Former QB Carson Palmer Backs Joe Burrow As the Best QB in the NFL

The retired QB made his choice for top signal-caller in the league.

As the NFL has entered a new era of elite quarterbacks, many people have differing opinions over who is the best in the league. For most people, Patrick Mahomes is No. 1, coming off an MVP and Super Bowl-winning season.

However, one former quarterback disagrees with that. Former Bengal Carson Palmer appeared on “The QB Room” podcast with his brother, Jordan, and said he believes that Joe Burrow has surpassed Mahomes as the top quarterback in the NFL.

“I know Patrick is phenomenal, but I just think Joe’s more consistent,” Palmer said. “He’s more accountable to run the system and the play that’s called and not feel like, ‘Well, he didn’t win last time and get open for me, so I’m gonna do it with my feet,’ and then before you know it, you’re sacked for a four-yard loss because you tried to make two or three guys miss.”

According to Palmer, Burrow follows his system better than Mahomes, which means he doesn’t have to rely on his athleticism as much as the Chiefs quarterback. But that doesn’t mean that he can’t.

“Talk about not having a weakness. [He’s] Mentally strong, physically tough, accurate, can throw it far enough, fast enough, gets the ball out quick, and then he can actually do a lot with his legs, he just rarely shows it.” Palmer said. “I think he’s as athletic outside of the pocket and can do a lot of the same things Patrick Mahomes has done. He hasn’t done it and showed it yet, he’s played more within his system and style.”

It is not a surprise that Palmer favors a Cincinnati quarterback, as he himself spent seven years with the Bengals himself. Still, Mahomes had more passing yards and touchdowns than Burrow in 2022, along with a win over Burrow in the AFC Championship on the way to his second Super Bowl championship while winning his second MVP award.