Deshone Kizer entered the NFL as a high-profile quarterback prospect and later carved out a journeyman career across multiple teams. This overview tracks his performance metrics, career moves, and how his stats stack up against league expectations.
Below is a snapshot of key Deshone Kizer statistics and career context to guide further analysis of his professional trajectory.
| Season | Team | GP | Cmp | Att | Yds | TD | Int | Rtg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | NY Giants | 11 | 84 | 156 | 872 | 3 | 6 | 73.8 |
| 2019 | Oakland Raiders | 2 | 11 | 25 | 119 | 1 | 2 | 62.5 |
| 2020 | Cleveland Browns | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39.6 |
| 2020 | Carolina Panthers | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 85.9 |
Professional Career Path and Team Usage
Kizer was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round and quickly traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he saw limited action. His early career established a pattern of short stints and situational appearances rather than sustained starting roles.
Subsequently, he joined the New York Giants in 2018, becoming part of a competitive quarterback room. His workload increased meaningfully, providing the most comprehensive snapshot of his NFL production during his only full season as a primary backup and emergency starter.
Passing Statistics and Efficiency Metrics
Across his NFL regular season appearances, Deshone Kizer completed 85 of 183 pass attempts for 988 yards. He recorded eight touchdowns and eight interceptions, resulting in a career passer rating of 75.1.
His completion percentage of 46.4 percent sits near the league median for quarterbacks with meaningful snaps. While his touchdown totals remain modest, his interception rate reflects occasional decision-making risks in higher-pressure environments.
Physical Profile and Athletic Measurements
Scouting measurements highlight a quarterback with a strong arm and mobility traits that influenced his draft stock and later team decisions. These physical benchmarks remain relevant when comparing him to contemporaries who transitioned through similar career arcs.
| Measurement | Value | Benchmark | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 6'2" | NFL QB average | Above average for pocket passers |
| Weight | 217 lbs | Competitive range | Balanced for mobility and durability |
| Arm Length | 32 3/8 inches | Above average | Contributes to downfield passing efficiency |
| 40-yard dash | 4.77 seconds | Mobile QB benchmark | Suitable for designed runs and escapes |
College Production and Draft Context
At Notre Dame, Kizer accumulated over 5,000 yards and 35 touchdowns, establishing himself as a dual-threat quarterback in college schemes. His statistics and highlight-reel runs generated significant pre-draft interest, yet the translation to the NFL proved challenging due to evolving offensive schemes and roster competition.
Key Takeaways and Performance Considerations
- Limited durability and workload constrained statistical accumulation.
- Physical tools provided upside, but execution inconsistencies affected outcomes.
- Best season performance came during his Giants tenure in 2018.
- Opportunity frequency and system fit remained persistent challenges.
- Scouting profiles emphasized arm strength and mobility more than refined pocket presence.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which teams drafted or signed Deshone Kizer?
Cleveland Browns selected him in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers acquired him via trade, and he later spent time with the New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, and Cleveland Browns again.
What were his career-highs in a single season?
In 2018 with the New York Giants, he recorded 872 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and a 73.8 passer rating over 11 games as a primary backup and emergency starter.
How does his completion percentage compare to other NFL quarterbacks?
His 46.4 percent completion percentage aligns with the league average for quarterbacks handling occasional starter duties but is below full-time starter thresholds.
What is his career passer rating and touchdown-to-interception ratio?
Kizer finished with a career passer rating of 75.1 and posted an 8:8 touchdown-to-interception ratio, indicating balanced but unspectamental decision-making under pressure.