There are a lot out arguments out there regarding quarterbacks in the league that definitely make the rankings look wildly different. One thing that does make ranking certain QBs almost impossible is just how many competent players there are.
While there may not be many truly elite passers right now, that tier 2, 'middle class' of starters is almost impossible to rank right. Obviously, rankings are mostly subjective, so there may never be a right answer, but it's still quite tough to do. Fortunately, the regular season is right around the corner now, so we will get to finally see which QBs stand out in the 2026 season.
There could be some who progress up from the middle class, some who remain there, and some who even regress down to the lower tiers of starters in the league. Let's roll out an updated top-10 QB ranking as the preseason continues.
Updated top-10 NFL QB rankings as the 2026 preseason continues
10. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
Drake Maye had an outstanding season for the New England Patriots in the 2025 season, but I even think I have been guilty of gassing Maye up a bit too much and ranking him a bit higher than he might deserve right now. First off, the Patriots' schedule was insanely easy, and that is absolutely a valid talking point.
It was truly one of the easiest schedules in modern league history, so of course a well-coached team with solid talent is going to win a ton of games. Maye did finish second in the MVP voting, but I don't believe it's wild to ask Maye to again play at a high level in 2026 to make the rest of us believers. I do believe Maye is a legitimate franchise QB, but being able to sustain success for another year is a must.
He wasn't bad during his rookie season - he was actually quite good, but this was the first year of a legitimate breakout, so at least continuing a semi-high level of play in 2026 is going to be crucial for Maye to be vaulted higher in QB rankings.
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