The NFL is gearing up for the 2026 season following the Seattle Seahawks’ 29-13 victory over the Recent England Patriots in Super Bowl 60. With significant turnover in coaching and staff across the league, the focus is shifting to the quarterback position. This offseason has already seen ten coaching changes and 21 teams planning to implement new offensive coordinators. As teams reassess their quarterback situations, the upcoming NFL Draft class appears to be lacking in depth, with many teams potentially looking to the veteran market for their next starter.
Among the notable names expected to change teams are Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray, and Tua Tagovailoa. Cousins, in particular, is projected to be released ahead of the new league year, prompting speculation about his next destination. With the quarterback carousel in full swing, predictions about each NFL team’s starting quarterback for the 2026 season are being made. Here’s a breakdown of who might take the helm for each team come kickoff.
Quarterback Predictions for 2026
Here’s a look at potential starting quarterbacks for each NFL team as they prepare for the 2026 season:
- Arizona Cardinals: Tua Tagovailoa – Expected to be a trade option for Kyler Murray, Tagovailoa could be a bounce-back candidate after a challenging season.
- Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr. – With Cousins likely on his way out, the Falcons may stick with Penix, who has shown promise under new coach Kevin Stefanski.
- Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson – Despite injury setbacks, Jackson remains a central figure for the Ravens.
- Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen – The former MVP continues to lead the Bills as they strive for their first Super Bowl.
- Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young – After a strong second season, the Panthers are poised to pick up Young’s fifth-year option.
- Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams – Williams demonstrated significant growth last season and is set to lead the Bears again.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow – The Bengals’ focus will be on keeping Burrow healthy for a full season.
- Cleveland Browns: Kirk Cousins – With Deshaun Watson’s cap hit looming, Cousins could serve as a veteran stopgap.
- Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott – Prescott’s resurgence could lead the Cowboys back to playoff contention.
- Denver Broncos: Bo Nix – Nix is expected to continue as the starter after a strong season.
- Detroit Lions: Jared Goff – Goff proved his critics wrong with a standout performance last year.
- Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love – Love has led the Packers to success in his starting role.
- Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud – Despite a rough playoff performance, Stroud is expected to bounce back.
- Indianapolis Colts: Daniel Jones – After a breakout season, Jones is likely to extend his stay with the Colts.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence – Lawrence’s growth under new coaching will be crucial.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes – Questions remain about Mahomes’ recovery from injury.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza – The top pick in the 2026 Draft, Mendoza is highly anticipated to lead the Raiders.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert – Herbert’s performance will hinge on improvements to the offensive line.
- Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford – Coming off an MVP season, Stafford’s return is confirmed.
- Miami Dolphins: Malik Willis – With a new coaching staff, Willis could find a fresh start.
- Minnesota Vikings: Derek Carr – The Vikings may look to bring Carr back from retirement as a veteran option.
- New England Patriots: Drake Maye – Maye’s impressive sophomore season has solidified his place.
- New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough – Shough showed potential in his rookie season and could take another step forward.
- New York Giants: Jaxson Dart – Dart’s dual-threat ability positions him well for continued success.
- New York Jets: Kyler Murray – The Jets may look to trade for Murray as a potential starter.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts – Hurts continues to lead the Eagles as a reliable quarterback.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers – Speculation around Rodgers suggests he may return for another season.
- San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy – Purdy remains a strong choice for the 49ers going forward.
- Seattle Seahawks: Sam Darnold – Darnold’s performance has solidified his status as a starting quarterback.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield – Mayfield, despite challenges, is expected to continue as the starter.
- Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward – The Titans are committed to developing Ward further.
- Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels – After an injury-plagued season, Daniels aims to return to form.
Context and Implications
The 2026 offseason is shaping up to be pivotal for many NFL teams as they navigate through coaching changes and player transactions. With most franchises looking to stabilize their quarterback positions, the market for veterans like Cousins, Murray, and Tagovailoa will be closely monitored. The outcomes of these decisions could impact not just team performance, but as well the dynamics of the entire league.
As teams finalize their rosters and prepare for the draft, the possibility of trades and acquisitions will remain high. Notably, the financial implications of these moves will also play a significant role, particularly for teams like the Browns, who face substantial cap hits.
What’s Next?
The upcoming NFL Draft will be a crucial turning point for many franchises as they look to secure their future leaders. With a focus on quarterback talent, teams will need to weigh their options carefully. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the offseason unfolds, particularly with potential trades and signings that could reshape rosters ahead of training camps.
As the 2026 season approaches, the excitement and anticipation for quarterback changes add another layer of intrigue to the league. Share your thoughts on who you think will be the starting quarterbacks for each team in the comments below!