# List of NFL career passing yards leaders

This list shows the top National Football League quarterbacks with over 32,000 career regular season passing yards, the NFL playoff passing yards leaders with at least 2,500 yards, and the historical progression of regular season record holders.
Tom Brady holds both the regular season record, with 89,214 passing yards, and the playoff record, with 13,400 yards.
In American football, passing, along with running (also referred to as rushing), is one of the two main methods of advancing the ball down the field. Passes are typically attempted by the quarterback, but any offensive player can attempt a pass provided they are behind the line of scrimmage. To qualify as a passing play, the ball must have initially moved forward after leaving the hands of the passer; if the ball initially moved laterally or backwards, the play would instead be considered a running play. The amount of passing yards recorded by each quarterback is a recorded stat in football games.

## Regular season career passing yards leaders

Legend :
| Symbol | Meaning |
| Yds | Career passing yardage |
| GP | Games played |
| YPG | Average yardage per game |
| † | Pro Football Hall of Famer |
| ^ | Active |
Through 2024 season.
NFL regular season career passing yards leaders :
| Rank | Player | Yds | GP | YPG | Team(s) | Seasons | Refs |
| 1 | Tom Brady | 89,214 | 335 | 266.3 | New England Patriots | 2000–2019 | |
| 1 | Tom Brady | 89,214 | 335 | 266.3 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2020–2022 | |
| 2 | Drew Brees | 80,358 | 287 | 280 | San Diego Chargers | 2001–2005 | |
| 2 | Drew Brees | 80,358 | 287 | 280 | New Orleans Saints | 2006–2020 | |
| 3 | Peyton Manning† | 71,940 | 266 | 270.5 | Indianapolis Colts | 1998–2011 | |
| 3 | Peyton Manning† | 71,940 | 266 | 270.5 | Denver Broncos | 2012–2015 | |
| 4 | Brett Favre† | 71,838 | 302 | 237.9 | Atlanta Falcons | 1991 | |
| 4 | Brett Favre† | 71,838 | 302 | 237.9 | Green Bay Packers | 1992–2007 | |
| 4 | Brett Favre† | 71,838 | 302 | 237.9 | New York Jets | 2008 | |
| 4 | Brett Favre† | 71,838 | 302 | 237.9 | Minnesota Vikings | 2009–2010 | |
| 5 | Ben Roethlisberger | 64,088 | 249 | 257.4 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 2004–2021 | |
| 6 | Philip Rivers | 63,440 | 244 | 260 | San Diego/L.A. Chargers | 2004–2019 | |
| 6 | Philip Rivers | 63,440 | 244 | 260 | Indianapolis Colts | 2020 | |
| 7 | Aaron Rodgers^ | 62,952 | 247 | 254.9 | Green Bay Packers | 2005–2022 | |
| 7 | Aaron Rodgers^ | 62,952 | 247 | 254.9 | New York Jets | 2023–present | |
| 8 | Matt Ryan | 62,792 | 234 | 268.3 | Atlanta Falcons | 2008–2021 | |
| 8 | Matt Ryan | 62,792 | 234 | 268.3 | Indianapolis Colts | 2022 | |
| 9 | Dan Marino† | 61,361 | 243 | 253.6 | Miami Dolphins | 1983–1999 | |
