Sportsnaut
The 2026 NFL quarterback carousel will be very active this offseason with an array of options available to teams needing a signal-caller. What will make this spring unique is the fact that there isn’t a can’t-miss quarterback prospect nor a high-end starter in free agency or on the trade market.
Ahead of the 2026 NFL QB carousel, let’s rank who we see are the best quarterbacks available in the 2026 NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency and the trade market. Of note, we are factoring in contracts and acquisition cost.
Fernando Mendoza is the more well-known name in the 2026 NFL QB carousel, but we do have a preference for Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore. He offers ideal NFL size at 6-foot-4 and offers athleticism that exceeds what Mendoza brings to the table. Even putting that athleticism aside, what Moore can do with his arm is so enticing. He finished second in the nation among qualified passers in Adjusted Completion Rate on throws 20-plus yards downfield (64.6 percent), per Pro Football Focus, and he shows great touch throwing to all areas of the field. Furthermore, Moore handles pressure well (fifth-highest completion rate when pressured). Going back to that athleticism, he can make precision throws on the run and his ability to extend plays opens things up downfield. He’s less experienced as a starter than Mendoza, but his ceiling is higher.
Read More: Dynasty Rookie Rankings 2026
It is easy to see why NFL coaches and general managers fall in love with Fernando Mendoza. The Indiana Hoosiers quarterback offers prototypical size at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, and he checks every box with his leadership, maturity, work ethic, and decision-making. He is remarkably accurate, posting the 10th-highest Adjusted Completion Rate (79.2 percent) this season, and his ability to read and react to defenses is already NFL-caliber. Mendoza does not have upper-echelon arm strength, and he is more of an average athlete despite his size. He could certainly have a Jared Goff-like career, which is an outstanding outcome if the right supporting cast is around him, but less so if he is asked to carry an offense.
Malik Willis is the best quarterback available in NFL free agency this offseason. A third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, he was meant to be a project for a coaching staff that could put the time into developing him behind the scenes. The Tennessee Titans rushed him into action before he was ready. Since landing in Green Bay, he has had the chance to work with Matt LaFleur and quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion. In 11 games (three starts), he has completed 78.7 percent of his 89 pass attempts with a 6–0 TD-INT ratio and averaged 10.9 yards per attempt while tacking on 261 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.
Obviously, that is a...
