Here’s Who Will Start at Quarterback for Each NFL Team in 2026

Shedeur Sanders is poised for the job in Cleveland, and Kyler Murray will probably land with the Jets. For the Raiders, Fernando Mendoza looks like a lock.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray warms up on the sideline during the first half of a game against the Raiders in Las Vegas on Sept. 18, 2022. David Becker/AP Photo

The NFL will have a shakeup in quarterbacks shortly with free agency in March, and the draft in April will likely at least lead to one quarterback change.

Numerous teams are looking to start new quarterbacks in 2026 after last season left something wanting, and a few will have to adjust with the unexpected on the field from last season or off the field in free agency. Here’s a look at who will likely start for each team in 2026, based on last season’s performances, free agency, contracts, draft outlook, and injuries.

Arizona Cardinals

Tua Tagovailoa could land with the Cardinals in free agency amid a coaching change in Arizona. The Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur as head coach this offseason, and he takes over an Arizona team that hasn’t seen consistent performance from its often-injured former No. 1 pick Kyler Murray. The Cardinals’ other option is journeyman backup Jacoby Brissett, who impressed in his 11 starts, but isn’t considered the long-term solution in the desert. Tagovailoa, also a former first-round draft pick, could find a fresh start after recent struggles with the Miami Dolphins.

Atlanta Falcons

Michael Penix Jr. will start again after sustaining an ACL tear in 2025, though Week 1 is not a guarantee due to recovery. Penix threw for 1,982 yards and nine touchdowns versus three interceptions in his second season out of Washington, and that appears to be enough for the new Falcons head coach, Kevin Stefanski, to give him another season under center. In addition, the Falcons appear poised to move on from high-priced backup quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason, but Atlanta will need a quality backup if Penix can’t start Week 1 or gets injured again.

Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson is cemented as the starter again after 2,549 yards passing and 21 touchdowns versus seven interceptions in an injury-riddled 2025. The two-time MVP will look to start afresh under new head coach Jesse Minter and get back to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus. Baltimore has invested big in Jackson with a five-year, $260 million deal, and a contract extension could be around the corner.

Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen had a strong 2025 season with 3,668 yards passing and 25 touchdowns versus 10 picks. Allen hasn’t been able to get the Bills over the hump in the AFC playoffs, but first-year head coach Joe Brady is expected to help change that. The Bills are fully committed to Allen with a six-year, $330 million contract extension.

Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young is set as the starter after a career year in 2025 with 3,011 passing yards and 23 touchdowns versus 11 interceptions. Young has a year left on his rookie contract, and the Panthers will need to consider his future as they could build on an NFC South crown and Wild Card game appearance with him under center for years to come.

Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams lived up to being a former No. 1 pick as he tallied 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns versus seven interceptions last season. He led the Bears to the NFC North title and the Divisional Round. Williams has two seasons left on his rookie deal, so the Bears have a good window to build with him.

Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow’s absence and presence showed how much the Bengals need him, based on the 2025 season alone. The Bengals went 1–8 without Burrow last season when he was recovering from a toe injury. He played well when he retuned, finishing with 1,809 yards for 17 touchdowns versus five interceptions in eight starts. The Bengals finished 6–11 and  are looking all-in with Burrow despite lingering trade speculation.

Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders started low on the depth chart last season, but he made his way to the Pro Bowl despite ups and downs as a rookie. Sanders threw for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns versus 10 interceptions. He looks poised for the starting job again after Dillon Gabriel’s struggles, and $230 million quarterback Deshaun Watson hasn’t played since early 2024 after mostly disappointing results in Cleveland.

Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott threw for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns versus 10 interceptions last season, and he remains the uncontested starter in Dallas. Prescott and company just need to start winning contests after missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. Dallas is paying him a four-year, $240 million extension, as expectations remain high.

Denver Broncos

Bo Nix led the Broncos to the AFC Championship Game and a 14–3 record just two years into his rookie deal. Nix threw for 3,931 yards with 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season, and he is expected to be back on the field in time for Week 1 after an ankle injury in the AFC title game.

Detroit Lions

Jared Goff keeps rolling after 4,564 yards and 34 touchdowns versus eight picks in 2025. Goff has put up those kinds of numbers for the past three years, and he looks primed to get the Lions back to the playoffs after a surprising absence in 2025. Detroit has invested in him with his four-year, $212 million deal, which he is halfway through.

Green Bay Packers

Jordan Love posted 3,381 yards and 23 touchdowns versus six interceptions last season. He couldn’t maintain the unusual tradition of 27-year-old quarterbacks winning Super Bowls in Green Bay, but the Packers are still looking to make the most out of him on his four-year, $220 million contract extension. Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, and Bart Starr all won Super Bowls with the Packers at age 27, but Love has a chance to win it at a different age after three consecutive playoff appearances.

Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud threw for 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns versus eight interceptions, and he led the Texans to a third consecutive Divisional Round game. The Texans are trying to maximize things while Stroud is on his rookie contract, but Houston has yet to reach an AFC Championship Game.

Indianapolis Colts

Daniel Jones needs to re-sign for this to happen, but he played too well for the Colts before his Achilles injury for Indianapolis not to give serious consideration. Jones threw for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns versus eight interceptions amid an 8–4 record. He gives the Colts a chance to have stability at quarterback for the first time since Andrew Luck retired in 2019.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence had a career year and looks to do more in 2026. He threw for 4,007 yards with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, as the Jaguars flipped their record from 4–13 in 2024 to 13–4 in 2025. The Jaguars are all-in on Lawrence amid a five-year, $230 million deal.

Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes, of course, but a Week 1 start may be up in the air with his ACL and LCL tear recovery. Mahomes is expected to bounce back well after a season when he threw for 3,587 yards and 22 touchdowns versus 11 interceptions before the injuries.

Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza looks like a lock for the No. 1 pick in the draft out of Indiana in April. The Raiders badly need an answer at quarterback after Geno Smith’s performance slipped in 2025 with 17 interceptions amid a 3–14 season.

Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert had a solid season with 3,727 yards passing for 26 touchdowns versus 13 interceptions. The Chargers need to boost the receiving corps and offensive line protection around him in order for that output to improve and keep him upright.

Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford will come off an MVP season where he threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns versus eight picks. Stafford, 38, will keep playing at a high level despite prior retirement speculation.

Miami Dolphins

Malik Willis will make a significant free agency signing for the Dolphins if it comes to fruition. Willis performed well in Green Bay as a backup to Jordan Love, and Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had his struggles with 15 interceptions last season.

Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy gets another chance as the Vikings’ starter after a season where he went 6–4 and threw for 1,631 yards and 11 touchdowns versus 12 interceptions. The Vikings spent the No. 10 pick on him in 2024, and this year could represent the last chance for Minnesota to get that move right.

New England Patriots

Drake Maye will look to get the Patriots back to the Super Bowl after an MVP finalist season fell short at the end. Maye threw for 4,398 yards and 31 touchdowns versus eight interceptions, and he helped the Patriots flip from a 4–13 season in 2024 to a 14–3 for 2025.

New Orleans Saints

Tyler Shough impressed and may be the answer at quarterback for the Saints. He threw for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns versus six interceptions, and he went 5–4 after he took over for Spencer Rattler.

New York Giants

Jaxson Dart had a solid rookie season with 2,272 yards and 15 touchdowns versus nine interceptions in 12 games. Dart will get a fresh start in year two since John Harbaugh is taking over as the head coach.

New York Jets

Kyler Murray will land in New York if this free agency forecast comes through. Murray could solve the Jets’ quarterback problems for now, since there likely isn’t a great option at quarterback with the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft.

Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Hurts looks to get the Eagles back to the Super Bowl after falling short in the NFC playoffs. He threw for 3,224 yards and 25 touchdowns versus six interceptions. Hurts also rushed for 421 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaron Rodgers will run it back with the Steelers after he threw for 3,222 yards and 24 touchdowns versus seven picks in 2025. Rodgers went 10–6 and helped the Steelers win the AFC North. He will finish with Mike McCarthy, who takes over as head coach. They were together in Green Bay when Rodgers’ career began in 2005 and won a Super Bowl together in February 2011.

San Francisco 49ers

Brock Purdy performed well despite the injury bug with 2,167 yards passing for 20 touchdowns versus 10 interceptions in nine games. The Niners are invested in Purdy with a five-year, $265 million contract extension.

Seattle Seahawks

Sam Darnold turned out to be the free agent find of the year in 2025 with a winning season that led to a Super Bowl victory, and he could do more in 2026. Darnold tallied 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns versus 14 interceptions for a 14–3 mark.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield looks to get back to 2024 form when he soared the whole season. His 2025 season looked that way early, but fell off amid injuries and offensive struggles. He threw for 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns versus 11 interceptions in an 8–9 season.

Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward showed promise as a rookie at times with 3,169 yards and 15 touchdowns versus seven interceptions. New Titans head coach Robert Saleh will give Ward a fresh start with a chance to make strides in year two.

Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels looks to bounce back after a rough sophomore season beset by injuries. Daniels threw for 1,262 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions in just seven starts.