| 10 | Matthew Stafford^ | 59,809 | 222 | 269.4 | Detroit Lions | 2009–2020 | |
| 10 | Matthew Stafford^ | 59,809 | 222 | 269.4 | Los Angeles Rams | 2021–present | |
| 11 | Eli Manning | 57,023 | 236 | 241.6 | New York Giants | 2004–2019 | |
| 12 | John Elway† | 51,475 | 234 | 220 | Denver Broncos | 1983–1998 | |
| 13 | Warren Moon† | 49,325 | 208 | 237.1 | Houston Oilers | 1984–1993 | |
| 13 | Warren Moon† | 49,325 | 208 | 237.1 | Minnesota Vikings | 1994–1996 | |
| 13 | Warren Moon† | 49,325 | 208 | 237.1 | Seattle Seahawks | 1997–1998 | |
| 13 | Warren Moon† | 49,325 | 208 | 237.1 | Kansas City Chiefs | 1999–2000 | |
| 14 | Fran Tarkenton† | 47,003 | 246 | 191.1 | Minnesota Vikings | 1961–1966, 1972–1978 | |
| 14 | Fran Tarkenton† | 47,003 | 246 | 191.1 | New York Giants | 1967–1971 | |
| 15 | Carson Palmer | 46,247 | 182 | 254.1 | Cincinnati Bengals | 2003–2010 | |
| 15 | Carson Palmer | 46,247 | 182 | 254.1 | Oakland Raiders | 2011–2012 | |
| 15 | Carson Palmer | 46,247 | 182 | 254.1 | Arizona Cardinals | 2013–2017 | |
| 16 | Vinny Testaverde | 46,233 | 233 | 198.4 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1987–1992 | |
| 16 | Vinny Testaverde | 46,233 | 233 | 198.4 | Cleveland Browns | 1993–1995 | |
| 16 | Vinny Testaverde | 46,233 | 233 | 198.4 | Baltimore Ravens | 1996–1997 | |
| 16 | Vinny Testaverde | 46,233 | 233 | 198.4 | New York Jets | 1998–2003, 2005 | |
| 16 | Vinny Testaverde | 46,233 | 233 | 198.4 | Dallas Cowboys | 2004 | |
| 16 | Vinny Testaverde | 46,233 | 233 | 198.4 | New England Patriots | 2006 | |
| 16 | Vinny Testaverde | 46,233 | 233 | 198.4 | Carolina Panthers | 2007 | |
| 17 | Russell Wilson^ | 46,135 | 199 | 231.8 | Seattle Seahawks | 2012–2021 | |
| 17 | Russell Wilson^ | 46,135 | 199 | 231.8 | Denver Broncos | 2022–2023 | |
| 17 | Russell Wilson^ | 46,135 | 199 | 231.8 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 2024–present | |
| 18 | Joe Flacco^ | 45,697 | 196 | 233.1 | Baltimore Ravens | 2008–2018 | |
| 18 | Joe Flacco^ | 45,697 | 196 | 233.1 | Denver Broncos | 2019 | |
| 18 | Joe Flacco^ | 45,697 | 196 | 233.1 | New York Jets | 2020, 2022 | |
| 18 | Joe Flacco^ | 45,697 | 196 | 233.1 | Philadelphia Eagles | 2021 | |
| 18 | Joe Flacco^ | 45,697 | 196 | 233.1 | Cleveland Browns | 2023 | |
| 18 | Joe Flacco^ | 45,697 | 196 | 233.1 | Indianapolis Colts | 2024 | |
| 19 | Drew Bledsoe | 44,611 | 194 | 230 | New England Patriots | 1993–2001 | |
| 19 | Drew Bledsoe | 44,611 | 194 | 230 | Buffalo Bills | 2002–2004 | |
| 19 | Drew Bledsoe | 44,611 | 194 | 230 | Dallas Cowboys | 2005–2006 | |
| 20 | Dan Fouts† | 43,040 | 181 | 237.8 | San Diego Chargers | 1973–1987 | |
| 21 | Kirk Cousins^ | 42,979 | 164 | 262.1 | Washington Redskins | 2012–2017 | |
| 21 | Kirk Cousins^ | 42,979 | 164 | 262.1 | Minnesota Vikings | 2018–2023 | |
