Which QBs have probably the most assist? Rating all 32 NFL supporting casts

David Helman

NFL Reporter

The issue with quarterback rankings is that they usually don’t enable for context.

Soccer is the final word crew recreation, however so usually we boil issues all the way down to the QBs whereas ignoring the items round them. Even one of the best quarterbacks want guys to dam, catch and run the ball. That’s to not point out the significance of your playcaller, as we’ve seen the impact that good teaching and good design can have on an offense.

This can be a rating of one of the best help techniques within the NFL — minus their signal-caller. Go away your preconceived notions concerning the league’s quarterbacks on the door, as we attempt to decide who has accomplished one of the best job of serving to them.

I’d wish to make clear: I like what the Patriots have accomplished this offseason, and I believe their offense will ascend in 2025. But when we’re assessing their offense proper now, a lot of it’s projection. We don’t understand how properly Will Campbell will transition to the NFL — or any of the remainder of this rookie class, for that matter. We don’t understand how properly Stefon Diggs will rebound from his ACL damage. We don’t really know if Josh McDaniels is nice at calling an offense with out Tom Brady concerned. There’s rather a lot to really feel optimistic about, however simply not very a lot you’ll be able to cling your hat on.

No matter else occurs, I’m extremely assured Malik Nabers is about to be a famous person. His expertise jumped off the display on a dismal Giants crew, and the expertise stage round him is undeniably higher now. Honestly, this may very well be a surprisingly strong unit if the offensive line — significantly Andrew Thomas — handle to remain wholesome. Darius Slayton is best than he’ll get credit score for, and Tyrone Tracy had some thrilling moments as a rookie. I additionally nonetheless consider in Brian Daboll as a coach and playcaller. However actually, should you’re in search of causes to be excited as a Giants fan, it begins and ends with Nabers.

Malik Nabers #1 of the New York Giants runs with the ball after a catch in opposition to the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Picture by G Fiume/Getty Pictures)

Unusual to assume that the Jets’ offensive line ought to develop right into a energy. That’s the advantage of back-to-back first-round picks at offensive deal with. That would make the duo of Breece Corridor and Braelon Allen much more potent. Garrett Wilson is a a lot better receiver than this rating suggests, however the remainder of New York’s pass-catchers don’t encourage a ton of confidence. Possibly Mason Taylor can develop right into a receiving risk rapidly, however that’s simpler mentioned than accomplished for a rookie tight finish.

It seems like a giant deal that Cam Ward goes to begin his NFL profession behind an offensive line that ought to give him an opportunity. Possibly the Titans overpaid for a pair items there, but it surely nonetheless seems prefer it’s going to be a a lot better unit than what you’d count on from the crew choosing first within the draft. Calvin Ridley continues to be a strong sufficient receiver, and Tony Pollard nonetheless managed 1,000 yards on final 12 months’s horrible crew. The choices behind them aren’t as thrilling, however you’ve received to confess this isn’t an terrible start line.

There’s a world the place the Browns’ offensive line stays totally wholesome this 12 months, and because of this their offense drastically outperforms expectations with Kevin Stefanski set to name performs once more. Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku supply a strong pair of pass-catching targets, even when the depth there isn’t nice. Between Quinshon Judkins, Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson, there are many choices to tote the rock. The massive query for me is concerning the massive guys up entrance. Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin are nonetheless good gamers, however they aren’t getting any youthful. Accidents up entrance have been a giant downside at occasions over the previous couple of years. Comfortable to be incorrect in the event that they buck the pattern, but it surely’s not a guess I’d be excited to make.

After the turmoil of the previous few years, it was good to see the Jaguars attempt a low-key offseason — considerably, at the least. Granted, the Jags did swing a blockbuster commerce for Travis Hunter, however they didn’t fall for the lure of splurging an obscene quantity in free company. They made some good, small signings on the offensive line and introduced in wideout Dyami Brown at an affordable worth. I prefer it. If Hunter hits rapidly, then he and Brian Thomas Jr. simply may rocket this offense up the record. And after watching Liam Coen’s offense in Tampa final 12 months, there’s loads of cause to hope that can occur.

