The football community is often united in its enthusiasm for quarterback rankings, particularly in anticipation of another assessment as training camps for all 32 teams commence. This presents a prime opportunity to evaluate the projected starting quarterbacks for the 2026 season.
This analysis prioritizes the projection of quarterbacks based on expected future performance rather than solely on historical achievements. One should consider the scenario of serving as a general manager of a team with a mediocre roster and an unremarkable offensive coordinator—who among the available quarterbacks is likely to provide the best chance for success?
**JOSH ALLEN, BUFFALO BILLS**
Although it may seem that I have arrived at a consensus late, this represents the first occasion in some time that I have not designated Patrick Mahomes as the unequivocal top quarterback. Allen possesses extraordinary physical attributes that provide remarkable potential as both a downfield passer and a runner. Furthermore, he has demonstrated consistent improvement in his ability to process information from the pocket. His cognitive competencies have now become as substantial a strength as his athletic prowess. Few players in the history of football can match his capability to enhance the performance of those around him and lead his team to victories.
**LAMAR JACKSON, BALTIMORE RAVENS**
Despite encountering challenges during the previous season, I am inclined to attribute Jackson’s struggles to injuries. He achieved his second MVP award in 2023 and delivered an even more impressive performance to secure the runner-up position in 2024. With a remarkable 41 touchdowns and only four interceptions, he achieved a league-leading average of 8.8 yards per attempt while also accumulating 915 rushing yards. I would argue that his subsequent performance ranks among the finest seasons for a quarterback in history. Jackson has consistently demonstrated that he is a more effective pocket passer than he is often credited for, and I believe he will excel in a revamped Ravens offense that is expected to employ more play-action, placing him under center.
**PATRICK MAHOMES, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS**
Ranking Mahomes at this position may seem almost unjust, given his standing among the greatest quarterbacks in history. Nevertheless, due to the less-than-stellar results in recent seasons, it is challenging to justify placing him above Allen and Jackson. Nonetheless, I believe it is only a matter of time before Mahomes and the Chiefs rediscover the downfield passing capabilities that made them a formidable force at the onset of his career. The innate ability of the 30-year-old to extend plays will likely continue to pose challenges for defenses, particularly in critical moments.
**DRAKE MAYE, NEW ENGLAND**
There may be a perception that Maye’s sophomore year was benefited by a relatively lenient schedule. However, even if one accepts this premise, it remains evident that he must possess exceptional talent to lead the league in the metrics mentioned above. Posting such impressive statistics as a sophomore places Maye on the trajectory towards becoming a consensus elite quarterback. It is anticipated that he will make significant progress in what will be only his second full year as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
**MATT STAFFORD** , LA RAMS
Stafford currently finds himself at a stage in his career where his performance could potentially decline unexpectedly. Given this uncertainty, one might prefer to select a younger top-tier quarterback for the upcoming season; nonetheless, this ranking could prove to be conservative if the 38-year-old continues to perform at the MVP level he displayed in the previous year.
**JUSTIN HERBERT, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS**
Herbert has emerged as a somewhat polarizing figure among quarterbacks. A segment of the football community regards him as an extraordinary talent who requires a stable team environment to optimize his potential. Others, however, are hesitant to overlook the lack of tangible results. As this ranking suggests, I am firmly in the category of Herbert supporters. The arrival of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator may finally enable the Chargers to fully exploit Herbert’s remarkable arm strength and underrated athleticism.
**DAK PRESCOTT, DALLAS**
I take pride in my resistance to narratives that unfairly undermine quarterbacks within the Cowboys organization. Similar to Tony Romo before him, Prescott often becomes the target of undue criticism, primarily due to his position leading the league’s most iconic, and frequently maligned, franchise. Interceptions are an inevitable consequence of a quarterback willing to challenge tight defensive windows and execute throws that others may hesitate to attempt. Prescott remains one of the premier pure pocket passers in the contemporary game.
