I like this exercise. It's fun to ask those who say "Dak is average" what 10 QBs they'd take over him. Make them put in writing that Matt Ryan or whoever is better. They never do.
It's Mahomes, and then a group of Dak, Wilson, Lamar, Watson, and Rodgers in whatever order you'd like. Either way you spin it, Dak's a top 6 QB.
It’s all a speculative argument . Much like Elite is a speculative term. Most would define Elite as SB champion, MVP or consistent league leader in passing.
I wouldn’t even put Jackson into that Elite category yet because he’s not a prolific passer IMO while his value is no doubt worthy. And Daks value to our team is MVP caliber as well. I just don’t see him as one of the more prolific passers in the league at this time.
But he’s still worthy of a big contract as most in the best of the rest category are. You can still win with them. And the way QB contracts are done the market often drives it. And how Ryan and Stafford were the top paid QB’s in recent years while not being in that Elite category IMO. At least not consistently.
I’ll give you my list of top QB’s. Dak would be in the best of the rest category.
In no particular order . Top QB’s
Rodgers
Mahomes
Brady
Brees
Rivers
Wilson
Rothleisburger
Allen - could be in best of rest but he’s elevated himself this year and see him as the Prolific type passer that defines Elite to me.
Best of the rest
Jackson- MVP but not the prolific type passer. He could elevate himself over time.
Watson- more in the next best of rest like Prescott
Prescott
Goff
Ryan
Cousins
Stafford
Carr
Best up and coming
Herbert- could be next Elite type
Burrows
Tua
Murray
Darnold- has potential but on horrid team
Maxwell