| 21 | Kirk Cousins^ | 42,979 | 164 | 262.1 | Atlanta Falcons | 2024–present | |
| 22 | Derek Carr^ | 41,245 | 169 | 244.1 | Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders | 2014–2022 | |
| 22 | Derek Carr^ | 41,245 | 169 | 244.1 | New Orleans Saints | 2023–present | |
| 23 | Kerry Collins | 40,922 | 198 | 206.7 | Carolina Panthers | 1995–1998 | |
| 23 | Kerry Collins | 40,922 | 198 | 206.7 | New Orleans Saints | 1998 | |
| 23 | Kerry Collins | 40,922 | 198 | 206.7 | New York Giants | 1999–2003 | |
| 23 | Kerry Collins | 40,922 | 198 | 206.7 | Oakland Raiders | 2004–2005 | |
| 23 | Kerry Collins | 40,922 | 198 | 206.7 | Tennessee Titans | 2006–2010 | |
| 23 | Kerry Collins | 40,922 | 198 | 206.7 | Indianapolis Colts | 2011 | |
| 24 | Joe Montana† | 40,551 | 192 | 211.2 | San Francisco 49ers | 1979–1992 | |
| 24 | Joe Montana† | 40,551 | 192 | 211.2 | Kansas City Chiefs | 1993–1994 | |
| 25 | Johnny Unitas† | 40,239 | 211 | 190.7 | Baltimore Colts | 1956–1972 | |
| 25 | Johnny Unitas† | 40,239 | 211 | 190.7 | San Diego Chargers | 1973 | |
| 26 | Andy Dalton^ | 39,500 | 174 | 227 | Cincinnati Bengals | 2011–2019 | |
| 26 | Andy Dalton^ | 39,500 | 174 | 227 | Dallas Cowboys | 2020 | |
| 26 | Andy Dalton^ | 39,500 | 174 | 227 | Chicago Bears | 2021 | |
| 26 | Andy Dalton^ | 39,500 | 174 | 227 | New Orleans Saints | 2022 | |
| 26 | Andy Dalton^ | 39,500 | 174 | 227 | Carolina Panthers | 2023–present | |
| 27 | Dave Krieg | 38,147 | 213 | 179.1 | Seattle Seahawks | 1980–1991 | |
| 27 | Dave Krieg | 38,147 | 213 | 179.1 | Kansas City Chiefs | 1992–1993 | |
| 27 | Dave Krieg | 38,147 | 213 | 179.1 | Detroit Lions | 1994 | |
| 27 | Dave Krieg | 38,147 | 213 | 179.1 | Arizona Cardinals | 1995 | |
| 27 | Dave Krieg | 38,147 | 213 | 179.1 | Chicago Bears | 1996 | |
| 27 | Dave Krieg | 38,147 | 213 | 179.1 | Tennessee Oilers | 1997–1998 | |
| 28 | Boomer Esiason | 37,920 | 187 | 202.8 | Cincinnati Bengals | 1984–1992, 1997 | |
| 28 | Boomer Esiason | 37,920 | 187 | 202.8 | New York Jets | 1993–1995 | |
| 28 | Boomer Esiason | 37,920 | 187 | 202.8 | Arizona Cardinals | 1996 | |
| 29 | Donovan McNabb | 37,276 | 167 | 223.2 | Philadelphia Eagles | 1999–2009 | |
| 29 | Donovan McNabb | 37,276 | 167 | 223.2 | Washington Redskins | 2010 | |
| 29 | Donovan McNabb | 37,276 | 167 | 223.2 | Minnesota Vikings | 2011 | |
| 30 | Matt Hasselbeck | 36,638 | 209 | 175.3 | Green Bay Packers | 1999–2000 | |
| 30 | Matt Hasselbeck | 36,638 | 209 | 175.3 | Seattle Seahawks | 2001–2010 | |
| 30 | Matt Hasselbeck | 36,638 | 209 | 175.3 | Tennessee Titans | 2011–2012 | |
| 30 | Matt Hasselbeck | 36,638 | 209 | 175.3 | Indianapolis Colts | 2013–2015 | |
| 31 | Alex Smith | 35,650 | 174 | 204.9 | San Francisco 49ers | 2005–2012 | |
| 31 | Alex Smith | 35,650 | 174 | 204.9 | Kansas City Chiefs | 2013–2017 | |