**JORDAN LOVE, GREEN BAY**
This may be the year in which Love takes a significant step towards entering the ranks of the NFL elite. While skeptics might argue that he has failed to surpass 3,400 passing yards for a second consecutive season, Love’s capacity to efficiently execute downfield throws ranks among the best in the league. His 5.8% big-time throw rate ranked second only to Matthew Stafford among qualified passers in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Most notably, he demonstrated an ability to reduce costly turnovers, achieving a career-low of six interceptions over 15 games.
**CALEB WILLIAMS, CHICAGO**
Critics aiming to temper the excitement surrounding Williams might reference his current accuracy metrics as indicative of his need for improvement. While this perspective holds validity, I remain steadfast in my belief that the former No. 1 overall pick will ultimately emerge as the premier quarterback from the exceptional 2024 draft class. With another year of development under the guidance of Ben Johnson, it is reasonable to anticipate Williams entering the NFL’s top ten overall quarterbacks. His rare combination of arm strength and innate ability for improvisational playmaking is comparable to that of Patrick Mahomes.
**JAYDEN DANIELS, WASHINGTON**
Daniels did not exhibit extraordinary performance during the seven games he participated in amid multiple injury interruptions last season. Nevertheless, I am inclined to regard his historically impressive rookie season as a more accurate representation of his potential. The former No. 2 overall pick is a remarkable athlete who has demonstrated proficiency from the pocket that was not fully acknowledged following his tenure at LSU. Should he manage to safeguard his health and maintain consistent play, Daniels could potentially ascend the rankings on this list.
**SAM DARNOLD, SEATTLE**
A substantial portion of analysts is exercising caution regarding the recent resurgence of Darnold. In response to these criticisms, one must consider what additional evidence is necessary. The evident decline of the Vikings’ offensive performance following Darnold’s departure serves as compelling proof that he was not merely a product of Kevin O’Connell’s system. Furthermore, his performance in Seattle was arguably superior, as he finished second only to Maye in yards per attempt while guiding an explosive Seahawks passing attack. Additionally, he notably outperformed Stafford in an exceptional NFC Championship game and subsequently led Seattle to a Super Bowl victory against New England. Darnold’s capabilities are genuine.
**JARED GOFF, DETROIT**
Although Goff’s ranking may appear somewhat modest in light of recent statistics, a position within the top 13 should not be dismissed. His proficiency in targeting intermediate areas of the field from the pocket positions him firmly among quarterbacks capable of leading a team to a Super Bowl victory. However, the offensive line issues faced by Detroit last season underscored his limitations regarding mobility. In situations where protection is subpar and devoid of Detroit’s array of offensive weapons, Goff’s production is likely to regress towards the average tier.
**TREVOR LAWRENCE, JACKSONVILLE**
I advocate for a cautious approach in elevating Lawrence within the rankings until he consistently replicates the level of performance exhibited in the previous year. This perspective may seem somewhat unjust, especially considering that Liam Coen’s arrival could have finally unlocked the potential envisioned by the Jaguars when they selected him first overall in the 2021 draft. Nevertheless, Lawrence had previously demonstrated promise after his sophomore year, only to experience regression in subsequent seasons. If his enhanced decision-making proves to be sustainable and he continues to integrate his mobility with his exceptional arm talent, Lawrence possesses the potential to rank among the top ten quarterbacks.
**JALEN HURTS, PHILADELPHIA**
Hurts has evolved into one of the more divisive quarterbacks in the league. At times, he exhibits the traits of a legitimate superstar, while at other moments, he appears to hinder the Eagles’ offensive effectiveness. The reality is likely more nuanced, heavily influenced by schematics. In an offense designed to exploit vertical opportunities and leverage the quarterback’s running abilities, Hurts can prove to be a transformative player. Conversely, the results may be less consistent in a system that emphasizes mid-field attacks. With the Eagles appearing to transition towards the latter approach, Hurts’ performance will be intriguing to observe in the 2026 season.
