If you’re like many, you’re always wanting to be ready in the event your team is going to be down a QB, or god-forbid, you drafted the wrong guy! That’s why you’re here now – to find out what QB’s you might need to make a trade for now given the low trade value on QBs outside of the first round. These three QBs are one which have special circumstances, as well as high upside if given the chance to start. All these QBs are major sleepers though, so don’t be 2025 on any of these guys!!
QB Quinn Ewers
Quinn Ewers comes into the 2025 NFL season deep on the depth chart as QB3 behind Zach Wilson, and of course, Tua Tagovailoa. Clearing room for Quinn, a lot of things might need to happen – or would they? Tua has continued to struggle to stay healthy, dealing with 17 different injuries from March of 2018 until now, according to DraftSharks.
With three documented intense concussions on his resume, Tua continues to receive criticism for his decision to continue to play, even given his previous production and success. Quinn would only be able to pierce that veil of QB1 or QB2 in the event that either:
A) Tua retires/medically cannot play
B) Zach Wilson returns to form
That little window into the starting lineup can allow the former Texas QB Ewers to attempt to take the reins, though he will still have his doubters. The QB left Texas ahead of future NFL QB Arch Manning, leading the team to a 13-3 record.
He only lost to Georgia during the regular season 30-15, then again to Georgia in the SEC championship 22-19, and then eventually to the National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes during the Cotton Bowl 28-14. His 3,472 passing yards, 31 TDs, and 12 INT would keep him in conversations for the Heisman along the way, though falling short in the losses to Georgia, where he went 3-3 TD/INT across both games.
QB Will Howard
The Pittsburgh Steelers made the plunge in the draft towards National Champion QB Will Howard of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Across his career in college from Kansas State for 4 years, to the eventual transfer to Ohio State, Will Howard was developing slowly by all metrics. 3 years into his career, he had only thrown for 2,643 and 24 TDs as his “best” before that 4,010 and 35 TD season to win the Natty. Howard, however, won’t be able to jump into the starting lineup in 2025 due to a decision by the franchise to bet on QB Aaron Rodgers.
While Rodgers does seem like an upgrade over the truly “green” Howard, the long-term viability of Rodgers doesn’t make sense for the team nor your dynasty. Howard has the chance to learn behind one of the most loved current QBs by the media in Rodgers, allowing him to push the envelope with the Steelers. Howard on the depth chart now even is listed as QB3 behind Mason Rudolph, the local starlet.
If you’re investing in Howard, you’re hoping that:
A) Rodgers implodes early enough to allow Howard to get some week 16-18 starts possibly
or
B) Rodgers retires in the offseason, allowing the Steelers to focus on Howard in the future
While that may seem farfetched, I do believe that the long-term health of this team comes from the willingness to risk the QB position in favor of other avenues, as the bridge from Big Ben to now Rodgers has been at best, rocky. Howard in dynasty is truly going to get his chance or become a victim of the 2026 draft – either way, if you invest in him now, make sure it’s with future picks or future retiring players – don’t break the bank just yet on Will Howard.
QB Riley Leonard
While it does seem incredibly insane to value former Duke and Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard as anything other than a long-shot, I believe the thoughts are going to float around HC Shane Steichen’s brain while this current QB debacle he has is fleshing out. Right now, the Colts are in QB “Hell,” given the decision between their 4th overall QB in 2024, Anthony Richardson, or QB retread Daniel Jones, there is no true “#1” on this roster right now.
So why bet on Riley Leonard?
Leonard’s college performance, particularly in 2024, showcases his dual-threat capability. His passing efficiency (66.7% completion rate, 7.0 yards per attempt) and rushing prowess (906 yards, 17 TDs) align with modern NFL quarterback demands, especially under Steichen, who previously coached Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. ESPN analyst Jordan Reid noted on May 15, 2025, that Leonard “is a dual-threat quarterback who can take advantage of quick throws and use his mobility to create off-schedule,” though he needs to improve trust in initial reads.
The Colts’ management has expressed optimism about Leonard’s potential. Head coach Shane Steichen, in a post-draft press conference on April 26, 2025, highlighted his “athletic ability” and leadership, stating, “Just to add that depth in that room is big.” Area scout Mike Lacy added on May 18, 2025, “He’s got the physical ability to be much more than a No. 3,” suggesting the team sees him as more than a depth piece.
His fit in Steichen’s offense, which values mobile quarterbacks, is a key factor. Sports Illustrated on May 16, 2025, emphasized that Leonard “brings true skill and leadership to the QB room,” and his ability to make plays off schedule could see him rise if Richardson’s injury history (noted in June 2025 minicamp reports) or Jones’s performance falters.
Who are you betting on in 2025 and beyond?
