The 2026 season is only in Week 2, but plenty of NFL teams are already staring down the same uncomfortable truth: their quarterback answer might not be the real answer.
That’s why the 2027 draft is already drawing attention. The class is viewed as loaded at the top at quarterback, with Texas star Arch Manning, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, and Oregon star Dante Moore among the names getting the most buzz.
Moore had been projected as a top-10 pick in April before deciding to return to school, and the appeal of that group is obvious when you remember what the position means in this league. Quarterbacks win MVPs year after year, and every team knows how hard it is to find one who can carry a franchise.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel identified 10 teams that could be in the market for a quarterback next year: the Browns, Cardinals, Colts, Dolphins, Falcons, Jets, Saints, Seahawks, Steelers, and Vikings.
Some of those cases are easy to spot. Cleveland is a clear example, with Thamel’s list reflecting how unstable things are at the position.
Arizona has Jacoby Brissett, who is a quality quarterback but not the kind of player expected to push a team all the way to a Super Bowl. Indianapolis is working with Daniel Jones, though his durability has been questioned, especially after the brutal injury he suffered last season.
Miami has Malik Willis starting, which fits a rebuilding phase but does not scream long-term solution.
Atlanta is dealing with two injury-prone quarterbacks, while Geno Smith, now 35, couldn’t lift the Jets out of mediocrity. New Orleans has Tyler Shough, a solid signal-caller, but not someone expected to get anywhere near Drew Brees’ level.
Pittsburgh’s situation is also trending toward a reset, with Aaron Rodgers set to retire after the 2026 season, leaving the Steelers needing to get younger at the position. Minnesota’s quarterback room is described as a mess, and J.J.
McCarthy has been pushed further down the depth chart.
Seattle is the most interesting name on the list. The Seahawks do have Sam Darnold, who helped lead the team to a Super Bowl last season, but they still need a backup quarterback who could eventually become a starter.
In Other News...
Falcons QB Mess Could Create A Surprising Week 2 Red Zone Role
The Falcons quarterback situation has already forced the team into an unusual Week 2 setup, with Cooper Rush expected to start because of injuries to Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. It is the kind of shuffle that can change how an offense operates near the goal line, especially when a coaching staff is trying to protect a patchwork depth chart and find any edge in tight spaces.
One intriguing wrinkle is the idea that backup Jack Strand could be worked into short-yardage snaps as a sneak option. ESPNs Ben Solak floated the possibility that Strands size could make him a natural fit for that kind of specialist job, which would give Atlanta a very different red zone look if the Falcons decide to get creative. It is still just a projection, not a confirmed plan, but it is the sort of detail that makes this quarterback situation worth watching beyond the obvious starter question. [Read more 🡒]
Bijan Robinson Could Own Falcons Home Opener For One Big Reason
Bijan Robinson was already a central figure in the Falcons season opener, piling up 21 carries for 83 yards and adding eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown as Atlanta leaned on him heavily to move the offense. A big share of the teams production flowed through him, and that kind of usage is exactly why he is worth watching as the Falcons turn from their road opener to their first game in Atlanta.
The matchup only adds to the intrigue. Carolinas run defense struggled badly in its opener, giving up nearly 300 rushing yards, which gives Atlanta a clear path to keep feeding Robinson if the game unfolds the way the Falcons want. If Atlanta can control the line of scrimmage early, Robinson could be set up for another featured role in front of the home crowd. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Need Nick Folk To Steady One Early Concern Fast
Nick Folks first Sunday in a Falcons uniform came with a mixed bag, and for a team that left Pittsburgh with plenty to sort through, the kicking game jumped out early. In Week 1 against the Steelers, Folk missed two field goals to open the game, an unusual start for a veteran brought in to provide stability, before settling in and drilling two long-range kicks later on. Special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman called the misses uncharacteristic and said Folk kept his confidence intact, which at least gives Atlanta reason to believe the rough opening was more blip than trend.
Still, the Falcons do not have much room to let an early concern linger, especially with another division matchup coming against the Carolina Panthers. In a season where every point matters and special teams can swing close games, Atlanta needs Folk to look like the steady presence the club expected when it trusted him with the job. The next chance arrives quickly, and the Falcons will be watching closely to see whether the first-half hiccups are put behind them just as fast. [Read more 🡒]