The NFL offseason is a game of musical chairs at the quarterback position, and the 2026 offseason will be no different.
Some teams have solidified quarterback situations while others are scrambling for options. This offseason is pretty great for teams in transition at quarterback, not because they are going to be able to find someone in a loaded draft class (it's not), but because they'll be able to take risks on some short-term options that might end up being something.
We're making our all-new predictions for the 2026 NFL season and trying to project every starting quarterback for all 32 teams, including some situations where the backup may start. What quarterbacks are going to end up on new teams, and which players are most likely to start games in 2026?
NFL Predictions: Predicting every team’s starting quarterback for the 2026 season
NFC West starting QBs in 2026
Seattle Seahawks: Sam Darnold
The Seattle Seahawks are obviously going to run it back with Sam Darnold, who just led them to a Super Bowl win this past season. The primary question mark surrounding Darnold is what kind of deal he could get after this season? Darnold is entering the second year of a three-year deal with Seattle, and certainly his long-term future will be revisited after this season.
One more big year and Darnold could legitimately reset the QB market.
Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford
The Rams and Matthew Stafford are running it back for the 2026 season, and you can't help but feel like Matthew Stafford's career is in the "stoppage time" stage at this point. Meaning, at any point, it could be over. But at least for now, the Rams don't have to worry about that. Stafford is still playing at an MVP level and they will be contenders again this season.
San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy
The 49ers had to rely on Mac Jones for much of last season while Brock Purdy was out with an injury, and that will be something to monitor going forward. Purdy got a massive contract from the 49ers, so they are banking on him playing at an elite level given his pay. But the injuries and the way he played this past season have cast some doubt about whether or not that contract was the right call.
Arizona Cardinals: Malik Willis
The Arizona Cardinals are resetting in 2026. They've already cut Kyler Murray, and I see them being the biggest players for Malik Willis. They can give him a multi-year deal, but have no strings attached beyond this season. New head coach Mike LaFleur is going to get a great endorsement from his brother regarding Willis, who played extremely well the last two seasons in relief of Jordan Love.
AFC West starting QBs in 2026
Denver Broncos: Bo Nix
The Denver Broncos could have won a Super Bowl this past season if it weren't for Bo Nix suffering a season-ending ankle injury in the team's playoff win over the Buffalo Bills. Denver's future looks bright, and Bo Nix looks like a legit franchise quarterback. If he can play his best ball in year three, he will be in line for the biggest contract in Denver Broncos history.
Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert
The Chargers need to focus on getting Justin Herbert proper protection. The way this man was destroyed this past season is unacceptable roster malpractice. You can't control injuries, but the Chargers have cut Mekhi Becton and could lose Zion Johnson at guard. And the health going forward for Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt must be monitored, especially with the nature of Slater's injury. Herbert is a game-changer when he's on top of his game.
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes/Jameis Winston
When healthy, Patrick Mahomes is the unquestioned starter in Kansas City, obviously. But will he start every game this season? The timing of his injury last year has at least cast some doubt over the idea of his availability for all 18 weeks of the regular season. I could see the Chiefs turning to a veteran free agent like Russell Wilson, Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston, or a reunion with someone like Carson Wentz or Gardner Minshew. They need someone with experience to back up Mahomes.
Las Vegas Raiders: Russell Wilson/Fernando Mendoza
The Raiders have officially moved on from Geno Smith, so if they want to give Fernando Mendoza time to grow behind the scenes, they'll have to go after another veteran to start off the offseason. Russell Wilson crossed paths with Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak when the two were in Denver back in 2022. Those might not be memories they want to relive, but Wilson isn't a long-term plan. Mendoza will take over at some point this coming season.
NFC South starting QBs in 2026
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young/Geno Smith
This is a major year for Bryce Young to prove he's the future franchise quarterback of the Panthers. The Panthers need to invest in a stronger backup option this offseason, maybe a Marcus Mariota type, because Andy Dalton was purely incompetent when called upon last season. With Young's future in the balance, this year will be pivotal. I wouldn't be surprised to see Geno Smith reunite with Dave Canales to push/mentor Bryce Young and be a starter in case of injury or disaster.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield's play went from MVP-caliber in the first part of the season to replacement level in the second half of the season. Injuries took their toll on the Bucs last season, there's no doubt, but Mayfield is facing another crucial year again in 2026. He's obviously a quality starter, but the Bucs might reset after this season if they have another disappointing finish.