Travis Hunter #12 of the Jacksonville Jaguars catches a cross throughout an NFL soccer follow at Miller Electrical Middle on Could 19, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Picture by Logan Bowles/Getty Pictures)

The whole lot concerning the Steelers’ offense is … tremendous, in my view. D.Ok. Metcalf is a very good participant, however I felt higher about this receiving core earlier than George Pickens was traded. Pat Freiermuth is a pleasant second choice. Maybe Calvin Austin or Roman Wilson can develop into a 3rd choice behind these guys, however I don’t fairly belief them but. I’m excited concerning the duo of Kaleb Johnson and Jaylen Warren within the backfield, however that may rely upon the continued growth of the offensive line. Zach Frazier seems like he could be a future Professional Bowler at heart, however we haven’t seen Troy Fautanu but, and Broderick Jones hasn’t lived as much as his draft slot. I wouldn’t name this a foul group, but it surely’s not one which I believe has a really excessive ceiling with Arthur Smith calling the pictures.

I’ll readily admit the Seahawks may very well be a a lot better offense than I’m giving them credit score for proper now. New OC Klint Kubiak was off to a improbable begin in New Orleans final 12 months earlier than his entire group received damage. And if first-round choose Gray Zabel is a stud instantly, it may have a huge impact on an unstable offensive line. Proper now, I’d similar to to see it to consider it. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a star — of that I’m assured. However he and Cooper Kupp don’t really feel like they complement one another’s ability units very properly, and I’m unsure that I belief Marquez Valdes-Scantling to be a significant piece of issues. When you’re going to pay Sam Darnold $100 million, I simply assume there’s extra you may’ve accomplished to place him in a superb place.

It doesn’t really feel like frequent information that the Panthers’ O-line put collectively a top-10 season in 2024. Led by Taylor Moton, who allowed only one sack on the 12 months, that group performed a giant function in Bryce Younger’s second-year resurgence. The hope now’s that Tetairoa McMillan performs just like the No. 8 total choose and spurs the pass-catchers in an identical approach. Adam Thielen continues to be taking part in strong ball on the age of 35, and the operating again room has some spectacular depth. However the Panthers nonetheless want somebody to step right into a starring function, and McMillan is one of the best guess.

The Colts clearly have lots of confidence of their homegrown choices to interchange Will Fries and Ryan Kelly up entrance. They could be proper, however I’d nonetheless wish to see it. Having Jonathan Taylor ought to assist the transition, as JT appeared just like the All-Professional we bear in mind from 2021 down the house stretch of final season. There’s not a star pass-catcher on this crew, however Josh Downs, Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce are all succesful guys, whereas Adonai Mitchell may nonetheless develop into one thing extra. That’s with out mentioning the addition of star tight finish prospect Tyler Warren, or Shane Steichen’s résumé as a playcaller right here. I do fear concerning the offensive line, however the Colts’ supporting forged is best than most appear to assume.

On the one hand, it’s fairly scary to reboot the complete offensive line in a single offseason. However however, if final 12 months’s safety was horrible for C.J. Stroud, what’s the draw back? Clearly, the Texans are betting that the swap to Nick Caley at offensive coordinator goes to pay dividends. And given the observe file of Sean McVay’s teaching tree, possibly they’re proper. Nico Collins is a top-10 — top-five? — receiver within the NFL. Christian Kirk, Dalton Schultz and Joe Mixon are strong items round him. Hopefully, one of many rookie receivers out of Iowa State is a star within the making. However the Texans’ success goes to hinge on how properly this offensive line makeover works.

Houston Texans vast receiver Nico Collins (12) completes a catch within the third quarter in the course of the NFL recreation between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans on December 25, 2024 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Picture by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures)

I can see the imaginative and prescient in Vegas, even when it’s not totally shaped but. Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers supply a robust mixture within the passing recreation, and Ashton Jeanty can tie all of it collectively on the bottom, with (hopefully) some massive play potential remaining in Raheem Mostert’s legs. Giggle if you would like, however new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly had some explosive leads to Philadelphia, significantly on the bottom. I’m intrigued to see what he can do with a backfield this proficient. The Raiders want extra depth on the ability positions, however it is a strong start line for the Pete Carroll period. It’s all going to rely upon the offensive line. Is that this the unit that surrendered a whopping 19 sacks within the first half of 2024, or the one which allowed simply 9 within the again half? That can most likely decide how profitable this offense is within the early going with Geno Smith on the helm.

Defensive upgrades have been badly wanted within the desert, but it surely’s nonetheless attention-grabbing that the Cardinals are operating it again with basically the identical offense. Actually, possibly that’s sufficient. There’s a lot homegrown expertise right here — Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., Paris Johnson, Trey Benson. If these guys proceed their upward trajectory, this group may enhance even with out many exterior additions. We all know offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will put them in good positions. He simply wants these guys to profit from the alternatives alongside Kyler Murray.

