9 PML Quarterbacks retired after the 2024-2025 season came to a close. Some were expected, some were more shocking, but all were old as heck. Here is a brief obituary to honor these guys who gave everything to the game of football as well as an outlook on if they could end up in Canton one day.
Tyrod Taylor
Obituary:
Tyrod Taylor quietly retired from the league after a 13-year career marked by consistency, professionalism, and perseverance. Known for his poise both on and off the field, Taylor was the epitome of a journeyman quarterback, providing leadership and stability wherever he played. A Pro Bowl selection in 2015, his stint with the Buffalo Bills was his most significant, where he helped the franchise end a 17-year playoff drought. Taylor’s dual-threat abilities and game management style earned him the respect of coaches and teammates alike, but he was often underappreciated by a league that seemed to view him more as a placeholder than a long-term answer.
Hall of Fame Chances:
While Taylor’s career was one of steady contributions, his chances of making the Hall of Fame are slim to none. Though he flashed brilliance with his mobility and efficiency, his lack of long-term starting roles, combined with limited playoff success, puts him in the category of serviceable but not transcendent quarterbacks. His 11,000+ career passing yards and over 2,000 rushing yards showcase his versatility, but without major accolades or postseason accomplishments, he’s unlikely to receive serious Hall of Fame consideration.
Carson Wentz
Obituary:
Carson Wentz’s retirement brings an end to one of the more confounding careers in recent memory. Drafted second overall in 2016, Wentz was once considered the future of the quarterback position, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to an 11-2 record in 2017 before a knee injury cut short his MVP-caliber season. While the Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl that year, Wentz’s subsequent seasons were marred by inconsistency and further injuries. After stints in Indianapolis and Washington, he never fully recaptured the form that made him a top prospect, ultimately retiring as a displaced backup.
Hall of Fame Chances:
Despite the early promise, Wentz’s Hall of Fame chances are slim. Injuries and inconsistent play overshadowed his brief flashes of brilliance. Although his role in the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl season cannot be ignored, he was not on the field for their historic playoff run, a key omission when weighing his career accomplishments. His peak was bright but brief, and without sustained success or additional postseason accolades, Wentz is unlikely to be a serious Hall of Fame contender.
Case Keenum
Obituary:
Case Keenum’s professional journey concluded with him as one of the league’s most reliable backup quarterbacks. After going undrafted in 2012, Keenum carved out a 12-year career with a string of teams, most notably leading the Minnesota Vikings to the NFC Championship Game in 2017. That season, Keenum’s magic culminated in the “Minneapolis Miracle,” a last-second touchdown pass that remains one of the most iconic moments in playoff history. Despite his role as a career backup, Keenum’s resilience and ability to step in when needed made him an invaluable presence in every locker room he entered.
Hall of Fame Chances:
While Keenum’s career includes one of the most memorable plays in playoff and football history, his overall resume lacks the depth needed for Hall of Fame consideration. His role was primarily as a backup, and while his 2017 season with the Vikings was remarkable, one standout year isn’t enough to make a strong case for Canton. Keenum will be remembered for his grit and determination, but his career statistics and lack of long-term starting roles will keep him outside the Hall of Fame conversation.
Brian Hoyer
Obituary:
Brian Hoyer walked away after a 15-year career defined by his ability to stay ready in whatever role he was asked to fill. Hoyer’s longest and most successful stint came with the Cleveland Browns, where he briefly sparked hopes of a turnaround during the 2014 season. Known for his intelligence and work ethic, Hoyer provided depth and experience to several teams as both a starter and a backup. Though he never solidified himself as a franchise quarterback, his professionalism and leadership behind the scenes made him a valuable asset wherever he went.
Hall of Fame Chances:
Hoyer’s career was that of a consummate backup and occasional starter, and while he played a critical role in supporting younger quarterbacks and maintaining stability on rosters, his numbers and impact fall well short of Hall of Fame consideration. He’ll be remembered for his longevity and adaptability, but his lack of Pro Bowl selections, postseason success, or sustained starting opportunities keep him far from a spot in Canton. His best chance is as a coach in the future.
Josh Johnson
Obituary:
Josh Johnson’s pro career spanned an astonishing 16 seasons, an impressive feat for a quarterback who was often only called upon in emergencies and was never seen as a reliable backup. Johnson played for a record 14 teams, making him one of the most traveled players in league history. His ability to step in with limited preparation and knowledge of the playbook made him a valuable journeyman, even if he rarely found himself starting for extended stretches. Johnson’s mobility and intelligence allowed him to keep finding work as a backup, and while his on-field opportunities were limited, his perseverance and adaptability were unmatched.
