Predicting Every 2026 Week One Starting Quarterback in One Sentence or Less

    Is it just me or is the time between the Super Bowl and the start of free agency a lot shorter than in prior years?

    Seattle has won the Super Bowl, and the path to next year's is commencing shortly. That means free agency, and with a long list of players set to hit the open market, we could see some big bucks getting spent in a few weeks' time. Much of the focus, as is typical every free agent cycle, goes to where the quarterbacks end up. We saw it last year with Sam Darnold, as his franchise-changing decision to sign with the aforementioned Seahawks rewarded him with a Lombardi Trophy.

    There are not many guarantees in the NFL, but one every winter is there will be some shuffling with the signal callers. Whether it be draft picks, trades, or free agent signings, teams are already looking at replacing their current quarterbacks with a fresher option. How will this year's puzzle be filled? It's time for my annual tradition as I try to predict every team's Week One starter in one sentence or less. Some are easy while others are a total wild card. Let's see how the 2026 carousel turns out.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen
The growth of Allen from risky draft pick to MVP candidate has been a fun rise, but a trip to the Super Bowl still looms over him.

Miami Dolphins: Malik Willis
Jeff Hafley's hire is enough to convince me that Willis will ink a contract with the Dolphins in March.

New England Patriots: Drake Maye
I didn't expect Maye to make the Super Bowl in his sophomore year and I'm glad I was wrong.

New York Jets: Kyler Murray
Hunch is telling me Kyler ends up on the Jets as a stopgap for a future draft pick, whether in 2026 or 2027.

AFC South

Houston Texans: CJ Stroud
Stroud is still on his rookie contract so I'd make the most of it if I was Houston, however that game against the Patriots might've left a sour taste.

Indianapolis Colts: Russell Wilson
I'm not sure if Daniel Jones is going to be ready by the start of 2026 and if he isn't, this feels like a Russell Wilson landing spot.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence
Lawrence exceeded expectations in 2025 and next year should be an exciting one in Duval.

Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward
The Titans invested the first overall pick in Ward so he's hopefully the guy for years to come.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson
Number 8 returns to the Ravens with a new coach and a renewed energy in Charm City.

Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow
There have been subtle trade rumors the past few years with Burrow, Cincinnati can't afford to let him go.

Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders
It would not surprise me to see a veteran like Marcus Mariota land here, yet I think the Browns honestly liked what they saw in Shedeur.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers
I don't know if this is as much of a lock as others think, but Rodgers seems to be the most likely option here for 2026.

AFC West

Denver Broncos: Bo Nix
Nix should be ready for the start of camp as the Broncos look to repeat as the #1 seed in the AFC.

Kansas City Chiefs: Derek Carr
I'm sure this will cause a reaction, but with Mahomes still recovering and Carr stating he only wants to play for a Super Bowl contender, this checks both boxes.

Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza
There's something in the air the night of the NFL Draft as Mendoza becomes the Raiders' franchise QB.

Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert
Herbert has been a great match with Jim Harbaugh, however his goal should be racking up playoff wins.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott
The Cowboys know what they're getting every year with Dak and it would be a shock to see anyone else under center.

New York Giants: Jaxson Dart
Dart certainly exceeded expectations in Year 1 and I'm curious to see how he'll elevate his game under John Harbaugh.

Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts
Hurts has locked into his future with the Eagles with his recent extension, he's set there.

Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels
It was a rocky injury-riddled second season in the Jayden Daniels era for Washington, however this job is his for the foreseeable future if he stays healthy.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons used a high pick on Penix and let Kirk Cousins walk, so it would be a bit of a surprise to see anyone else under center.

Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young
Making the playoffs and challenging the Rams is exactly the confidence boost Young and the Panthers needed and I'd love to see him take another step forward.

New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough
Shough impressed in his limited NFL action and I think the Saints are quite happy with what they saw.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield
Big year in Tampa Bay, as Baker returns for what could be his final season in the red and pewter.

NFC North

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams
I certainly didn't expect 13 wins and an NFC North title from Williams, can he repeat that in 2026?

Detroit Lions: Jared Goff
Goff loves Detroit and vice versa so I can't see that relationship ending anytime soon.

Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love
I'm very curious to see how Year 4 of Jordan Love will go and whether the Packers can put all the pieces together.

Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy
This is my Kirk Cousins landing spot, however McCarthy holds onto his spot as the Week One starter.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: Tua Tagovailoa
Arizona could still end up selecting a QB in the draft, but Tua ends up in Arizona as the warm-weather climate suits him best.

Los Ángeles Rams: Matthew Stafford
Fresh off an MVP award, Stafford looks the best he's ever been.

San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy
The former Mr. Irrelevant returns under center for the Niners and Mac Jones comes back as a top backup option in the Bay Area.

Seattle Seahawks: Sam Darnold
Introducing Sam Darnold Version 2.0: a Super Bowl Champion and the new face of Seahawks football.


    There's my 2026 quarterback carousel. I will say, with a lack of top options available this cycle, this was not as straightforward as I expected. Did I get it right? Which picks am I way off on? Will Mac Jones end up as a starter somewhere? Plus, we're two months away from the NFL Draft too, so keep an eye out as my mock is right around the corner. As always, thanks so much for checking this out. It's much appreciated and with that said, I'll see you all soon!



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