| 31 | Alex Smith | 35,650 | 174 | 204.9 | Washington Redskins/Football Team | 2018–2020 | |
| 32 | Jim Kelly† | 35,467 | 160 | 221.7 | Buffalo Bills | 1986–1996 | |
| 33 | Jay Cutler | 35,133 | 153 | 229.6 | Denver Broncos | 2006–2008 | |
| 33 | Jay Cutler | 35,133 | 153 | 229.6 | Chicago Bears | 2009–2016 | |
| 33 | Jay Cutler | 35,133 | 153 | 229.6 | Miami Dolphins | 2017 | |
| 34 | Jared Goff^ | 35,058 | 134 | 261.6 | Los Angeles Rams | 2016–2020 | |
| 34 | Jared Goff^ | 35,058 | 134 | 261.6 | Detroit Lions | 2021–present | |
| 35 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | 34,990 | 166 | 210.8 | St. Louis Rams | 2005–2006 | |
| 35 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | 34,990 | 166 | 210.8 | Cincinnati Bengals | 2007–2008 | |
| 35 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | 34,990 | 166 | 210.8 | Buffalo Bills | 2009–2012 | |
| 35 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | 34,990 | 166 | 210.8 | Tennessee Titans | 2013 | |
| 35 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | 34,990 | 166 | 210.8 | Houston Texans | 2014 | |
| 35 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | 34,990 | 166 | 210.8 | New York Jets | 2015–2016 | |
| 35 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | 34,990 | 166 | 210.8 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2017–2018 | |
| 35 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | 34,990 | 166 | 210.8 | Miami Dolphins | 2019–2020 | |
| 35 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | 34,990 | 166 | 210.8 | Washington Football Team | 2021 | |
| 36 | Ryan Tannehill | 34,881 | 155 | 225 | Miami Dolphins | 2012–2018 | |
| 36 | Ryan Tannehill | 34,881 | 155 | 225 | Tennessee Titans | 2019–2023 | |
| 37 | Jim Everett | 34,837 | 158 | 220.5 | Los Angeles Rams | 1986–1993 | |
| 37 | Jim Everett | 34,837 | 158 | 220.5 | New Orleans Saints | 1994–1996 | |
| 37 | Jim Everett | 34,837 | 158 | 220.5 | San Diego Chargers | 1997 | |
| 38 | Jim Hart | 34,665 | 201 | 172.5 | St. Louis Cardinals | 1966–1983 | |
| 38 | Jim Hart | 34,665 | 201 | 172.5 | Washington Redskins | 1984 | |
| 39 | Steve DeBerg | 34,241 | 206 | 166.2 | San Francisco 49ers | 1978–1980 | |
| 39 | Steve DeBerg | 34,241 | 206 | 166.2 | Denver Broncos | 1981–1983 | |
| 39 | Steve DeBerg | 34,241 | 206 | 166.2 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1984–1987, 1992–1993 | |
| 39 | Steve DeBerg | 34,241 | 206 | 166.2 | Kansas City Chiefs | 1988–1991 | |
| 39 | Steve DeBerg | 34,241 | 206 | 166.2 | Miami Dolphins | 1993 | |
| 39 | Steve DeBerg | 34,241 | 206 | 166.2 | Atlanta Falcons | 1998 | |
| 40 | Tony Romo | 34,183 | 156 | 219.1 | Dallas Cowboys | 2003–2016 | |
| 41 | John Hadl | 33,503 | 224 | 149.6 | San Diego Chargers | 1962–1972 | |
