NFL Quarterback Rankings 2026: Where Does Drake Maye Land Ahead of New Season? image
NESN
Much of the 2026 NFL season will be defined by quarterback performances around the league. Defense and the running game can still play a big part in winning a Super Bowl — just see the Seahawks last season. But as Seattle also proved, it still takes strong, efficient play from the QB.
Quarterback remains the most important position in the league. Although the primary job description is executing at a high level as a passer, the NFL's elite QBs also possess athleticism, intangibles and intelligence.
The hierarchy below comes from a blend of upside and past performance, with the former carrying more weight.
NFL quarterback rankings 2026
1. Josh Allen, Bills (age: 30)
Allen had the numbers to repeat as MVP, just losing to Matthew Stafford's career year. At 6-5, 237 pounds, Allen is the ultimate matchup nightmare at the position with his cannon arm to make all the throws and a freight-train running style through the red zone. It's scary how efficient he's become, and the only thing missing from his resume is getting to a Super Bowl.
2. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (age: 30)
Mahomes is facing the first true adversity of his brilliant Hall of Fame career. He's coming off a major knee injury that cut short his first non-playoff season in Kansas City. He's still difficult to drop lower than No. 2, and doubting he can regain his MVP form coming off an injury with newer weapons in an old offense would be a mistake.
3. Joe Burrow, Bengals (age: 29)
Burrow was positioned to be Mahomes' biggest contemporary challenger for AFC rings, but his durability has turned into a big Bengals bugaboo. Burrow can shake that off in a hurry, however, with the receiving talent around him and a tweaked offense to help protect him.
4. Lamar Jackson, Ravens (age: 29)
Jackson has won his two MVPs with two offensive coordinators. Now, he draws a third in Declan Doyle as he tries to reestablish himself as the league's premier dual threat and a bigger factor in the AFC playoffs. Jackson hasn't peaked, but his career may require one more evolution as a passer to get his Super Bowl shot.
5. Dak Prescott, Cowboys (age: 33)
Prescott has responded well to Brian Schottenheimer's offense, and he isn't afraid to rip it downfield. Prescott gets blamed for Dallas' playoff disappointments despite the fact that defense remains the primary culprit. His play is the only thing keeping the team in contention.
6. Caleb Williams, Bears (age: 24)
Williams and Ben Johnson operating together in Year 2 brings a lot of passing (and running) upside for the No. 1 overall draft pick from 2024. Williams has already provided the answer on whether he's the guy to turn around the Bears' well-documented quarterback woes. Now, it's a matter of how high of a ceiling he can reach.
7. Jalen Hurts, Eagles (age: 28)
Hurts gets disrespected on such quarterback lists because of knocks on his inconsistent downfield accuracy and so-called unwillingness to throw to the middle of the field. But he's also a strong dual-threat leader who has a Super Bowl 59 MVP under his belt. The burden of not needing to make A.J. Brown happy will be liberating in a new offense.
8. Matthew Stafford, Rams (age: 38)
Stafford, the reigning MVP from a spectacular, prolific season, would be higher on this list if not for his age. The award, coupled with his Super Bowl 56 championship in Los Angeles, likely stamps his ticket to the Hall of Fame. Now, his job is to guide an offense and defense loaded with talent to a second ring.
9. Drake Maye, Patriots (age: 24)
Maye was a revelation in his second season with his response to Josh McDaniels' QB-friendly offense, thanks to his amazing downfield-passing accuracy and knack for making the needed winning plays with his legs. Despite some drop-off ahead, that makes him worthy of cracking the top 10 just behind Williams and the veterans above.
10. Brock Purdy, 49ers (age: 26)
Purdy's inclusion in the top 10 might seem polarizing, but behind his numbers, there has been no one better at executing Kyle Shanahan's passing game. Purdy is a deep-ball ace and has become a more confident team leader with maturity. The production and efficiency are there when healthy.
11. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (age: 26)
Lawrence needed that boost from Liam Coen's offensive-minded coaching to get back on track last season. The No. 1 overall pick from 2021 put up his best overall season, spreading the ball around and becoming more aggressive with his throws. Limiting bad decisions and doing better to avoid pressure are the immediate goals.
12. Justin Herbert, Chargers (age: 28)
Herbert has been hyped plenty in Mike McDaniel's offense, but he's still chasing the right blend of accuracy and athleticism he had early in his career. Being an 0-3 disaster with poor play in the playoffs also can't be ignored. Physical talent and greater potential keep him in the top 15.
13. Bo Nix, Broncos (age: 26)
Nix is underrated by many because his numbers, efficiency or otherwise, haven't popped off in his two seasons. But Denver isn't just winning with defense, and his league-high seven game-winning drives from last season give him a lot of bonus moxie points.