The irony is that the Saints’ offense actually isn’t in dangerous form — so long as you ignore the quarterback. If we aren’t speaking concerning the recreation’s most necessary place, there’s rather a lot to love. For starters, they’ve spent a ton of huge assets on the offensive line, which was already strong in 2024 earlier than it was decimated by damage. Talking of damage, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are anticipated again after shortened seasons, with Brandin Cooks again on the town as a good third choice. Alvin Kamara nonetheless has some gasoline within the tank. And it’s all being overseen by Kellen Moore, who has a dependable historical past of calling a top-10 offense. Quarterback is (most likely) going to derail this whole plan, however the different items of this offense aren’t too shabby.

The Broncos boasted probably the greatest offensive strains in soccer final 12 months, and their offense is named by Sean Payton. That’s sufficient to take them critically. It’d nonetheless have been enjoyable to see them do a bit extra for his or her offense. Evan Engram is a pleasant addition if he can keep wholesome. Denver additionally drafted operating again R.J. Harvey and receiver Pat Bryant with Day 2 picks final month. Possibly these guys might be early contributors. However in Could, it feels just like the Broncos may use one other weapon or two.

We’ve received to present the Chargers credit score for at the least making an attempt to bump the expertise stage round Justin Herbert. Including Mekhi Becton to a bunch that already featured Joe Alt goes to present the Chargers one of many largest strains within the league, and placing two massive backs like Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris behind them is downright nasty. I count on this crew to run the ball with grinding physicality in addition to big-play potential in 2025, which is strictly what Jim Harbaugh needs. And common supervisor Joe Hortiz didn’t cease there. Between Mike Williams, Tre Harris and Tyler Conklin, you’d wish to assume the Chargers have added at the least one or two dependable targets aside from Ladd McConkey.

Los Angeles Chargers vast receiver Ladd McConkey (15) grabs a cross throughout a recreation between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Chargers on December 28, 2024, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Picture by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures)

Possibly you’d count on to see Washington a bit larger after it made two massive additions in March. Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel ought to give the Commanders the next ceiling than final 12 months, however I’d wish to see what it seems like. Tunsil’s 2024 season wasn’t fairly as much as his lofty commonplace on a horrible Texans offensive line, and Samuel comes with some sturdiness points. I’d have favored to see Washington add some assist at receiver and operating again early within the draft, although I did love the addition of Josh Conerly Jr. Clearly, this isn’t a foul group for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to work with, because the Commanders reached the convention championship final season. I’m simply unsure if this is among the league’s higher QB help techniques simply but.

Buying and selling for George Pickens to pair with CeeDee Lamb offers the Cowboys one of many prime receiver duos within the recreation and makes this an offense value being enthusiastic about. It’s going to be fascinating to see how first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer balances calling performs with the remainder of his duties, and the way a lot affect Dak Prescott has on the decision-making. Past that receiver duo, although, there’s trigger for concern. The Cowboys are changing a Corridor of Famer in Zack Martin with a rookie at guard, they usually desperately want left deal with Tyler Guyton to make a bounce in Yr 2. This O-line may very well be a legal responsibility if these two battle. The operating again room additionally doesn’t really feel settled. Between Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders and rookie Jaydon Blue, a lead again ought to emerge — however there’s not a assured difference-maker there. It’d even be good if a 3rd pass-catcher emerged as an choice. Doesn’t matter if it’s Jake Ferguson, Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Tolbert or KaVontae Turpin. It simply must be somebody.

Just like the Packers, the handwringing concerning the receivers in Buffalo appears to have distracted everybody from the bread and butter of the offense. ProFootballFocus charted the Payments’ offensive line as a top-five unit in 2024, crediting it with simply 4 of 14 sacks allowed on the season. That pairs properly with a deep backfield, as each of James Cook dinner’s backups completed with 500 scrimmage yards in 2024. Sure, it might be good to see a Buffalo pass-catcher step up, however there are many choices. Khalil Shakir has emerged as probably the greatest younger slots within the league, and there’s nonetheless loads of time for Keon Coleman or Dalton Kincaid to interrupt out. Reigning MVP Josh Allen is what elevates the Payments to the highest of the league, however that is nonetheless a extra proficient offense than individuals would have you ever consider.

What an exceptional thought train the Miami Dolphins are. How a lot do you worth ability gamers in opposition to blockers? The Dolphins will most likely present your reply. Few groups can boast firepower like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright. Jonnu Smith was additionally criminally missed final 12 months. With a vibrant offensive thoughts like Mike McDaniel pulling the strings for Tua Tagovailoa, we’ve seen these guys put up online game numbers. However how a lot does it matter in case your offensive line isn’t dependable? This unit was already iffy in 2024, after which Terron Armstead retired. There’s rather a lot to love right here, but it surely gained’t be stunning if the Dolphins’ offensive line places a cap on their full potential.