Atlanta Falcons: Joe Flacco/Michael Penix Jr./Tyson Bagent
The Atlanta Falcons cleaned house this offseason, moving on from GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris. Matt Ryan and Ian Cunningham are going to lead the charge in the front office, and Kevin Stefanski is taking the reins as the new head coach. And with the connection Stefanski has, Joe Flacco just makes a lot of sense for this team. Flacco played some good ball the past few seasons, especially in Stefanski's program. He feels like an ideal bridge QB for that team, and they'll probably get another look at Michael Penix at some point to make definitive decisions on his future.
I also think the Falcons could be a darkhorse team to trade for Tyson Bagent if the Bears are taking calls on him this offseason.
New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough
The Saints stumbled into a franchise quarterback during the 2025 offseason, there's no other way to put it. Derek Carr surprised everyone with his retirement, including the Saints, who had to basically host auditions for the QB job right up to the 2025 NFL Draft. And Shough played well in his chance last year. He'll have runway this season to prove himself, but the Seahawks have no strings attached and can go to the 2027 NFL Draft if it doesn't work out.
AFC South starting QBs in 2026
Houston Texans: CJ Stroud
There is no question that the Texans believe in CJ Stroud as the franchise quarterback...for the time being. Houston's offense may have bigger problems than Stroud, but it's also fair to say his play has regressed over the last two seasons, at least a little bit. How quickly -- or not -- will the Texans make a declaration about his long-term situation with the team with a new contract?
Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence's game took off under new head coach Liam Coen last year, which was great to see. The Jaguars are true contenders in the AFC when Lawrence is at his best, and he was one of the most dialed in quarterbacks late last season, at least in the regular season. We'll see how he progresses with another year in Coen's offense.
Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones
The Colts placed the transition tag on Daniel Jones, so barring something unexpected, he should be back with the organization in 2026. And that's the right call, considering how well Jones played and how good the Colts were when he was healthy. The Colts are the best situation for Jones going forward, and vice versa.
Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward
The Titans believe they have a franchise quarterback in Cam Ward, and we all saw glimpses of why they believe that last season. Rookies aren't always going to come in and light it up, so you have to see them take steps throughout the season, and that's exactly what Ward did. He should be expected to take a huge jump this year with Brian Daboll coaching up the offense.
NFC North starting QBs in 2026
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams
There will be no drama with the Bears and their starting quarterback situation. The pairing of Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson is working out well so far, and Williams will be expected to take yet another massive leap forward in this offense in 2026. The Bears have found their guy, and Williams was back to his playmaking self after a tough rookie year.
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love
Jordan Love's injuries this past season ultimately plagued the Packers, but there's zero question about his status as this team's franchise quarterback. The Packers have clearly pushed the chips all-in on Jordan Love and the current team, trading for Micah Parsons and extending both GM Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur. Love is a star.
Minnesota Vikings: Kyler Murray
It's sad to think this way, but it really feels like the ship has sailed for JJ McCarthy with the Minnesota Vikings. It's still possible that he could start some games for that team in 2026, but if that happens, I think it's only going to be because the player who takes his job gets hurt. Kyler Murray makes a ton of sense for the Vikings and certainly the Vikings make a ton of sense for Murray as a short-term situation.
Detroit Lions: Jared Goff
The Lions have a new play-caller for Jared Goff this year (Drew Petzing) after seeing just how badly they were missing Ben Johnson in his first year with the Bears. Goff and the offense struggled with consistency, but he'll be able to bounce back. At this point, the question is whether or not the Lions can win a title with Goff, but they're committed to him.
AFC North starting QBs in 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers
It feels likely that we'll see a reunion between not only Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers this offseason, but between Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy. McCarthy is getting the chance to coach his hometown team in Pittsburgh and Rodgers can reunite with the head coach he won a Super Bowl with once upon a time in Green Bay. We'll believe it's Rodgers's last dance when we see it.