**BROCK PURDY, SAN FRANCISCO**
Purdy exemplifies a scenario where, when evaluating quarterbacks in isolation, his performance may not align with the conventional metrics typically expected. While it remains uncertain whether his arm strength or ball placement would remain effective outside the favorable environment created by Kyle Shanahan’s system, Purdy’s timing, anticipation, and capacity to extend plays have significantly elevated the team’s performance. Despite the often derogatory connotation of the “system quarterback” label, he is indeed an ideal fit for the 49ers.
**CJ STROUD, HOUSTON**
I refuse to abandon faith in Stroud based solely on a disappointing playoff performance. Although the Texans’ quarterback struggled in the final two games of January, I posit that this downturn was a culmination of growing discomfort resulting from two years behind a subpar offensive line. The Texans have taken substantial measures this offseason to reinforce that unit, leading me to anticipate a return to the composed and precise version of Stroud who achieved Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023.
**KYLER MURRAY, MINNESOTA**
One might consider it fair to assert that Murray has become somewhat underrated. The rationale behind the Cardinals’ decision to pursue a change at quarterback is understandable, particularly due to Murray’s recurring injury issues that have plagued his career. The 2025 season represents the third occasion in four years in which he failed to start a minimum of 12 games. Nevertheless, he is not the type of player for whom teams should feel comfortable incurring dead money to facilitate a trade. If he can remain healthy, Murray’s ability to attack defensively downfield and create opportunities under pressure would represent a significant improvement over the quarterbacking options the Vikings possessed in 2025.
**BAKER MAYFIELD, TAMPA BAY**
Mayfield is another quarterback who has experienced peaks that could warrant a more favorable ranking. He has also faced numerous challenges, exemplified by last season’s disappointing conclusion. From Week 6 until the conclusion of the regular season, Mayfield ranked 25th in EPA per dropback, closely trailing Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins. While he deserves some leniency given the injuries sustained by himself and the offense throughout the year, he largely constitutes an average starter with the potential to perform at a higher level during favorable stretches. Such a quarterback can facilitate victory if circumstances align favorably.
**BO NIX, DENVER**
Nix presents a challenging case for ranking. His raw statistics are generally strong, and he has demonstrated effectiveness in critical situations; however, certain aspects of his performance raise concerns. For every impressive moment, particularly during scrambles, his overall inconsistency and limitations as a passer downfield leave much to be desired. Notably, he has recorded a league-high 279 passes behind the line of scrimmage over the past two years. In attempts that cover 10 or more air yards, he concluded the 2025 season ranked jointly with Tua Tagovailoa at 23rd in EPA/dropback. Nix must evolve into a decisive game-changer, rather than a mere game-manager, to warrant a significant elevation in his ranking.
**CAM WARD, TENNESSEE**
Ward’s initial season statistics were markedly poor; however, he is close to breaking into the top 20 because much of this lackluster performance cannot be attributed to him. It was evident while observing Titans games that the 2025 No. 1 pick could showcase exceptional talent if afforded a competent supporting cast. I anticipate witnessing this potential unfold this season, following an offseason during which Tennessee implemented substantial changes to both their roster and coaching staff.
**DANIEL JONES, INDIANAPOLIS**
It is pertinent to reiterate the focus of this exercise. Were we to rank quarterbacks solely based on their recent performances, Jones would likely occupy a significantly higher position due to his undeniable success after joining the Colts. However, I remain uncertain whether he can replicate this level of achievement in a different environment, particularly considering his limited track record of success and his recent recovery from a torn Achilles. I would require further evidence before adjusting his ranking.
**BRYCE YOUNG, CAROLINA**
Throughout each season, there are numerous moments when I contemplate investing my confidence in Young. Nevertheless, I frequently find myself questioning whether he will ever fully realize his potential. While this may indeed be the year he finally achieves consistency akin to his collegiate performances at Alabama, he will remain ranked within the bottom tier until he demonstrates reliable play.
**TYLER SHOUGH, NEW ORLEANS**
Shough exhibited several promising moments upon assuming the starting role in the latter half of his rookie season. He displayed the requisite traits—arm strength, touch, accuracy, and processing ability—that I believed justified his selection as a Day 2 pick, even at the age of 25. While this age may indicate he is nearing his developmental ceiling, the performance he has demonstrated thus far indicates that he possesses the capabilities of a competent NFL starting quarterback.
