sports and game - The NFL's quarterback landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with several teams facing crucial decisions about their signal-callers heading into 2026. This in-depth analysis examines 12 teams that cou...
ld see significant changes at the sport's most important position.
The Arizona Cardinals present an intriguing case with Kyler Murray, who turned 28 recently. Murray's performance has been solid but not spectacular, with a top-10 QBR of 66.6 last season. His contract includes $40 million in guaranteed money for 2026, but the guarantees end there. The Cardinals could move on after 2026 with minimal dead money impact, making next season pivotal for Murray's future in Arizona.
The Carolina Panthers face a critical decision with Bryce Young, the first overall pick from 2023. After early struggles and a brief benching, Young finished 2024 strong under coach Dave Canales. The Panthers must decide on his fifth-year option for 2027 next May, likely around $25 million. Young's development this season could determine whether Carolina commits to him long-term.
Perhaps the most complex situation exists in Cleveland, where Joe Flacco leads an unprecedented quarterback room that includes Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and the injured Deshaun Watson. The Browns face both immediate and long-term questions about their quarterback future, complicated by Watson's fully guaranteed contract.
The Indianapolis Colts named Daniel Jones their starter over Anthony Richardson, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation. Jones offers stability but limited upside, while Richardson's development remains a question mark after injury-plagued seasons.
The Las Vegas Raiders signed Geno Smith through 2027, but his contract structure allows for flexibility after this season. At age 35, Smith needs to prove he can be more than a short-term solution.
The Los Angeles Rams must plan for life after Matthew Stafford, who turns 37 this season and has dealt with various injuries. Their two first-round picks in 2026 provide ammunition for finding their next franchise quarterback.
The Arizona Cardinals present an intriguing case with Kyler Murray, who turned 28 recently. Murray's performance has been solid but not spectacular, with a top-10 QBR of 66.6 last season. His contract includes $40 million in guaranteed money for 2026, but the guarantees end there. The Cardinals could move on after 2026 with minimal dead money impact, making next season pivotal for Murray's future in Arizona.
The Carolina Panthers face a critical decision with Bryce Young, the first overall pick from 2023. After early struggles and a brief benching, Young finished 2024 strong under coach Dave Canales. The Panthers must decide on his fifth-year option for 2027 next May, likely around $25 million. Young's development this season could determine whether Carolina commits to him long-term.
Perhaps the most complex situation exists in Cleveland, where Joe Flacco leads an unprecedented quarterback room that includes Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and the injured Deshaun Watson. The Browns face both immediate and long-term questions about their quarterback future, complicated by Watson's fully guaranteed contract.
The Indianapolis Colts named Daniel Jones their starter over Anthony Richardson, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation. Jones offers stability but limited upside, while Richardson's development remains a question mark after injury-plagued seasons.
The Las Vegas Raiders signed Geno Smith through 2027, but his contract structure allows for flexibility after this season. At age 35, Smith needs to prove he can be more than a short-term solution.
The Los Angeles Rams must plan for life after Matthew Stafford, who turns 37 this season and has dealt with various injuries. Their two first-round picks in 2026 provide ammunition for finding their next franchise quarterback.