14. Jared Goff, Lions (age: 31)
Goff has missed Johnson in Detroit just as much as Williams has benefited from having him in Chicago. The Lions made a needed offensive reset with Drew Petzing taking over as the offensive coordinator. With his weapons, running game and improved line, Goff is a more "dependent" QB, but he's set up to remain a top-half league starter.
15. Sam Darnold, Seahawks (age: 29)
Darnold wasn't as dazzling passing-wise as he was with Minnesota, but given Seattle was a 50 percent running team with a dominant defense, that wasn't his job. It was to protect the ball, facilitate the running game and deliver big plays when needed to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and others. Darnold stays in the muddled middle, as the loss of Klint Kubiak can't be discounted.
16. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers (age: 31)
Mayfield won't hit the heights he reached with Dave Canales or Liam Coen, but there's hope he rebounds with Zac Robinson, his fourth OC in as many seasons. Adjusting to life without Mike Evans and an inconsistent running game raises the difficulty.
17. Jaxson Dart, Giants (age: 23)
Dart needs to protect himself and the ball, first and foremost, to focus on letting his physical talent manifest with an arm that can make all the throws (now back with Malik Nabers) and game-changing athleticism. He also needs to be confident without getting cocky in order to avoid poor "hero ball" decisions.
18. Jordan Love, Packers (age: 27)
Love had that big breakthrough in his first season as Aaron Rodgers' successor, but he has kind of plateaued with his downfield passing and overall efficiency. He gets high marks for playing well in a run-heavy offense, but to push toward an elite ceiling, Matt LaFleur needs to let Love loose.
19. Jayden Daniels, Commanders (age: 25)
Daniels replaced all the great rookie vibes with an injury-marred thud of a second season. Now, he's got to bounce back as the offense transitions from running-QB-friendly Kliff Kingsbury to passing-QB-oriented David Blough. Daniels' goal will be more about solid than spectacular.
20. Daniel Jones, Colts (age: 29)
Jones is fully healthy after recovering from a torn Achilles. He was putting up his best season with early MVP buzz in Shane Steichen's offense, but he must now do it with real questions about his receiving corps.
21. Malik Willis, Dolphins (age: 27)
Willis might be too low on this list given how much of a supersub he was in Green Bay. The issue is what's around him beyond dynamic feature back De'Von Achane.
22. Tyler Shough, Saints (age: 26)
Shough's vast college pocket passing experience showed with a solid second half of his rookie season under Kellen Moore, and he also picked good spots to use his athleticism to make plays. He's a young passer to watch, pushing toward a nice ceiling to crack the top half of the league.
23. Kyler Murray, Vikings (age: 29)
Murray and the Vikings needed each other this offseason. With their pass protection and Justin Jefferson leading some good weapons, Murray can't be ruled out as this year's Darnold or Jones, both former Vikings.
24. Kirk Cousins, Raiders (age: 38)
Cousins, another former Viking, gets the surprise nod to start over Fernando Mendoza. Even more surprising was the fact that Kubiak didn't make it much of a real offseason competition. Kubiak's effect on Darnold can't be ignored, and a balanced attack with a top running game will help Cousins settle well.
25. C.J. Stroud, Texans (age: 24)
Since his fine rookie season, Stroud has struggled with accuracy and decision-making. Houston's passing offense keeps having limitations, but with an elite defense, the Texans need to know soon whether he can pull a Darnold and put them in position to win big soon.
26. Bryce Young, Panthers (age: 25)
Young showed flashes of being the long-term passing answer last season. He needs more help, however, to turn the corner after raising his game for a playoff test against the Rams.
27. Cam Ward, Titans (age: 24)
Ward had the typical rookie season, taking lumps while playing immediately as the No. 1 overall pick. Overall, there were very limited flashes. Ward is essentially starting over with much more promise under Brian Daboll, who coached Dart last season.
28. Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (age: 42)
Rodgers can still sling it for his age, and the Steelers tried to adapt to his needs, bringing in coach Mike McCarthy and some extra receiving weapons. Still, there are natural age concerns and physical limitations with Rodgers.
29. Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals (age: 33)
The Cards were comfortable having Brissett as a bridge QB under Mike LaFleur with no great immediate options minus Murray. The raise was deserved, but a long-term job isn't yet.
30. Geno Smith, Jets (age: 35)
Smith returns to his original team in a new offense under Frank Reich. Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall help as primary weapons; otherwise, Smith is back on the Raiders again, needing youth to support him.
31. Deshaun Watson, Browns (age: 30)
Watson won't last long as the starter even if he can somehow rediscover some of his Texans magic. Shedeur Sanders will get his shot before Cleveland moves on to the 2027 draft.
32. Tua Tagovailoa, Falcons (age: 28)
Tagovailoa became the default option for Week 1 with Michael Penix Jr. needing more time to recover from a knee injury. The Falcons are just waiting until Penix is ready to go so they can give him one more chance to show that he is the answer at QB.
More Patriots