Published on: June 15, 2026, 06:14h. 

Updated on: June 15, 2026, 06:20h.

Essential Takeaways: 

• Concerning the Cleveland Browns: “They currently lack a starting QB,” an advanced scout noted.
• Regarding Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers: “He may either be benched, injured, or their season could collapse, giving way for 2025 draft pick Will Howard to take the field. “Mike is fond of him,” said a source about new coach Mike McCarthy’s connection with Howard.”
• On Lamar Jackson: “If he’s not signed to an extension by Week 1, I predict he’s out (in 2027),” stated a seasoned personnel executive.
• About the Houston Texans: “They are unlikely to rush into extending QB CJ Stroud. “He’ll finish this year, possibly considering the fifth-year option (in 2027) for me,” the executive commented, following Stroud’s decline in performance over the last two years after an impressive rookie season.

*Aaron Rodgers featured in 2021 at Lambeau Field; this is acknowledged as his last NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

NFL scouts are already looking forward to the 2027 quarterback draft, projected to be significantly deeper and more talented than recent years. Some franchises are already strategizing to solve their ongoing QB dilemmas by then.

General managers are reviewing forecasts for potential free agent quarterbacks for the upcoming year (not an impressive lineup), while agents for current NFL quarterbacks and likely high draft picks are analyzing the market and identifying the franchises most eager to secure a quarterback.

Since it’s a quarterback-led league, even after numerous QB-related moves this offseason, most were merely temporary arrangements rather than long-term solutions. Discussions with executives and agents around the league indicate that over a third of NFL teams might be seeking a new starting quarterback in 2027, with at least 25% already convinced they will be in the hunt.

Some organizations are trying to mask their intentions better than others while a few are unabashedly embracing a tanking strategy for 2026. Here’s a glimpse into how teams are positioned as NFL minicamps wrap up and the football vacation season kicks off.

Clear Candidates for Change

Arizona: Executives predict the Cardinals will continue offloading veteran players, with current starting QB Jacoby Brissett engaged in a contract stalemate. They just appointed a rookie head coach, hoping he’ll develop into the role over time. “Complete rebuild,” as one GM remarked. The Cardinals aren’t pretending they wish to compete in the challenging NFC West this year and are likely aiming for a high draft pick.

Cleveland: Dubbed the AFC’s version of the Cardinals after trading Myles Garrett to the Rams. Further trades are expected. The owner desires Deshaun Watson to start due to the considerable investment of $230M leading to ongoing frustration.

“There is not a starting QB on their roster,” one advanced scout highlighted. Their front office is keen on drafting quarterbacks in general.

NY Jets: Geno Smith seemed quite finished with the Raiders last season. The organization has strengthened the rest of the offensive unit around the QB. “Best offseason they’ve had in years,” another GM stated. However, they are not concealing their desire for Arch Manning or someone similar for next year.

Pittsburgh: Aaron Rodgers may as well have already hung up his cleats. There’s skepticism that 2026 was effective. He might be benched, injured, or their season might deteriorate, allowing 2025 draft choice Will Howard to step in. “Mike is fond of him,” a team source said regarding the rapport between new head coach Mike McCarthy and Howard. However, this hinges on many uncertainties.

Atlanta: Executives express hesitation regarding Tua Tagovailoa as a starting option. New coach Kevin Stefanski has had success improving QBs, but skepticism remains. If youngster Michael Penix Jr. recovers well from surgery, there might be hope, but this situation looks tricky, and a coach with sufficient power like Stefanski will likely draft his own QB soon.

Navigating Uncertain Scenarios

Minnesota: It appears former first-round pick JJ McCarthy won’t stay long. “I anticipate he’ll be gone by the deadline,” reported one GM. However, there is a belief that former top pick Kyler Murray could thrive under coach Kevin O’Connell. He is due for free agency, leaving his future uncertain for 2027, but many executives foresee a potential fit for both sides beyond this season, possibly involving a franchise tag.

Baltimore: Lamar Jackson has substantial leverage and playing under his existing deal for 2027 isn’t feasible with a nearly $90M cap hit. After previously requesting a trade, many GMs believe he might do so again. “If he’s not extended by Week 1, I predict he’s out (in 2027),” claimed one longtime personnel executive. Patrick Mahomes’ recent record contract could complicate Baltimore’s prolonged negotiations.

Philadelphia: A GM indicated they would have selected QB Brendan Sorsby in the second round had he entered the supplemental draft. Jalen Hurts lacks guaranteed money beyond the current season, and the Eagles are always on the lookout for improvements. Even a previous Super Bowl MVP might not suffice unless Hurts elevates his game.

“They are prepared to move on from Hurts if necessary,” stated the GM.

Tampa Bay: Baker Mayfield is asserting himself in contract discussions. He could potentially lead free agency in 2027 if he rebounds this year. There’s uncertainty whether he’ll accept the current offer by Week 1, with the Bucs reportedly willing to keep him in the $30-$35M range.

Assessing a Young Quarterback

Houston: They don’t seem rushed to extend QB CJ Stroud (“He will finish this season, perhaps considering the fifth-year option (in 2027) for me,” the executive noted, following Stroud’s two-year performance decline after an astonishing rookie year). GM Nick Caserio, having witnessed Tom Brady during New England’s glory years, may view Stroud as a trade option after this season if the Texans believe they could secure a better fit.

Carolina: Bryce Young has shown improvement but may not fulfill the expectations that come with the first-overall draft status. If he can negotiate an affordable extension while demonstrating gradual progress, he might stay, but no new deal is anticipated this summer.

New Orleans: Tyler Shough surpassed expectations during his rookie season’s latter half. However, given his age, a setback in his performance may push the team to invest significant draft resources into finding a long-term solution.

Fair Use Policy

Feel free to reference this information in your articles. In the spirit of fair use, please credit and link back to this page. Thank you!