The main focus in Inexperienced Bay is all the time on the quarterback and his receivers, however the true energy of Matt LaFleur’s offense proper now’s the bottom recreation. Because of Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, nobody appears to have observed that Josh Jacobs put up 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns throughout his first season in inexperienced and gold — and he’s nonetheless solely 27. With that as the muse of the offense, the Packers simply want one in all these receivers to actually get away. Doesn’t matter if it’s Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks or Romeo Doubs. If simply a kind of guys can develop into an every-down difference-maker, the sky is the restrict for Jordan Love & Co.

Josh Jacobs #8 of the Inexperienced Bay Packers carries the ball in opposition to the New Orleans Saints in the course of the first quarter of the sport at Lambeau Area on December 23, 2024 in Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin. (Picture by Patrick McDermott/Getty Pictures)

Don’t fear, I’m rolling my eyes, too. We’ve been right here earlier than with the Bears. Final 12 months was the so-called greatest state of affairs ever for a No. 1 choose at quarterback, and Chicago responded by shedding 10 straight throughout Caleb Williams’ rookie 12 months. However they’re making an attempt, rattling it. They responded to that debacle by hiring probably the most coveted playcaller within the NFL. And as soon as he had the job, Ben Johnson instantly set about retooling the offensive line. If the Bears are going to enhance in 2025, the trio of Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman might be massive parts of it. A ability group of D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland, D’Andre Swift, Cole Kmet and Luther Burden gained’t damage, both. Everyone knows potential doesn’t imply something within the NFL, however the potential is as soon as once more attractive in Chicago.

I’d similar to to level out that the trio of Hollywood Brown, Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy have but to play a single recreation collectively. As excited as we have been for his or her new look receiver group in 2024, Brown went down in the course of the preseason and Rice was misplaced for the 12 months in September, and the Chiefs nonetheless made it to the Tremendous Bowl. If all three of these guys are wholesome and able to roll, together with a more healthy Isiah Pacheco, I believe it makes a world of distinction. Shedding Joe Thuney hurts, however between the additions of Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons, I’m trusting that the Chiefs can get adequate left deal with play to mitigate his absence. Oh, and did I point out that Andy Reid continues to be designing and calling the performs? Don’t let final season’s slog colour your notion of those guys an excessive amount of. If their receivers can be found, this may very well be probably the most explosive Chiefs offense we’ve seen since Tyreek Hill was traded.

Very similar to J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota, Michael Penix Jr. is not going to battle due to an absence of assist. Cease me should you’ve heard this earlier than, however high quality quarterback play is the one factor stopping the Falcons from being a playoff crew. We’ve been saying for years how proficient the ability gamers are, and the offensive line continues to be lots adequate. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson even has some much-needed expertise underneath his belt, getting into his second 12 months as a playcaller. It’s all there ready for the proper quarterback to step in and elevate it — although, that’s been the case in Atlanta for some time now. Possibly Penix is the man who can lastly ship on the potential.

Everybody will wish to speak concerning the addition of DeAndre Hopkins, or Zay Flowers’ return from the knee damage that saved him out of the playoffs. Enjoyable as that could be, the Ravens’ largest win of the offseason was protecting Ronnie Stanley in Baltimore. This offensive line was seen by many (together with myself) as a weak point going into 2024, and now it’s beginning to appear like one of many league’s greatest items. Derrick Henry operating behind these 5 guys, mixed with Hopkins becoming a member of Flowers and Rashod Bateman within the receiver corps, may make this one of the best offense Lamar Jackson has ever had.

The 49ers could be larger on this record if we performed the video games on paper. They’ve All-Professional gamers at left deal with, operating again, vast receiver and tight finish, and an exceptional playcaller piecing all of it collectively for Brock Purdy. The issue is simply the brutal actuality of soccer: put on and tear. Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk are all getting back from accidents that severely restricted their 2024 seasons. George Kittle turns 32 in October. This can be a fragile group, and it’s truthful to surprise what number of extra years they’ll all be wholesome and taking part in on the prime of their recreation. But when they’ll all keep on the sector, Kyle Shanahan’s offense will once more be one of many league’s best and explosive.

Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for yards throughout a recreation in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers at Lambeau Area on November 24, 2024 in Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Pictures)

I’m simply begging the Rams’ offensive line to remain wholesome in 2025, as a result of this group ought to be scintillating if it could. Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua are already must-see TV, and now Davante Adams — even on the age of 32 — ought to lend a vertical, downfield factor to the offense. The backfield, led by Kyren Williams, is robust, and the Rams simply juiced their tight finish depth by drafting Terrance Ferguson within the second spherical. With Sean McVay overseeing the playcalling, I legitimately assume this may very well be the Rams’ greatest offense since that unimaginable 2018 group that reached Tremendous Bowl LIII.

