7 NFL quarterbacks under the most pressure to perform in 2020

5. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders

Derek Carr’s presence on this list should not come as a shock to any fans. Raiders head coach Jon Gruden has been noncommittal regarding Carr’s future with the team, and the offseason signing of Marcus Mariota is not a good sign either.

After an offseason relocation and overhaul at the wide receiver position during the draft, the Raiders may be looking to may a change at quarterback. The buzz has been there since Gruden returned, but the noise surrounding Carr will only get louder if he struggles again in 2020.

4. Cam Newton, New England Patriots

Cam Newton signed a one-year, “prove it” deal with the New England Patriots in late June, but the former NFL MVP’s recent injuries remain a major concern. Newton has looked like a shell of himself for the last two years, losing his last eight starts. Similar struggles could lead to a quick exit from Foxboro.

However, if Newton returns to form, he could be the Patriots’ quarterback of the future. His unique combination of size, power running, and arm talent bring a dynamic element to any offense, but he needs to quell durability concerns to be paid market value again.

3. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Of all of the quarterbacks on this list, Dak Prescott may face the most pressure. The Cowboys signal-caller put up gaudy numbers in 2019, but Dallas’s inability to make the playoffs with such a talented roster remains a major concern. In many ways, Prescott faces the same situation as Kirk Cousins did in Washington, stuck under the franchise tag for the foreseeable future.

If Prescott can lead the Cowboys to the playoffs under new head coach Mike McCarthy, the team will likely extend him. However, if Dallas continues to underperform in crucial games, Prescott may have to continue playing without long-term job security.