Hall of Fame Chances:
Johnson’s career longevity is remarkable, but his chances of making the Hall of Fame are truly nonexistent. Despite being called upon by numerous franchises, he never secured a full-time starting role or made a significant playoff impact. His story will be one of resilience and dedication, but in a league that values sustained production and postseason success, Johnson’s role as a stop-gap solution won’t carry him into Canton. His work ethic is unfortunately his only Hall of Fame quality.
Blaine Gabbert
Obituary:
Blaine Gabbert retired after a 13-year career that saw him struggle to live up to his status as the 10th overall pick in the 2011 Draft. Gabbert was thrust into starting roles early in his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars but never managed to find his footing as a franchise quarterback. However, he successfully transitioned into a long-term backup, earning a Super Bowl ring as Tom Brady’s understudy with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gabbert’s strong arm and football IQ kept him in the league, but he ultimately spent more time holding a clipboard than leading an offense.
Hall of Fame Chances:
Gabbert’s chances of reaching the Hall of Fame are slim to none. Despite his high draft status, his career was characterized by unfulfilled potential and inconsistency as a starter. His longevity as a backup and his Super Bowl ring are achievements worth acknowledging, but they don’t come close to the type of résumé typically required for enshrinement in Canton. He’ll be remembered as a capable backup, but not as a player who made a lasting impact on the league.
Joe Flacco
Obituary:
Joe Flacco retired as one of the most successful postseason quarterbacks of his generation, highlighted by his MVP performance in Super Bowl XLVII. Known for his rocket arm and cool demeanor, Flacco spent the majority of his 15-year career with the Baltimore Ravens, where he led the team to several playoff appearances and an unforgettable Super Bowl run in 2012. Flacco’s ability to elevate his play in the postseason became his calling card, and he remains one of the few quarterbacks to have beaten Tom Brady multiple times in the playoffs. Though his career gradually transitioned into backup roles in his later years, his legacy as a clutch performer is secure. His final years with the Jets and Colts saw him become somewhat of a fan favorite that reignited the infamous ‘Is Joe Flacco Elite?’ question.
Hall of Fame Chances:
Flacco’s Hall of Fame chances are up for debate. His Super Bowl MVP and elite postseason performances are compelling arguments in his favor, but his regular-season statistics are less impressive compared to other Hall of Famers. With over 40,000 passing yards and 232 touchdowns, Flacco’s longevity and Super Bowl triumph give him a strong case, but the lack of Pro Bowl selections and his decline in the latter half of his career may work against him. He’s a fringe candidate who might get consideration, but he isn’t a lock for enshrinement. Fans can only hope he makes it one day as he’s surely not an immediate entry.
Andy Dalton
Obituary:
Andy Dalton’s retirement closes the chapter on a 14-year career that saw him become one of the most consistent regular-season quarterbacks of his time. Best known for his nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Dalton led the team to five consecutive playoff appearances from 2011 to 2015. Though he never managed to win a postseason game, his leadership and steady play kept the Bengals competitive for nearly a decade. Dalton’s trademark red hair and calm presence earned him the nickname “The Red Rifle,” and he remained a respected figure in professional circles even as his starting opportunities diminished in later years. He is survived by the two quarterbacks he helped mentor, Justin Fields and Bryce Young. Yikes
Hall of Fame Chances:
Dalton’s Hall of Fame case is a tough one. He ranks in the top 30 all-time in passing yards and touchdowns, but his lack of postseason success and minimal accolades (three Pro Bowl selections) work against him. While his regular-season consistency and leadership were valuable, the absence of a deep playoff run or a signature moment hurts his candidacy. Dalton will be remembered as a solid, reliable quarterback, but his career likely falls short of the Hall of Fame’s high standards. A true Hall of Good player.
Ryan Tannehill
Obituary:
Ryan Tannehill ends his career on the highest of highs, retiring as a Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP following the 2024-2025 season. After years of being considered a solid but unspectacular quarterback, Tannehill’s final year with the Minnesota Vikings saw him rise to the pinnacle of the sport. Leading the Vikings to their first-ever Super Bowl victory, Tannehill posted career-best numbers in both the regular season and the playoffs. Known for his athleticism and resilience, Tannehill’s late-career resurgence will define his legacy, erasing the doubts that surrounded much of his earlier years in Miami and Tennessee.
Hall of Fame Chances:
Tannehill’s Hall of Fame candidacy was completely transformed by his 2024-2025 season. While he had always been a capable starter, his Super Bowl MVP performance and record-breaking year with the Vikings elevate his résumé to a new level. Prior to this season, Tannehill may have been viewed as a fringe candidate at best, but leading a franchise to its first Super Bowl and playing his best football in the postseason gives him a compelling argument. He may not be a first-ballot selection, but Tannehill’s career-ending triumph places him squarely in the Hall of Fame conversation. He is another player who may get in, but not for a long time. At least he can hope as before his final season, there would not have been any.