There are higher receiver duos elsewhere within the league than the one in Tampa. But when we’re speaking concerning the entirety of a receiver room, I don’t assume you’ll discover a higher group than Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan and Emeka Egbuka. And that’s with out even mentioning that Sterling Shepard and Trey Palmer are nonetheless kicking round on the roster. That’s what you’d name depth. It additionally extends to the operating again place, the place Bucky Irving, Rachaad White and even Sean Tucker have all made performs at totally different occasions. After all, it’s all anchored by an offensive line that PFF graded because the third-best total group within the league final 12 months, highlighted by the stellar play of Tristan Wirfs. My solely concern is that first-time OC Josh Grizzard might be Baker Mayfield’s third coordinator in three years with the Bucs, however the final two guys to carry the job are NFL head coaches now. Possibly that’s a superb downside to have.

It feels a bit daring to place the Bengals this excessive, given the variety of points they’re dealing with. Strive as they could to repair it, the offensive line nonetheless seems like an issue. Hopefully, Amarius Mims can take a giant step ahead in Yr 2, as a result of that unit wants somebody to lend it some stability. I’m additionally not fully bought on Zac Taylor as both a head coach or a playcaller, to be blunt. Regardless of all of that, how a lot can you actually dislike an offense that’s rolling out Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at vast receiver? And if that’s not sufficient, the Bengals are additionally bringing again tight finish Mike Gesicki, who had his greatest 12 months since 2021 taking part in with Joe Burrow. I additionally really feel like individuals are sleeping on the truth that Chase Brown flirted with 1,000 yards final 12 months regardless of not breaking into the beginning lineup till the second month of the season. Even with the considerations, that is as soon as once more a stacked offense for Burrow to work with.

Shedding Ben Johnson to a division rival may very well be a troublesome adjustment; we’ll have to attend and see. However veteran offensive coordinator John Morton actually can’t complain concerning the expertise readily available. The Lions might be breaking in two new starters on their offensive line, however that unit continues to be anchored by three cornerstone gamers. And behind that line, Jared Goff will be capable of work with one of many league’s greatest operating again tandems, whereas in search of top-tier cross catchers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta. Possibly it’s truthful to surprise what number of extra years the Lions’ offensive line will play on the elite stage we’ve seen in 2023 and 2024, however the expertise is nice sufficient to maintain issues buzzing in 2025, on the very least.

Detroit Lions vast receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) makes an over the shoulder catch for a protracted first down in the course of the NFC Divisional Playoff recreation in opposition to the Washington Commanders on Sunday January 18, 2025 at Ford Area in Detroit, MI. (Picture by Steven King/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures)

It is easy to know why so many individuals have excessive hopes for J.J. McCarthy. How may you not, having simply watched what this help system did for Sam Darnold? The Vikings are loaded on the ability positions, they usually’ve improved their depth in 2025. Additionally they spent a fortune revamping their offensive line, which was quietly a hassle spot for a lot of final 12 months. And as thrilling as all that expertise is, it’s even higher when it comes with nice teaching. Kevin O’Connell has helped Kirk Cousins and Darnold play one of the best soccer of their careers. If McCarthy has Professional Bowl-caliber play in him, O’Connell can coax it out — with a giant help from a tremendously proficient supporting forged, clearly.

The highest spot could be the best to determine on this total train. The Eagles return 10 of 11 starters from the unit that cruised to a Tremendous Bowl title, they usually even did a pleasant job creating competitors for Mekhi Becton’s vacant guard spot by buying and selling for Kenyon Inexperienced. They’ve one of the best operating again in soccer, an elite receiver duo, a high quality tight finish and the highest offensive line within the recreation. Possibly there’s some small trigger for concern with the lack of playcaller Kellen Moore to the Saints — first-time OC Kevin Patullo has been on employees since 2021 — however there’s an excessive amount of expertise right here to lose sleep over it.

David Helman covers the NFL for FOX Sports activities and hosts the NFL on FOX podcast. He beforehand spent 9 seasons overlaying the Cowboys for the crew’s official web site. In 2018, he gained a regional Emmy for his function in producing “Dak Prescott: A Household Reunion” concerning the quarterback’s time at Mississippi State. Comply with him on Twitter at @davidhelman_.

Need nice tales delivered proper to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports activities account, observe leagues, groups and gamers to obtain a personalised publication each day.