NFL training camps are opening across the league, and several teams still have major questions at quarterback. Some competitions involve highly drafted young players fighting to protect their future. Others feature experienced veterans attempting to prove they can still lead a playoff contender.
These battles will affect more than Week 1 depth charts. The winners could determine the direction of entire franchises, while the quarterbacks who lose may find themselves moved into backup roles or playing for new teams next season.
Here are the five most important quarterback competitions to follow during the summer of 2026.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Jacoby Brissett vs. Gardner Minshew vs. Carson Beck
Arizona has the most crowded quarterback competition, but it may not be the strongest battle from a talent perspective.
Jacoby Brissett enters with the most familiarity after starting 12 games for the Cardinals last season. However, Arizona went just 1–11 in those appearances, and the veteran has reportedly been seeking a new contract. Gardner Minshew offers another experienced option, although he has increasingly settled into the role of a dependable backup rather than a long-term starter.
The most interesting name is rookie Carson Beck. Arizona selected Beck with the 65th overall pick after he helped Miami reach the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. His age and experience could make him more prepared than the typical third-round quarterback, but the Cardinals may still prefer to begin the season with a veteran.
Brissett’s experience and existing chemistry with Arizona’s receivers give him the early advantage. Still, Beck may eventually receive an opportunity if the Cardinals struggle.
Projected winner: Jacoby Brissett
4. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza vs. Kirk Cousins
The Raiders used the first overall pick on Fernando Mendoza, making him the clear future of the franchise. The question is whether that future begins immediately.
Kirk Cousins was brought in to provide stability, leadership and a possible bridge into the Mendoza era. New head coach Klint Kubiak has indicated that his preferred scenario would be avoiding the need to start a rookie in Week 1. That would give Mendoza time to learn the offense without being forced into action before he is ready.
However, recent history strongly favours Mendoza. The last six quarterbacks selected first overall all started their rookie-season openers, and most first-round quarterbacks receive the job early in their first year. Mendoza also enters after completing a perfect 16–0 season at Indiana, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the program to a national championship.
Cousins may open camp with the first-team offense, but the Raiders did not draft Mendoza first overall to keep him on the sideline for long.
Projected winner: Fernando Mendoza
3. Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson vs. Shedeur Sanders
No quarterback competition carries more uncertainty than Cleveland’s.
Deshaun Watson is entering the final season of his contract after playing only 19 games across his first four years with the Browns. Injuries and inconsistent performances have prevented him from becoming the franchise quarterback Cleveland expected when it made its historic investment.
Shedeur Sanders started Cleveland’s final seven games last season and enters camp with a legitimate chance to retain the position. The Browns also have Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green, creating one of the NFL’s deepest and most complicated quarterback rooms.
Watson still has the experience, contract and past production that could convince the new coaching staff to give him one more opportunity. Sanders, however, represents the more intriguing future option and could quickly take control if he performs well during preseason games.
This battle could continue beyond training camp. Even if Watson starts Week 1, Sanders may eventually receive another chance if Cleveland’s offense struggles.
Projected winner: Deshaun Watson, with Shedeur Sanders starting later in the season
2. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr. vs. Tua Tagovailoa
Atlanta’s competition features two talented left-handed quarterbacks with significant injury concerns.
Michael Penix Jr. was selected eighth overall in 2024 and was expected to become the long-term starter. That plan became more complicated when he suffered a torn ACL in November. Penix has shown flashes of strong downfield passing during his limited NFL opportunities, but his health and inconsistency have opened the door for another quarterback.
Tua Tagovailoa brings more experience and has already demonstrated that he can operate a productive NFL offense. His strength is processing quickly and delivering accurate throws over the middle, while Penix prefers attacking deeper areas and the outside portions of the field.
That difference could matter under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. His recent offenses have leaned heavily on timing, short passes and yards after the catch—areas that appear to suit Tagovailoa’s style. Tua also enters camp as the healthier option.
Penix remains Atlanta’s long-term investment, but the Falcons may decide that Tagovailoa gives them the better chance to win early in the season.
Projected winner: Tua Tagovailoa
1. Minnesota Vikings: Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy
Minnesota has the summer’s most important and competitive quarterback battle.
J.J. McCarthy was drafted 10th overall in 2024 but missed his entire rookie season because of injury. He finally started 10 games in 2025, posting a 6–4 record, but his individual numbers were concerning. McCarthy completed only 57.6 percent of his passes and recorded a 72.6 passer rating, both last among qualifying quarterbacks.
Kyler Murray arrives as the more accomplished player. He is a two-time Pro Bowler with the mobility and arm strength to give Minnesota’s offense another dimension. He also has a chance to rebuild his career under Kevin O’Connell, one of the league’s most respected offensive coaches.
The Vikings have publicly described this as a genuine competition, but Murray appears to have the advantage. Minnesota has a roster capable of reaching the playoffs, and starting the more experienced quarterback would reduce some of the uncertainty surrounding the offense.
McCarthy still has youth and draft status on his side. A strong camp could make the decision more difficult, but Murray’s combination of experience, athleticism and proven production gives him the edge.
Projected winner: Kyler Murray
Final Rankings
- Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy — Minnesota Vikings
- Michael Penix Jr. vs. Tua Tagovailoa — Atlanta Falcons
- Deshaun Watson vs. Shedeur Sanders — Cleveland Browns
- Fernando Mendoza vs. Kirk Cousins — Las Vegas Raiders
- Jacoby Brissett vs. Gardner Minshew vs. Carson Beck — Arizona Cardinals
Final Thoughts
The Vikings’ battle ranks first because both quarterbacks have a realistic path to the starting job and Minnesota expects to compete immediately. Atlanta and Cleveland are not far behind, with both competitions potentially affecting the long-term direction of their franchises.
Preseason games will be especially important. Practice reports can build momentum for a quarterback, but coaches will ultimately want to see how each candidate handles live pressure, defensive disguises and difficult third-down situations.
By the time the regular season begins, several of these competitions may be settled. Others could continue well into the fall, making quarterback one of the biggest storylines of the 2026 NFL season.