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow
The Bengals don't have a question mark at the quarterback position, apart from the fact that Burrow starting all of the games for this team might be a lofty assumption. Jake Browning isn't good enough to be this team's backup, so maybe the Bengals will get involved in the high-end backup QB market.
For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, having a quality backup is essential and I wouldn't be shocked to see the Bengals pick up someone like Marcus Mariota.
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson
The Ravens regressed badly this past season, and a big part of that was the play of Lamar Jackson. Obviously, when Jackson is at his best, there are few quarterbacks in the NFL that present as much of a challenge for defenses. But when he's off, he's off. The Ravens have a new OC in Declan Doyle, who will perhaps want to raise the floor behind Jackson. But there's no doubt about this team's starter.
Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders/Deshaun Watson
It should come as no surprise that the Browns were the hardest team on this list to predict. Not only do the Browns lack great options on their own roster at the quarterback position, but who is going to want to come and play for this team? It seems like the options are relatively limited right now, but we'll see if Todd Monken can recruit someone to come in.
For now, I'm projecting Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson as the leaders in the clubhouse to start the most games for this team in 2026.
NFC East starting QBs in 2026
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles' offense were absolutely atrocious much of last season. Not that the Eagles are thinking this way, but the fan base is fed up with all the three-and-outs and inefficiency in the passing game. It's too unpredictable given the pay grades of the stars on this team. Jalen Hurts is under a lot of pressure to bounce back this season.
Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott
When healthy, Dak Prescott is still playing at an MVP level. The Cowboys just flat-out wasted a year of his prime by trading away Micah Parsons right before the start of the season, so we'll see how they atone for that mistake in 2026. Prescott is not only playing elite ball, but the Cowboys have surrounded him with great talent at the skill positions.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels/Tua Tagovailoa
David Blough is taking over the offensive operation for the Commanders, and it will be fascinating to see if Washington brings in another experienced backup behind Jayden Daniels. Daniels obviously dealt with a lot of injuries over the past year, but he'll be expected to get back to the form we saw from him during the 2024 season when the Commanders reached the NFC Championship Game.
If/when Tua Tagovailoa hits free agency, I could see him being a strong option to back up Jayden Daniels for a year while he rehabs his value.
New York Giants: Jaxson Dart
John Harbaugh is inheriting a really solid overall roster with the Giants, but there is a lot of growth and maturation that needs to happen with Jaxson Dart this coming season. Dart is talented, he's athletic, and he's got a big arm, but he puts himself in harm's way with the way he plays. He's got to learn how to be a professional quarterback and this will be a prove-it year for him in that regard. The talent is there.
AFC East starting QBs in 2026
New England Patriots: Drake Maye
Folks are calling Drake Maye "The Schedule" with the way things ended for the Patriots this past season, but aside from meme culture coming after him, Maye was fantastic in his second NFL season. Clearly, the Josh McDaniels offense is a fit for his skills, and the Patriots are working hard to surround him with the best talent possible. As good as his season was, the amount of sacks, fumbles, and turnovers in the playoffs were a major cause for concern.
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen
Josh Allen is an MVP candidate year after year. Now, the Bills have added a big-time weapon for him in DJ Moore after seeing how bad the receiver group was last season. Allen's clock is ticking, but he's still going to be expected to be one of the best all-around quarterbacks in the NFL this coming season.
Miami Dolphins: Kirk Cousins/Davis Mills
The Miami Dolphins have a new GM in Jon-Eric Sullivan and a new head coach in Jeff Hafley. Of course, that also means they've got a new OC in Bobby Slowik, who just came over from the Houston Texans. Slowik has connections throughout his career with a number of quarterbacks, and the Dolphins make a ton of sense for a couple of them. With Tua Tagovailoa likely on his way out, the Dolphins could bring in both Kirk Cousins (free agent) and Davis Mills (trade) to give Slowik some experienced options in 2026.
New York Jets: Derek Carr/Carson Wentz
Behind the Cleveland Browns, the New York Jets were the toughest team to project on this list. It just feels like there are so many different directions they could go. The Jets have been linked to Carson Wentz because of his connection to Frank Reich, but they've also been one of the most talked about teams if Derek Carr wants to come out of retirement. Ultimately, we all know they're punting this position 2027.