NFL Quarterback Worries: 10 Teams Facing Uncertainty in 2026

Training camp is just around the corner for all 32 NFL franchises, and the stakes are especially high for teams without a reliable signal caller. Fantasy owners are scrambling to lock down depth at quarterback before the season begins. Even clubs that appear to have a quarterback on the roster may still be walking a tightrope in 2026.

New York Jets

The Jets added Geno Smith from the Raiders and hope he can steady the franchise after a turbulent offseason. Smith’s previous stint as the starting quarterback saw Las Vegas land the first overall pick in the 2026 draft, a clear statement about his pedigree. He has a reputation for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and this feels like another one‑and‑done assignment. The Jets will need Smith to elevate quickly, or they could find themselves back in the early draft order again. Fantasy owners should monitor his performance as a risky option.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns are reportedly counting on Deshaun Watson to resurrect a struggling offense, a move that smacks of denial. Watson has played in only 19 games for Cleveland since 2020 because of a league‑imposed suspension and recurring injuries. At age 31 his body looks more like a 61‑year‑old’s, and mixing him with rookie Shedeur Sanders could hinder both players. The Browns might want to revisit this quarterback mix before the season starts. Fantasy owners could consider Sanders as an emerging rookie despite the uncertainty.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers’ plan to rebuild around Aaron Rodgers appears shaky, given his statement that this will be his final NFL season. He finishes the 2025 campaign with a 10‑16‑1 win‑loss mark, a ledger unlikely to satisfy a contender. Dating back to his late‑career slump, Rodgers has not shown the same durability that once made him a quarterback of the future. If the Packers are serious about contending, they may need to move on and use the assets to land a true franchise passer. Rodgers’ last‑year declaration adds urgency to any trade talk.

Indianapolis Colts & Jacksonville Jaguars

The Colts and Jaguars will rely on veteran journeymen Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew to fill the quarterback spot, a practice that rarely yields playoff runs. Both players bring solid zip and experience, but they are more suited to short‑term depth than to being the focal point of a high‑stakes offense. Fantasy owners can treat either as low‑risk, high‑upside PPR options if the starters get hurt. In short, these two provide a safety net rather than a true solution.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have brought in Kyler Murray to replace a disappointing J.J. McCarthy experiment, but the move may not be enough for an NFC North title. Murray’s past success is offset by a recent decline, while McCarthy’s struggles made him the definition of a bust after Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl triumph with Seattle. The Vikings already gave up a promising talent (Darnold) for a perceived flash that never materialized. If Murray can recapture his early‑career form, the Vikings might contend; otherwise they could be looking at another last‑place finish. Fantasy owners should watch Murray’s health and efficiency metrics closely.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are trying to determine whether Michael Penix Jr. is ready to become the long‑term quarterback or if they should continue to lean on the injury‑prone Tua Tagovailoa. Penix has flashed arm talent but still looks raw, while Tagovailoa’s body has taken a beating that makes every snap feel like a gamble. Kevin Stefanski’s offense will need to protect whichever quarterback starts, as any missed practice could ripple through the whole squad. Fantasy owners should view both as high‑risk, high‑reward options, depending on health.

Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott returns as a 33‑year‑old with a proven track record when healthy, but the Dallas offense has hovered around a 10‑16‑1 win‑loss mark over the past two seasons. Age is starting to show, and the Cowboys’ offensive line must give him extra time if they want to make a playoff push. Prescott has been clear that this could be his final NFL season, so the organization must decide whether to build around him or transition to a younger signal caller. A strong performance could secure a playoff berth; a disappointing showing may force a radical rebuild. Fantasy owners should still value Prescott if he stays healthy, but the risk is elevated.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have moved on from Tua Tagovailoa and are now leaning on Malik Willis, a fifth‑year signal caller who listed at 6‑6 and appears raw at the position. Coach Jeff Hafley’s defensive background may help mask some of Willis’s inconsistencies, but the offense will still need a steady hand. Willis has flashed moments of Athleticism, yet he has yet to prove he can stay healthy and productive over a full season. Fantasy owners should treat Willis as a mid‑range QB with upside, pending how quickly he develops. The Dolphins’ front office will be watching his progress closely for potential adjustments.

Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward enters his second season with the Titans, but the franchise’s lackluster offensive scheme and a veteran presence in Mitchell Trubisky raise doubts about his development. Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll’s recent work suggests a defensive‑first approach that may not maximize Ward’s potential. The Titans need a quarterback who can make plays; both Ward and Trubisky could provide different skill sets, but the overall offense remains a question mark. Fantasy owners should be cautious, treating Ward as a developmental project rather than an immediate starter.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders have listed Kirk Cousins as the No. 1 on the depth chart, hoping to shield a raw Fernando Mendoza from early burn. Cousins could become this year’s version of Geno Smith if he is thrust into a struggling offense, but his age and previous injuries make the risk high. The Raiders need to decide quickly whether Cousins can lead them to a playoff spot or if they should start Mendoza and accept a rebuilding season. The quarterback situation will likely dictate the Raiders’ trajectory in 2026. Fantasy owners should monitor both Cousins and Mendoza for early signs of performance.

These quarterback battles will shape each team’s playoff hopes and dictate fantasy Draft strategies for the upcoming season. Owners who can identify which signal callers are genuine starters versus high‑risk projects will gain a significant edge. The 2026 season will test whether the franchises’ decisions at the position were shrewd or a repeat of past mistakes.