Ten NFL Teams Most Likely to Feature a New Starting QB in 2026

Nothing excites an NFL fan base more than a new quarterback. 

Even with the New York Giants currently 2-7, many Big Blue fans are elated about rookie Jaxson Dart, while the faithful in Indianapolis and Seattle are positively giddy with Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold, respectively. 

Which is why, regardless of how many swings and misses a franchise may have at the position, some QB-needy clubs will eagerly be evaluating this year’s candidates — whether they be rookies available in the 2026 NFL draft, potential free-agent options or trade possibilities. 

Below, we’ve ranked the 10 teams most likely to feature a new starting quarterback in 2026. 

RELATED: Ranking the best QB prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft

With head coach Aaron Glenn refusing to even name his starting quarterback each week now, it is painfully obvious to Jets fans that yet another change is coming at the position. Complicating matters is the Jets’ financial situation — the club has $35 million in dead cap money still on the books next year, with Aaron Rodgers and both Justin Fields ($23 million) and Tyrod Taylor ($2.4 million) under contract in 2026. 

While a rookie deal could easily be managed financially, I contend that the defensive-minded head coach is likely going to prefer a veteran option in his second season rather than risk putting himself on the firing line with another losing campaign. It is also worth noting the Jets’ history of draft misses at quarterback. New York has invested five picks in quarterbacks over the past 10 drafts, including the No. 2 and No. 3 overall selections on Zach Wilson (2021) and the aforementioned Sam Darnold (2018), respectively. As eager as 78-year-old owner Woody Johnson might be to improve play at the position, will