Photo Credit: Arizona Daily Star
0
0
The 2026 NFL season has not started yet, but several quarterbacks already face pressure to keep their starting jobs. Some veterans have declined, while others must hold off talented backups. Additionally, injuries, inconsistent play, and disappointing performances have created uncertainty across the league. If these quarterbacks struggle early, their teams could make quick changes under center.
Michael Penix Jr. enters the season with the most pressure of any starting quarterback. The Atlanta Falcons invested a first-round pick in him during the 2024 NFL Draft. However, injuries and inconsistent performances have slowed his development. Penix spent much of the offseason recovering from another ACL injury and missed 11-on-11 work during organized team activities. Meanwhile, veteran Tua Tagovailoa received valuable first-team repetitions under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. Even if Penix wins the Week 1 job, he must improve immediately. Before suffering his injury last season, he completed 60.1 percent of his passes for 1,982 yards and nine touchdowns in nine starts. Those numbers fell far below expectations. Fortunately, Atlanta offers one of the league’s better supporting casts with Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. Therefore, Penix has every opportunity to succeed. If he cannot elevate the offense, the Falcons could quickly hand the job to Tagovailoa.
The Cleveland Browns also face an important quarterback decision. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders continue battling for the starting role entering training camp. Sanders started much of last season and even earned a Pro Bowl selection. However, his production remained modest despite showing flashes of potential. Sanders completed 56.6 percent of his passes while throwing for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns across eight games. He also won only three of his seven starts. Watson missed the entire 2025 season because of injury, yet Cleveland still owes him the final year of his fully guaranteed five-year, $250 million contract. During his Browns career, Watson owns a 9-10 record while throwing for 3,365 yards and 19 touchdowns. Although his recent play disappointed, his three Pro Bowl selections with the Houston Texans still give Cleveland hope. Still, another injury or slow start could quickly send Sanders back into the lineup.
The Arizona Cardinals also enter the season with uncertainty at quarterback. After moving on from Kyler Murray, they plan to begin the year with veteran Jacoby Brissett. Brissett brings experience and protects the football well. His career interception rate of 1.4 percent stands as the best in NFL history. However, Brissett has struggled to produce victories. He owns a 20-45 career record as a starter and finished only 1-11 with Arizona last season. Because of those struggles, the Cardinals have alternatives ready. Veteran Gardner Minshew II joined the roster during free agency. Meanwhile, third-round rookie Carson Beck offers intriguing long-term potential after productive college careers at Georgia and Miami. If Arizona starts slowly, Beck could receive an opportunity to energize the offense.
The New York Jets also rely on a veteran quarterback with questions surrounding his future. Geno Smith returned to the franchise that originally drafted him after spending successful years with the Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately, his first season with the Las Vegas Raiders ended poorly. Smith finished with a 2-13 record while throwing an NFL-high 17 interceptions and absorbing a league-high 55 sacks. Despite those struggles, the Jets still believe he gives them the best chance to compete entering the season. Nevertheless, fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik waits behind him. Klubnik showed impressive arm talent and mobility at Clemson despite an uneven senior season. Consequently, if the Jets fall out of playoff contention, the coaching staff could decide to evaluate Klubnik for the future.
The Minnesota Vikings created one of the offseason’s biggest quarterback storylines by signing Kyler Murray to a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Murray arrives with an impressive résumé that includes the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and two Pro Bowl appearances. Still, injuries and declining production have raised concerns about his long-term outlook. Murray joins Minnesota after J.J. McCarthy endured an inconsistent sophomore season. McCarthy displayed flashes of promise, including an exciting fourth-quarter comeback during last year’s opener. However, mistakes and injuries forced the Vikings to seek additional competition. Head coach Kevin O’Connell reportedly simplified the offense to help McCarthy develop. Now, Murray must perform immediately because another slow start could allow McCarthy to reclaim the starting role.
Several quarterbacks narrowly avoided this ranking but still face significant pressure. Bryce Young revived his career by leading the Carolina Panthers to their first playoff appearance since 2017. Even so, another major regression could force Carolina to consider Kenny Pickett while evaluating future options. C.J. Stroud also enters a pivotal season with the Houston Texans. After winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, Stroud led Houston to multiple playoff appearances. However, his recent postseason raised concerns. Across two playoff games, he committed five fumbles and threw five interceptions. Houston lacks proven alternatives behind him with Davis Mills and Graham Mertz, but continued struggles could eventually force difficult decisions.
Daniel Jones rounds out the honorable mentions after an injury-filled first season with the Indianapolis Colts. Jones looked outstanding during his first eight starts before injuries changed everything. Between Weeks 9 and 14, he completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 1,039 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions before suffering an Achilles injury. If health issues continue, Indianapolis could consider Anthony Richardson or rookie Riley Leonard. Every NFL season creates unexpected quarterback changes. Some starters lose their jobs because of injuries, while others simply fail to perform. As training camps continue and the regular season approaches, these quarterbacks enter 2026 knowing every game could determine their future as starters
Author Profile
-
Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
Latest entries
FootballJuly 30, 2026The NFL’s Shortest Leashes: QBs Facing the Most Pressure in 2026
BaseballJuly 30, 2026Rays Eye Major Upgrades as Trade Deadline Approaches
GolfJuly 30, 2026Wyndham or Bust: Koepka’s Season Comes Down to One Week
FootballJuly 30, 2026One Last Ride: Aaron Rodgers Gets Set for Final NFL Season
About the Author