| 41 | John Hadl | 33,503 | 224 | 149.6 | Los Angeles Rams | 1973–1974 | |
| 41 | John Hadl | 33,503 | 224 | 149.6 | Green Bay Packers | 1974–1975 | |
| 41 | John Hadl | 33,503 | 224 | 149.6 | Houston Oilers | 1976–1977 | |
| 42 | Phil Simms | 33,462 | 164 | 204 | New York Giants | 1979–1993 | |
| 43 | Steve Young† | 33,124 | 169 | 196 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1985–1986 | |
| 43 | Steve Young† | 33,124 | 169 | 196 | San Francisco 49ers | 1987–1999 | |
| 44 | Troy Aikman† | 32,942 | 165 | 199.6 | Dallas Cowboys | 1989–2000 | |
| 45 | Ken Anderson | 32,838 | 192 | 171 | Cincinnati Bengals | 1971–1986 | |
| 46 | Cam Newton | 32,382 | 148 | 218.8 | Carolina Panthers | 2011–2019, 2021 | |
| 46 | Cam Newton | 32,382 | 148 | 218.8 | New England Patriots | 2020 | |
| 47 | Patrick Mahomes^ | 32,352 | 112 | 288.9 | Kansas City Chiefs | 2017–present | |
| 48 | Kurt Warner† | 32,344 | 124 | 260.8 | St. Louis Rams | 1998–2003 | |
| 48 | Kurt Warner† | 32,344 | 124 | 260.8 | New York Giants | 2004 | |
| 48 | Kurt Warner† | 32,344 | 124 | 260.8 | Arizona Cardinals | 2005–2009 | |
| 49 | Sonny Jurgensen† | 32,224 | 218 | 147.8 | Philadelphia Eagles | 1957–1963 | |
| 49 | Sonny Jurgensen† | 32,224 | 218 | 147.8 | Washington Redskins | 1964–1974 | |
| 50 | Mark Brunell | 32,072 | 193 | 166.2 | Green Bay Packers | 1993–1994 | |
| 50 | Mark Brunell | 32,072 | 193 | 166.2 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 1995–2003 | |
| 50 | Mark Brunell | 32,072 | 193 | 166.2 | Washington Redskins | 2004–2007 | |
| 50 | Mark Brunell | 32,072 | 193 | 166.2 | New Orleans Saints | 2008–2009 | |
| 50 | Mark Brunell | 32,072 | 193 | 166.2 | New York Jets | 2010–2012 | |
| Rank | Player | Yds | GP | YPG | Team(s) | Seasons | Refs |
Note: Y. A. Tittle passed for 33,070 yards in his professional career, which would place him in 44th on this list, but 4,731 of those yards came in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), which the NFL does not recognize statistics and records from to date. Thus, Tittle's career passing yards total in the NFL stands at 28,339.

## Playoff leaders

Through 2024–25 NFL playoffs. Based on at least 2,500 postseason passing yards.
| Rank | Player | Yds | GP | YPG | Team(s) | Seasons |
| 1 | Tom Brady | 13,400 | 48 | 279.2 | New England Patriots | 2000–2019 |
| 1 | Tom Brady | 13,400 | 48 | 279.2 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2020–2022 |
| 2 | Peyton Manning† | 7,339 | 27 | 271.8 | Indianapolis Colts | 1998–2011 |
| 2 | Peyton Manning† | 7,339 | 27 | 271.8 | Denver Broncos | 2012–2015 |
| 3 | Ben Roethlisberger | 5,972 | 23 | 259.7 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 2004–2021 |
| 4 | Aaron Rodgers^ | 5,894 | 22 | 267.9 | Green Bay Packers | 2005–2022 |
| 4 | Aaron Rodgers^ | 5,894 | 22 | 267.9 | New York Jets | 2023–present |
