NFL Post-Free Agency QB Power Rankings: Projecting All 32 Starters In 2026

March 28, 2026

Quincy's NFL QB power rankings for post-free agency. He ranks all 32 starting NFL quarterbacks before the NFL Draft, from Matthew Stafford to Geno Smith.

While we are still awaiting the NFL Draft, NFL free agency has provided football fans with a good idea of who will quarterback each team in 2026. Players such as Malik Willis and Kyler Murray found new teams. They will hope to carve out long-term futures with those teams. Others, such as Daniel Jones, received commitments from their current squads.

The NFL quarterback carousel was not as wild as it usually is. With a weaker-than-usual quarterback draft class on its way in, a lot of teams do not stand to roll out a rookie signal-caller in 2026. As it stands, only the Las Vegas Raiders seem poised to begin Week 1 with a rookie at the helm. However, that is not to say that it will be true in Week 2, 8, or 18.

With the draft a mere month away, let's take a look at the likely starter for each NFL team. From the reigning MVP, Matthew Stafford, to Geno Smith on a second stint with the Jets, where does your favorite quarterback stand in the power rankings?

• Overall fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) rankings
• Quarterback (QB) rankings
• Tight end (TE) rankings
• Defense (D/ST) rankings
• Kicker (K) rankings
• FLEX rankings
• Dynasty rankings

No. 32: Geno Smith - New York Jets

Smith left the eventual Super Bowl champions to join a team that earned the No. 1 overall selection in this year's draft. He has now rejoined the New York Jets in what seems like another opportunity for the league's worst record. Smith was the league's worst quarterback in 2025 already; he will have to earn his way back up the power rankings.

No. 31: Shedeur Sanders - Cleveland Browns

Right now, Shedeur Sanders seems to have the inside track toward starting in Week 1 for the Browns. New head coach Todd Monken was in Baltimore when the Ravens tried to draft Sanders, and he reportedly rebuffed them as he craved an opportunity to start.

Monken must've thought relatively highly of Sanders to make that consideration. Deshaun Watson will also be in the fold, but we know exactly what he is at this point in his career.

No. 30: Fernando Mendoza - Las Vegas Raiders

The worst-kept secret in the league is that the Raiders will draft Fernando Mendoza this year. The new Raiders regime has spent a lot of time prepping the team for Mendoza's arrival. He should step into a much better offensive line situation than in 2025. Las Vegas will also likely look to upgrade Mendoza's weapons in the draft.

No. 29: Cameron Ward - Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward is stepping into a much better situation in Year 2. He has upgraded weaponry with Wan'Dale Robinson joining the wide receiver group, a better offensive line, and an experienced coaching staff that will put great structure around him. This kid could be a real problem if everything breaks right this year.

No. 28: Jaxson Dart - New York Giants

Jaxson Dart is entering Year 2 with a new regime calling the shots. Dart looks like a player who could take a huge step forward this year. New head coach John Harbaugh will do wonders for structure. Hopefully, new offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will deliver as well.

No. 27: Tua Tagovailoa - Atlanta Falcons

This selection is less about Tua Tagovailoa's ability to win the job and more about doubts surrounding Michael Penix Jr.'s health. Penix will be coming off his third torn ACL between college and the pros.

Having torn his ACL during the second half of 2025, Penix's recovery timeline could bleed into this season. Tagovailoa brings a lot of starting experience with him. The fresh start could bring out the MVP-caliber player we saw just a few years ago.

No. 26: Malik Willis - Miami Dolphins

Willis will receive a legitimate shot at a franchise quarterback gig as he heads down south to Miami. Unfortunately, Miami's overhaul of its roster has resulted in a lack of weaponry around Willis. Hopefully, his familiarity with the Dolphins coaching staff will allow him to succeed. This will be an interesting test.

No. 25: Jacoby Brissett - Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have signaled in many ways that Jacoby Brissett will be their starter heading into the 2026 season. Brissett is no world beater, but he has performed admirably when given the chance. This is a solid move for the Cardinals to continue building out their roster while they attempt to find a long-term solution at the position.

No. 24: Tyler Shough - New Orleans Saints

Tyler Shough earned himself a shot at the franchise quarterback gig in New Orleans. He performed very well as a rookie in 2025. With a slowly retooling roster around him, Shough could be a real surprise in 2026.

Tyler Shough takes off for 29 yards with 4 minutes to go!

NOvsATL on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/eucvVbevRR

— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2026

No. 23: Aaron Rodgers - Pittsburgh Steelers

The tea leaves seem to suggest that Aaron Rodgers will be the Steelers' starting quarterback in 2026 once again. If not Rodgers, then Kirk Cousins seems like the most likely option. Neither is a great option, but the Steelers did have a great free agency. The AFC North is weaker than it was a few years ago, and the Steelers could make a lot of noise.

No. 22: Kyler Murray - Minnesota Vikings

Murray signed with the Vikings in what Minnesota fans hope will be head coach Kevin O'Connell's latest reclamation project. Murray is only one season removed from playing very good football. Barring a huge leap from incumbent starter J.J. McCarthy, it seems like Murray will lead the Vikings in Week 1.

No. 21: C.J. Stroud - Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud has not followed up on his stellar 2023 season with any kind of promising play. Still, this is a young quarterback who has had virtually zero support from his offensive line throughout his career. Stroud will need to start delivering in 2026 if he wants to secure a long-term future in Houston.

No. 20: Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young continues to incrementally improve each season as he tries to establish himself as the long-term option for the Panthers. The Panthers continue to make massive roster improvements around Young. This offense should be solid, and Young will be supported by what should be an excellent defense in 2026 as well.

