5 NFL starting QBs who could lose their jobs in 2023 ft. Falcons' Desmond Ridder

Every quarterback enters each NFL season with a different level of expectations. While their past performances play a major role in this, their team situation and contract status are other important factors.

Some quarterbacks will enter a new season with their job security basically guaranteed, regardless of how they perform. Not all will have that same luxury.

The 2023 NFL season will feature a ton of interesting quarterback situations. Many of them appear to be in the hot seat, including some of whom are getting their first opportunity to be full-time starters.

Here are five current starting quarterbacks who could potentially lose their jobs at some point in 2023.

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#1 - Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield lost his job as the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers before joining the Los Angeles Rams in the 2022 NFL season.

He initially served as a backup for Matthew Stafford, but an injury gave him an opportunity at playing time. He did just enough to earn another shot as a starter, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason.

The Buccaneers signed Mayfield to just a one-year contract worth $4 million, so they are clearly not committing to him as their long-term solution just yet. He will need to play well this year as he is on a 'prove it' contract. He may be quickly removed if he struggles in his new position.

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#2 - Ryan Tannehill

Ryan Tannehill

Ryan Tannehill has been mentioned in trade rumors during the 2023 NFL offseason, raising serious doubts about his job security. The Tennessee Titans selected Malik Willis in the 2022 NFL Draft last year, so they could be looking to give him an opportunity as a starter.

Tannehill's production has declined over the last couple of years, while also struggling in his postseason appearances. He's currently still the Titans' starter, but his job is far from safe.

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#3 - Desmond Ridder

Desmond Ridder

The Atlanta Falcons have been mentioned in many rumors about the acquisition of Lamar Jackson. Despite their alleged interest, the franchise announced that Desmond Ridder is expected to be their starter for Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season.

The rebuilding Falcons claimed they are ready to give Ridder an opportunity to prove that he's their long-term solution after selecting him in the NFL Draft last year. If he fails to secure the position, the Falcons are likely to explore other options as they continue their full rebuild.

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#4 - Brock Purdy

Brock Purdy

Brock Purdy received an unexpected opportunity to be the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers last year following injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. He made the most of it, resulting in the 49ers naming him the starter for the upcoming 2023 season.

Purdy's recent shoulder surgery complicates his situation. It's unclear if he'll be ready at the start of the 2023 NFL season, giving Trey Lance another opportunity to win the starting job.

The 49ers invested a third-overall draft pick on Lance two years ago, so it's unlikely they have given up on the idea that he's their future franchise quarterback. If he plays well enough in Purdy's absence, he could potentially take over as the starter.

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#5 - Mac Jones

QB Mac Jones

Mac Jones showed serious signs of regression in Year 2 following his strong rookie campaign with the New England Patriots. While he's expected to be the starter in Week 1, he will likely need to play well to secure his position.

Bailey Zappe won both of his two starts last season, so he could be given another opportunity if Jones struggles. The Patriots have also been linked to rumors involving acquiring Lamar Jackson, so Jones' role could be in jeopardy.