Early NFL QB Carousel Predictions 2026: Projecting What 7 Teams Do this Offseason

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Early NFL QB Carousel Predictions 2026: Projecting What 7 Teams Do this Offseason

Early NFL QB Carousel Predictions 2026: Projecting What 7 Teams Do this Offseason — Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Matt Johnson · Sportsnaut

Tue, Jan 13, 2026 ·

5 min read

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A majority of the focus right now is on the NFL coaching carousel, waiting to see who will fill the head-coaching vacancies across the league. Focus after that will shift to the NFL quarterback carousel, with teams like the Las Vegas Raiders , Arizona Cardinals , Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins seeking a signal-caller.

Let's dive into our NFL QB Carousel predictions 2026.

Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza

This is the easiest one, obviously. Tom Brady and the Las Vegas Raiders will use the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is coming off a dominant season, including five games where he had more passing touchdowns than incompletions. Mendoza offers prototypical size, with the traits (leadership, work ethic, decision-making, poise and accuracy) that the Raiders organization will fall in love with. The real test will be to see what kind of roster Las Vegas can build around Mendoza.

Arizona Cardinals: Dante Moore

We think the Arizona Cardinals will trade up for the second overall pick to land Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore. The New York Jets simply do not have the infrastructure to support a rookie quarterback. Arizona, with Trey McBride , Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. , does. The Cardinals will be moving on from Kyler Murray this offseason, leaving a dead-cap charge that makes starting a rookie the best option. Plus, if Moore is not ready to start immediately, veteran Jacoby Brissett has demonstrated he can be a bridge starter who will also provide mentorship. It is an ideal situation for both sides.

Indianapolis Colts: Malik Willis

With Daniel Jones recovering from a torn Achilles, it is a foregone conclusion that he will return to the Indianapolis Colts on a short-term deal. However, those assuming he will immediately return to form as a quarterback who depends heavily on athleticism are asking for trouble. Indianapolis needs an insurance plan, and that is Malik Willis. Willis would have the opportunity to compete for the starting job this offseason, receiving a majority of the first-team reps in minicamp until Jones returns. Plus, his athleticism and arm strength would make him an excellent fit in Shane Steichen's offense. It would be the equivalent of a Jalen Hurts-lite system for Steichen, providing a great secondary option if Jones cannot recapture his form.

New York Jets: Kyler Murray

One scenario that could unfold this offseason involves the Cardinals and Jets helping each other land a starting quarterback. New York could pick up extra draft capital in exchange for moving down to the third overall pick and taking on the Kyler Murray contract. Murray would get a fresh start in Tanner Engstrand's offense, stepping under center for a team that has Garrett Wilson and Mason Taylor to help elevate the passing game. At the very least, he would be a more reliable dual-threat option than Justin Fields . Plus, New York could use the extra draft capital to rebuild its roster. If Murray does not perform well next fall, the Jets still have three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL draft to land a franchise quarterback of the future.

Miami Dolphins: Mac Jones

Moving on from Tua Tagovailoa will be expensive, creating a salary-cap situation that greatly limits whom the Miami Dolphins can pursue as their starting quarterback in 2026. That is why a Mac Jones trade makes the most sense. It would be a return home for the Florida native, with the hope that this stint yields better results than his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars . Jones would join an offense that featured improved offensive line play in 2025, and he would have two excellent weapons in De'Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle . It is a sufficient supporting cast that, with the right offensive play-caller, could allow him to perform well in a contract year.

Pittsburgh Steelers : Ty Simpson

It is time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to determine their future at the quarterback position. If the organization wants to bring in a veteran like Joe Flacco as a potential bridge starter, that is fine, but there needs to be a long-term plan. Ty Simpson had plenty of ups and downs in his first year as a starter, but the traits are good enough to make him a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft. He is a better quarterback prospect than Kenny Pickett was. Perhaps Aaron Rodgers even returns for one more year, serving as a mentor for Simpson. It would give the Steelers short-term stability while the fan base finally has some optimism for the future at QB.

Minnesota Vikings : Marcus Mariota

The Minnesota Vikings are not going to pursue a quarterback who would be viewed as a serious challenger to J.J. McCarthy in training camp. What Kevin O'Connell wants is a veteran who can, if needed, come off the bench and play effectively within the structure of the offense. Look at what Marcus Mariota has done in the last two seasons when Jayden Daniels was sidelined. Across 14 games, he posted a 93.4 passer rating with a 14-7 touchdown-to-interception line, a 63.8 percent completion rate and 7.6 yards per attempt. Plus, he offers rushing ability. He is an ideal and cost-effective option for Minnesota. If McCarthy struggles early next season, the offense could improve with Mariota under center.

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