles injury and steer the New York Jets, who haven’t made the playoffs in years, to postseason success? Will Deshaun Watson rediscover the level of play he once had with the Houston Texans? Is it the end of the line for Daniel Jones in New York?

The league is heavily focused on the performance of quarterbacks, who not only earn the highest salaries but also attract the most media spotlight. YSL News Sports has compiled a list of the top five QBs facing the most pressure as the 2024 regular season approaches, including one honorable mention:

1. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets

The Jets hold the record for the longest active playoff dry spell in the NFL at 13 seasons, their last trip to the playoffs being in 2010. The expectation for Rodgers is to help end this trend.

After a devastating Achilles injury ended his season just four plays into his 2023 Jets debut, the expectations for Rodgers have only increased. While it’s uncertain if he can return to being a four-time MVP, the Jets are counting on him to regain his elite form. The team has reinforced its offense around him with the additions of tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, along with receiver Mike Williams. Moreover, the Jets are expected to continue having a strong defense under head coach Robert Saleh.

2. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns

The Browns have not seen the expected results since signing Watson to a record-breaking five-year, $230 million deal.

A shoulder injury led to Watson missing most of the 2023 season, limiting him to just six games. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s offense seemed to improve when Joe Flacco stepped in, leading the team to the playoffs.

Watson’s statistics as a Browns quarterback after 12 games—59.8% completion percentage, 184.8 yards per game, and an 81.7 passer rating—fall short compared to his performance during four seasons with the Texans.

3. Daniel Jones, New York Giants

In his preseason debut for 2024, Daniel Jones threw two interceptions, marking his return after an ACL injury that sidelined him in 2023.

Coach Brian Daboll took over the Giants with Jones already on the roster, and since then, Jones has thrown 17 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.

Many thought the Giants might select a quarterback with their sixth overall pick in the 2024 draft, but they chose to bolster Jones’s support by bringing in wide receiver Malik Nabers from LSU. Although Jones is under contract until 2026, he’s quickly running out of opportunities to prove himself.

4. Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints

Derek Carr’s tally of 25 touchdown passes versus eight interceptions looks promising, but his inaugural season with New Orleans has been inconsistent. At times, Saints fans expressed their dissatisfaction with his performance.

This offseason, the Saints altered Carr’s contract to create salary cap flexibility, and he’s secured through 2026. However, the team selected Spencer Rattler in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, initiating competition for the backup quarterback role with Jake Haener. Rattler’s strong preseason could hasten his ascent to take over for Carr sooner than expected, especially as the Saints will also be utilizing dual-threat quarterback Taysom Hill.

5. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons made headlines by signing Kirk Cousins for a four-year, $180 million contract, only to select his potential successor, Michael Penix Jr., in the first round of the 2024 draft.

This decision indicates that Cousins may not finish his four-year contract in Atlanta, whether the franchise admits it or not. Penix has shown promise during training camp and preseason games, so while it’s Cousins’ position for now, Penix is a looming presence.

Honorable Mention

Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers

Coach Mike Tomlin noted that Wilson was in a strong position to be the starter this offseason. However, he is now in a tight race for the starting job with Justin Fields. While it’s rumored that Wilson might come out on top, he must maintain his lead throughout the whole season. After two disappointing years in Denver, this could be Wilson’s final opportunity to prove he can still be a starting quarterback.