| 5 | Brett Favre† | 5,855 | 24 | 244 | Atlanta Falcons | 1991 |
| 5 | Brett Favre† | 5,855 | 24 | 244 | Green Bay Packers | 1992–2007 |
| 5 | Brett Favre† | 5,855 | 24 | 244 | New York Jets | 2008 |
| 5 | Brett Favre† | 5,855 | 24 | 244 | Minnesota Vikings | 2009–2010 |
| 6 | Patrick Mahomes^ | 5,814 | 21 | 276.9 | Kansas City Chiefs | 2017-present |
| 7 | Joe Montana† | 5,772 | 23 | 251 | San Francisco 49ers | 1979–1992 |
| 7 | Joe Montana† | 5,772 | 23 | 251 | Kansas City Chiefs | 1993–1994 |
| 8 | Drew Brees | 5,366 | 18 | 298.1 | San Diego Chargers | 2001–2005 |
| 8 | Drew Brees | 5,366 | 18 | 298.1 | New Orleans Saints | 2006–2020 |
| 9 | John Elway† | 4,964 | 22 | 225.6 | Denver Broncos | 1983–1998 |
| 10 | Dan Marino† | 4,510 | 18 | 250.6 | Miami Dolphins | 1983–1999 |
| 11 | Russell Wilson^ | 4,056 | 17 | 238.6 | Seattle Seahawks | 2012–2021 |
| 11 | Russell Wilson^ | 4,056 | 17 | 238.6 | Denver Broncos | 2022–2023 |
| 11 | Russell Wilson^ | 4,056 | 17 | 238.6 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 2024–present |
| 12 | Kurt Warner† | 3,952 | 13 | 304 | St. Louis Rams | 1998–2003 |
| 12 | Kurt Warner† | 3,952 | 13 | 304 | New York Giants | 2004 |
| 12 | Kurt Warner† | 3,952 | 13 | 304 | Arizona Cardinals | 2005–2009 |
| 13 | Jim Kelly† | 3,863 | 17 | 227.2 | Buffalo Bills | 1986–1996 |
| 14 | Troy Aikman† | 3,849 | 16 | 240.6 | Dallas Cowboys | 1989–2000 |
| 15 | Terry Bradshaw† | 3,833 | 19 | 201.7 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 1970–1983 |
| 16 | Donovan McNabb | 3,752 | 16 | 234.5 | Philadelphia Eagles | 1999–2009 |
| 16 | Donovan McNabb | 3,752 | 16 | 234.5 | Washington Redskins | 2010 |
| 16 | Donovan McNabb | 3,752 | 16 | 234.5 | Minnesota Vikings | 2011 |
| 17 | Joe Flacco^ | 3,530 | 16 | 220.6 | Baltimore Ravens | 2008–2018 |
| 17 | Joe Flacco^ | 3,530 | 16 | 220.6 | Denver Broncos | 2019 |
| 17 | Joe Flacco^ | 3,530 | 16 | 220.6 | New York Jets | 2020, 2021–2022 |
| 17 | Joe Flacco^ | 3,530 | 16 | 220.6 | Philadelphia Eagles | 2021 |
| 17 | Joe Flacco^ | 3,530 | 16 | 220.6 | Cleveland Browns | 2023 |
| 17 | Joe Flacco^ | 3,530 | 16 | 220.6 | Indianapolis Colts | 2024 |
| 18 | Josh Allen^ | 3,359 | 13 | 258.4 | Buffalo Bills | 2018-present |
| 19 | Steve Young† | 3,326 | 22 | 151.2 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1985–1986 |
| 19 | Steve Young† | 3,326 | 22 | 151.2 | San Francisco 49ers | 1987–1999 |
| 20 | Matthew Stafford^ | 2,996 | 10 | 299.6 | Detroit Lions | 2009–2020 |
| 20 | Matthew Stafford^ | 2,996 | 10 | 299.6 | Los Angeles Rams | 2021-present |
| 21 | Philip Rivers | 2,965 | 12 | 247.1 | San Diego/L.A. Chargers | 2004–2019 |
| 21 | Philip Rivers | 2,965 | 12 | 247.1 | Indianapolis Colts | 2020 |
| 21 | Warren Moon† | 2,870 | 10 | 287 | Houston Oilers | 1984–2003 |
