Five players on the hottest seats: Will beleaguered QBs return to their teams in 2025?

Some players are already feeling the heat through 13 weeks of the NFL season.

At this point, most teams probably know whether they should make roster changes in 2025. Here are five players on the hottest seats and a prediction for each:

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins

Is it time for rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. to replace Cousins? 

In Sunday’s 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Cousins threw a season-high four interceptions. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said he’s not planning on benching Cousins in his postgame news conference. If the QB keeps struggling, the coach may change his mind. 

Atlanta (6-6) has lost three straight games. During this stretch, Cousins has six interceptions and no TD passes, posting a subpar 38.8 QBR. 

The Falcons probably won’t release Cousins — who’s in the first year of a four-year, $180M deal — this upcoming offseason. Per Spotrac, cutting him with a post-June 1 designation would incur $40M in dead cap in 2025 and $25M in 2026.

Still, don’t be surprised if No. 8 overall pick Penix debuts sooner rather than later.

Prediction: Falcons bench Cousins and have him battle with Penix for starting job in 2025.

New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers, 41, recently told ESPN’s Pat McAfee he’s unsure whether he’ll play in 2025. The QB said the Jets would be his “first option” if he does. New York, however, may divorce him.

Rodgers underwent Achilles surgery in 2023. Clearly, the injury could still be affecting him. Through 12 starts, he has a 3-9 record and has the fourth-lowest QBR (48.5) of his career. 

The four-time MVP also seems to be losing his arm strength. According to Pro Football Focus, he has completed 41.1% of his passes between 10-19 yards, 38th out of 40 eligible QBs (min. 22 attempts). 

Spotrac estimates cutting or trading Rodgers with a post-June 1 designation would yield $14M in dead cap in 2025 and $35M in 2026. Expect the Jets to move on from him despite the expenses.

On a Sunday episode of “NFL GameDay,” NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport said Rodgers returning to the Jets next season is a “long shot.” 

Prediction: Jets cut Rodgers, and he signs with a QB-needy team, perhaps the Raiders or Titans.

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker 

Tucker seemed automatic through his first 12 seasons, but it appears he’s no longer one of the most accurate kickers in the league.

In Sunday’s 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Tucker missed an extra point and two field goals. 

Following the loss, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told the media he’s not planning on replacing Tucker. Unless Tucker snaps out of his funk, Harbaugh should reconsider.

Tucker’s kicking woes could cost Baltimore (8-5) in the playoffs. Through his first 13 games, the five-time first-team All-Pro has made a career-low 70.4% of his field-goal attempts.  

Prediction: Ravens bench Tucker before regular season ends and move on from him in 2025.

Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa

Bosa — who agreed to a $7M pay cut and $15M guarantee this past offseason— has failed to solidify his future with the franchise. Through his first nine games, he has three sacks and 10 pressures, via Pro Football Reference. 

The injury-riddled pass-rusher can’t seem to stay healthy, either. Bosa, 29, has battled hip and back issues this season.

Bosa’s contract includes a potential out this offseason. If the Chargers activate it, it will result in $11.1M in dead cap. L.A. should try to trade him before cutting him. 

Teams that need help at edge rusher (Cardinals and Bengals?) may be interested in the former Pro Bowler.

Prediction: The Chargers trade or release Bosa.

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr

Through his first nine starts, Carr has completed 68.1% of his passes for 14 TDs and four interceptions, but he’s 4-5.

Carr is in the second year of a four-year, $150M deal, making him a potential cut candidate in 2025. If he’s still on the roster on the third day of the league year in March, his 2025 salary ($30M) becomes fully guaranteed. (His contract contains a no-trade clause.)

Saints backup QB Spencer Rattler didn’t look like the answer when he filled in for an injured Carr earlier this season. The rookie out of South Carolina and Oklahoma went 0-3 in three starts, tossing one TD and two picks.  

Spotrac projects the Saints will be $77.39M over the cap in 2025. Instead of signing a free agent, they may draft a QB, perhaps Texas’ Quinn Ewers or Georgia’s Carson Beck.

Prediction: Saints release Carr and draft his replacement.