No. 19: Daniel Jones - Indianapolis Colts

Jones seems poised to begin the season as the starter in Indianapolis as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles. Jones will do so with a huge money commitment from the Colts after a resurgent season in 2025. The Colts will face a tougher schedule in 2026 than they did last year, providing us a glimpse into how real Jones' performance was a year ago.

No. 18: Baker Mayfield - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield will be back as the starter in Tampa Bay without his top target, Mike Evans. Mayfield will now throw to the trio of Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, and, of course, Chris Godwin Jr. Those three should do well to hold down the fort. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will need to ensure that Mayfield returns to his MVP-level self after beginning the 2025 season on fire.

No. 17: Bo Nix - Denver Broncos

Bo Nix has a shiny new toy in wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in 2026. Waddle is a fantastic addition for a team that has been craving another high-end receiving option. With Waddle entering the fold, Nix will need to find his consistency as a quarterback in 2026.

No. 16: Caleb Williams - Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams will need to improve his accuracy in 2026, but he has a chance to build off a promising season. New head coach Ben Johnson did well to begin bringing out the best in Williams in 2025. Now, the onus is on Williams to succeed.

NO WAY. CALEB WILLIAMS HEAVES IT ON 4TH DOWN.

LARvsCHI on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/JJymsDhen2

— NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2026

No. 15: Jayden Daniels - Washington Commanders

Let's call 2025 a wash of a season for Jayden Daniels. Daniels could not stay healthy, and the Commanders limped their way to the finish line, unable to capitalize on an NFC Championship berth the season before. The Commanders are attempting to get younger and faster in 2026. They will need to be in an NFC East that is reloading.

No. 14: Jalen Hurts - Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Hurts will enter the 2026 season with yet another new offensive coordinator. Hurts is used to it at this point, whether his offensive coordinator gets poached or fired. He can still succeed despite the turnover. Hopefully, this hire will bring out the best version of Hurts yet.

No. 13: Jordan Love - Green Bay Packers

Jordan Love's underlying metrics have been solid over the past couple of seasons, even if his overall production has fallen short of his breakout 2023 season. Still, Love has benefitted from a great defense and running game over the last couple of years, but the Packers have not realized some of their postseason success from the early days of head coach Matt LaFleur's tenure. Perhaps this will be the year.

No. 12: Brock Purdy - San Francisco 49ers

Brock Purdy should have an upgraded receiving corps in 2026 with Mike Evans on his way. Evans gives Purdy a big-bodied downfield option who can capitalize on the existing fantastic short game already in place. Evans will also take some pressure off No. 2 wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.

No. 11: Trevor Lawrence - Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence lost his backfield mate and former Clemson teammate, Travis Etienne Jr., this offseason. However, the rest of his weaponry remains in place, and the coaching staff is consistent. Look for Lawrence to continue his ascension under the tutelage of head coach Liam Coen.

No. 10: Justin Herbert - Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert will enter the new league year with offensive genius Mike McDaniel calling plays. Herbert should succeed very well in this system, and he will be supported by a fantastic running game. Watch out for the Chargers this season.

No. 9: Joe Burrow - Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow will look to rediscover his love for football in 2026 after a trying couple of seasons with the Bengals. The offense should continue to hum along. However, the Bengals made legitimate changes on defense that could land this team back in the postseason.

No. 8: Jared Goff - Detroit Lions

Jared Goff is back with a new offensive coordinator in 2026. Goff fits Drew Petzing's system very well as a quarterback who will stand in the pocket and make big throws. Petzing is coming from Arizona, where he had success with Brissett in 2025.

No. 7: Sam Darnold - Seattle Seahawks

Sam Darnold is fresh off a Super Bowl win with largely the same supporting cast around him. Darnold will have to navigate this next season without standout offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Hopefully, the Seahawks do not experience any offensive setbacks as a result.

Elijah Arroyo's first NFL TD ‼️

📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/qsOLA5iH40

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 3, 2025

No. 6: Lamar Jackson - Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson's career continues to be defined by injuries. For all his talent, the Ravens have not been able to reach the heights that they have strived for. Now, with a new regime entering the fold, there are no more excuses. Jackson has enjoyed tremendous regular-season success, but hopefully, this will be the year he delivers in the playoffs.

No. 5: Patrick Mahomes - Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes seems determined to be ready for Week 1 despite a devastating knee injury suffered in 2025. Until he demonstrates otherwise, there is no reason to doubt him. If Mahomes is not ready for Week 1, new acquisition Justin Fields will likely start for the Chiefs.

No. 4: Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott will enter the 2026 season with the same weapons he had in 2025, and a chance to build off what was one of his better seasons as a pro. The Cowboys did well to upgrade their defense on paper. That should only further support Prescott. As long as he can stay healthy this year, Prescott could lead the Cowboys to great heights.

DAK. PICKENS. @DALLASCOWBOYS LEAD!

GBvsDAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/dpXf6tOXLH

— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2025

No. 3: Drake Maye - New England Patriots

Drake Maye is entering Year 3 in the league fresh off a near-MVP campaign and Super Bowl berth. Most of the structure around Maye will remain constant as he heads into this pivotal season. He should only continue to improve.

No. 2: Josh Allen - Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen will enter the 2026 season with a new weapon in wide receiver DJ Moore. If Moore can find his 2023 form, he will be the ultimate weapon for Allen and the Bills. Either way, look for Allen to continue lighting the league on fire.

No. 1: Matthew Stafford - Los Angeles Rams

Stafford is a newly minted MVP. The Rams offense will remain the same in 2026, and the defense only got better. This could be a scary team if Stafford continues to play like he did this past year.

No-look? No problem for Matthew Stafford. 😏

More highlights on https://t.co/X7qnNIpfxm 🎥 pic.twitter.com/POq3EnV0vA

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) March 18, 2026

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