**JAXON DART, NEW YORK GIANTS**
Dart made a significant impact at the professional level far sooner than anticipated. Should the progress he showcased following his final season at Ole Miss be any indicator, he could experience a substantial improvement in his sophomore year. His physical attributes are appealing, and his tenacity is unmistakable. Nonetheless, the Giants’ new coaching staff must assist him in refining his pocket presence, enhancing his downfield accuracy, and increasing his situational awareness to minimize unnecessary contact.
**AARON RODGERS, PITTSBURGH**
It is regrettable to rank an esteemed player such as Rodgers at this level. He has occasionally displayed flashes of his former greatness, particularly when attempting to throw the ball downfield; however, such moments have become infrequent at the age of 42. Last season, his 6.0 air yards per attempt represented the lowest figure among all qualifying quarterbacks. A tendency toward short passes coupled with a lack of escapability under pressure is not conducive to success in the current landscape of the game, even if he continues to maintain ball security.
**GENO SMITH, NEW YORK JETS**
I could not justify placing Smith higher in the rankings due to the significant struggles he faced during his tenure in Las Vegas, which were particularly detrimental. His accuracy and decision-making experienced a marked decline following a successful period in Seattle, culminating in the league’s lowest total of 17 interceptions for the season. It is possible that he may experience a resurgence in New York, given that the challenging circumstances in Las Vegas likely contributed to his difficulties. However, at 35, it is also conceivable that his physical capabilities have diminished, rendering his previously aggressive playing style more of a liability than an asset.
**MALIK WILLIS, MIAMI**
It is essential to approach the statistics presented for Willis with measured scrutiny, as they primarily reflect the six-plus quarters he played in relief of an injured Jordan Love towards the conclusion of the previous season. The limited film available was notably impressive, resulting in Willis receiving a lucrative contract as the new starter in Miami. He must demonstrate that he can maintain his improved pocket skills outside of Matt LaFleur’s system; nonetheless, his arm talent and exceptional running ability suggest considerable developmental potential.
**JACOBY BRISSETT, ARIZONA**
Jacoby Brissett is a quarterback who is frequently undervalued, as he has been required to transition through six different teams over the past six years. The Arizona Cardinals’ offense displayed several promising moments under Brissett’s leadership last season; however, his true worth lies in his role as an elite backup. He lacks the attributes necessary to serve as anything more than a low-end starter.
**TUA TAGOVAILOA, ATLANTA**
The program established by Mike McDaniel in Miami may have become somewhat stale, raising concerns about Tua Tagovailoa’s ability to effectively manage a quarterback-friendly passing game. There is uncertainty regarding whether his accuracy and timing can compensate for deficiencies in arm strength and mobility within a new system.
**KIRK COUSINS, LAS VEGAS**
It is anticipated that Kirk Cousins will assume the starting quarterback role for a significant portion of the upcoming season while the Las Vegas Raiders focus on the development of their No. 1 draft pick, Fernando Mendoza. The 37-year-old quarterback exhibited encouraging performances towards the end of the previous season, suggesting the possibility of regaining some of his earlier form as he further recovers from an Achilles injury sustained in 2023. However, such expectations may be overly optimistic at this stage in his career.
**DESHAUN WATSON, CLEVELAND**
Deshaun Watson is included in this analysis over Shedeur Sanders due to the prevailing likelihood that the Cleveland Browns will make one final attempt to derive value from their $230 million investment. Recent performance metrics indicate that this endeavor may potentially be a significant misuse of resources. Watson recorded a minus-0.19 expected points added (EPA) per dropback across 19 games in Cleveland, ranking 39th out of 40 quarterbacks who have started at least that many games since 2022. Only Zach Wilson has fared worse, with the 0.1-point disparity between Watson and the 38th-ranked Will Levis equating to the gap between Levis and Caleb Williams. It may be prudent to consider transitioning to a younger player at this juncture.
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