Sportsnaut
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.
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.
Related: NFL Free Agent Landing Spots for Top Receivers, including Las Vegas Raiders
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.
Related: NFL Free Agency Predictions for Best Running Backs, including the Arizona Cardinals
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.
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...
