Anytime a team hits on a quarterback, whether in free agency or the NFL Draft, things get better overnight, and we have seen this happen for franchises recently. In 2024, the Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos did a total 180 after they landed Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix in the 2024 NFL Draft.
And in 2025, we saw another 2024 quarterback pick, Drake Maye, do the same with the New England Patriots. Typically, the NFL seasons do have some breakout passers, and 2026 should truly be no exception.
Let's dive into four quarterbacks who are bound to breakout in 2026.
These quarterbacks are on the brink of breaking out big-time in the 2026 season
Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
It's not the first time we've talked about Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans, and for good reason. I feel like a broken record at this point, but Ward did play extremely well down the stretch and might have some stability around him at this point. Brian Daboll is going to be one of the best things to happen to Ward in his young career, and the Titans could also be in a position to take stud running back prospect Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Given how Ward finished the season, he was on the right track, too. Over the final seven games of his rookie season, Ward threw nine touchdowns against just one interception, finishing that stretch with a 90.5 passer rating. He's on the right track and is going to breakout in 2026.
Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
A similar situation to Ward, Tyler Shough and the New Orleans Saints began to put things together down the stretch in 2025, and the Saints even went as far as to win four of their final five games. Shough and the Saints went 4-2 over the final six games of the season. He threw for 7 touchdowns against three interceptions, adding another three rushing touchdowns and sporting a 97.8 passer rating.
The Saints also added David Edwards and Travis Etienne in free agency, shoring up the main weaknesses on offense. Shough's insane amount of collegiate experience is surely a factor here, but it seems to be working thus far.
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
We have kind of already seen Bo Nix breakout, but in terms of raw passing production, Nix actually wasn't quite as efficient in 2025 as he was in 2024. What we did see, though, is Nix having a more consistent season from start to finish, and we also saw the late-game heroics.
Nix can still take a step forward as a pure passer in 2026, and with Jaylen Waddle in the picture, Nix has his stud, go-to weapon. Waddle is a no. 1 wide receiver, and his skillset fits right into the existing wide receiver room.
Not only is throwing the ball going to be a lot easier, but this should, in turn, open up a lot more in the rushing attack. J.K. Dobbins was a top-5 running back in 2025 before hurting his foot, and while it's a big "if," Dobbins staying healthy for more than 10 games would really be the icing on the cake for this offense.
Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings
Kyler Murray signing with the Minnesota Vikings could be this season's version of Sam Darnold on the Vikings or Baker Mayfield with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. What I mean here is that Murray's 2026 season could be the next 'reclamation project' quarterback breakout campaign.
Mayfield did it back in 2023. Darnold did it in 2024 on the same team, and Daniel Jones did it for half a season in 2025. Why can't Murray be the next? He's a legitimate dual-threat quarterback, a competent, efficient passer, and will have a wealth of weapons at his disposal - nothing like his time in Arizona.
Kevin O'Connell is going to have to cater his offense to Murray's strengths, but any good offensive mind should be able to do that. Murray brings over 150 total touchdowns to Minnesota. This is a good quarterback who could become great in this situation.