| 21 | Warren Moon† | 2,870 | 10 | 287 | Minnesota Vikings | 1994–1996 |
| 21 | Warren Moon† | 2,870 | 10 | 287 | Seattle Seahawks | 1997–1998 |
| 21 | Warren Moon† | 2,870 | 10 | 287 | Kansas City Chiefs | 1999–2000 |
| 22 | Roger Staubach† | 2,817 | 20 | 140.9 | Dallas Cowboys | 1969–1979 |
| 23 | Eli Manning | 2,815 | 12 | 234.6 | New York Giants | 2004–2019 |
| 24 | Matt Hasselbeck | 2,741 | 11 | 249.2 | Green Bay Packers | 1998–2000 |
| 24 | Matt Hasselbeck | 2,741 | 11 | 249.2 | Seattle Seahawks | 2001–2010 |
| 24 | Matt Hasselbeck | 2,741 | 11 | 249.2 | Tennessee Titans | 2011–2012 |
| 24 | Matt Hasselbeck | 2,741 | 11 | 249.2 | Indianapolis Colts | 2013–2015 |
| 25 | Matt Ryan | 2,672 | 10 | 267.2 | Atlanta Falcons | 2008–2021 |
| 25 | Matt Ryan | 2,672 | 10 | 267.2 | Indianapolis Colts | 2022 |
| 26 | Ken Stabler† | 2,641 | 13 | 203.2 | Oakland Raiders | 1970–1979 |
| 26 | Ken Stabler† | 2,641 | 13 | 203.2 | Houston Oilers | 1980–1981 |
| 26 | Ken Stabler† | 2,641 | 13 | 203.2 | New Orleans Saints | 1982–1984 |

## Historical passing yards leaders

Eleven players are recognized as having held the record as the NFL's career passing yardage leader. The longest record holder was Fran Tarkenton, who held the record for nineteen years.
| Reign | Player | Team(s) while leader | Career passing yards | Season(s) |
| 1932–1942 (11 years) | Arnie Herber† | Green Bay Packers | 639 | 1932 |
| 1932–1942 (11 years) | Arnie Herber† | Green Bay Packers | 1,295 | 1933 |
| 1932–1942 (11 years) | Arnie Herber† | Green Bay Packers | 2,094 | 1934 |
| 1932–1942 (11 years) | Arnie Herber† | Green Bay Packers | 2,823 | 1935 |
| 1932–1942 (11 years) | Arnie Herber† | Green Bay Packers | 4,062 | 1936 |
| 1932–1942 (11 years) | Arnie Herber† | Green Bay Packers | 4,746 | 1937 |
| 1932–1942 (11 years) | Arnie Herber† | Green Bay Packers | 5,082 | 1938 |
| 1932–1942 (11 years) | Arnie Herber† | Green Bay Packers | 6,189 | 1939 |
| 1932–1942 (11 years) | Arnie Herber† | Green Bay Packers | 6,749 | 1940–1942 |
| 1943–1958 (16 years) | Sammy Baugh† | Washington Redskins | 8,379 | 1943 |
| 1943–1958 (16 years) | Sammy Baugh† | Washington Redskins | 9,228 | 1944 |
| 1943–1958 (16 years) | Sammy Baugh† | Washington Redskins | 10,897 | 1945 |
| 1943–1958 (16 years) | Sammy Baugh† | Washington Redskins | 12,060 | 1946 |
| 1943–1958 (16 years) | Sammy Baugh† | Washington Redskins | 14,998 | 1947 |
| 1943–1958 (16 years) | Sammy Baugh† | Washington Redskins | 17,597 | 1948 |
| 1943–1958 (16 years) | Sammy Baugh† | Washington Redskins | 19,500 | 1949 |
| 1943–1958 (16 years) | Sammy Baugh† | Washington Redskins | 20,630 | 1950 |
| 1943–1958 (16 years) | Sammy Baugh† | Washington Redskins | 21,734 | 1951 |
| 1943–1958 (16 years) | Sammy Baugh† | Washington Redskins | 21,886 | 1952–1958 |
| 1959–1963 (5 years) | Bobby Layne† | Pittsburgh Steelers | 22,063 | 1959 |
| 1959–1963 (5 years) | Bobby Layne† | Pittsburgh Steelers | 23,877 | 1960 |
| 1959–1963 (5 years) | Bobby Layne† | Pittsburgh Steelers | 25,082 | 1961 |
| 1959–1963 (5 years) | Bobby Layne† | Pittsburgh Steelers | 26,768 | 1962–1963 |
| 1964–1967 (4 years) | Y. A. Tittle† | New York Giants | 28,339 | 1964–1967 |
| 1968–1975 (8 years) | Johnny Unitas† | Baltimore Colts (1968–1972) San Diego Chargers (1973) | 33,160 | 1968 |
| 1968–1975 (8 years) | Johnny Unitas† | Baltimore Colts (1968–1972) San Diego Chargers (1973) | 35,502 | 1969 |
| 1968–1975 (8 years) | Johnny Unitas† | Baltimore Colts (1968–1972) San Diego Chargers (1973) | 37,715 | 1970 |
| 1968–1975 (8 years) | Johnny Unitas† | Baltimore Colts (1968–1972) San Diego Chargers (1973) | 38,657 | 1971 |
| 1968–1975 (8 years) | Johnny Unitas† | Baltimore Colts (1968–1972) San Diego Chargers (1973) | 39,768 | 1972 |
| 1968–1975 (8 years) | Johnny Unitas† | Baltimore Colts (1968–1972) San Diego Chargers (1973) | 40,239 | 1973–1975 |
| 1976–1994 (19 years) | Fran Tarkenton† | Minnesota Vikings | 41,801 | 1976 |
| 1976–1994 (19 years) | Fran Tarkenton† | Minnesota Vikings | 43,535 | 1977 |
| 1976–1994 (19 years) | Fran Tarkenton† | Minnesota Vikings | 47,003 | 1978–1994 |
| 1995–2006 (12 years) | Dan Marino† | Miami Dolphins | 48,841 | 1995 |
| 1995–2006 (12 years) | Dan Marino† | Miami Dolphins | 51,636 | 1996 |
| 1995–2006 (12 years) | Dan Marino† | Miami Dolphins | 55,416 | 1997 |
| 1995–2006 (12 years) | Dan Marino† | Miami Dolphins | 58,913 | 1998 |
| 1995–2006 (12 years) | Dan Marino† | Miami Dolphins | 61,361 | 1999–2006 |
| 2007–2014 (8 years) | Brett Favre† | Green Bay Packers (2007) New York Jets (2008) Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) | 61,655 | 2007 |
| 2007–2014 (8 years) | Brett Favre† | Green Bay Packers (2007) New York Jets (2008) Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) | 65,127 | 2008 |
| 2007–2014 (8 years) | Brett Favre† | Green Bay Packers (2007) New York Jets (2008) Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) | 69,329 | 2009 |
| 2007–2014 (8 years) | Brett Favre† | Green Bay Packers (2007) New York Jets (2008) Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010) | 71,838 | 2010–2014 |
| 2015–2017 (3 years) | Peyton Manning† | Denver Broncos | 71,940 | 2015–2017 |
| 2018–2020 (3 years) | Drew Brees | New Orleans Saints | 74,437 | 2018 |
| 2018–2020 (3 years) | Drew Brees | New Orleans Saints | 77,416 | 2019 |
| 2018–2020 (3 years) | Drew Brees | New Orleans Saints | 80,358 | 2020 |
| Since 2021 (5 years) | Tom Brady | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 84,520 | 2021 |
| Since 2021 (5 years) | Tom Brady | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 89,214 | 2022–present |