It’s 2026, and you’re not going to believe the wild truth about some NFL starting quarterbacks: they’re not even trying to win this season. Seriously. There are roughly five teams out there where you have to wonder if this is truly the best they can do, and the short answer is a resounding “nope.” These bottom five aren’t just playing bad quarterbacks, they’re not even necessarily trying to win. This is all on purpose, because next year we’re going to see about five fresh names on this list, all coming from the ridiculously hyped 2027 draft class. This whole thing is already shaping the league, pushing the “haves” and “have-nots” into two wildly different camps, and it’s happening by design.
The Tank is Real: Some Teams Are Already Looking to 2027
Forget about surprise breakouts for a minute, because some teams are openly leaning into an agonizing season. Take Cleveland, for example. Deshaun Watson’s struggles are going to make this one of the toughest years for a Browns QB, and that’s saying something considering their history. Browns fans are practically sommeliers of bad quarterback play! What makes it sting even more is that Cleveland might have actually been competitive if they hadn’t doubled down on Watson. And the Falcons? They were the last team to even announce their starting QB, which is pretty hilarious because the source says it doesn’t even matter. All four of their options are bad. It sounds like they’re just going through the motions.
Unpacking the QB Carousel and Question Marks
Jacoby Brissett, man, he’s a true warrior for somehow operating the offenses he’s been handed. But it’s wild how he’s carved out this niche as the guy who helps teams tank, sometimes even by accident. He apparently “won” the QB1 spot for the Raiders, but come on, does it really count if Fernando Mendoza never got a fair shot in that competition? Over with the Jets, they’ve made some moves to support Geno Smith, and he could actually have a surprising season. But it’s the Jets, so you always gotta be cautious. Then there’s Malik Willis, who’s stuck in Miami. He’s got the absolute worst supporting case of any quarterback in 2026. I actually like Willis, but I’m deeply disappointed he ended up picking Miami in free agency.
This is the make-or-break year for Bryce Young with the Panthers. It’s time for him to mature, or they’re just going to start another young QB. It’s like time is a flat circle, you know? C.J. Stroud is in a similar boat, a total dink-and-dunk merchant who absolutely needs his playmakers to hold up, and oh yeah, his Achilles too. Same exact story for another unnamed QB, who also needs his playmakers and Achilles to hold up. This dude’s preseason was so bad, it made everyone wonder if his career was over. How awful do you have to be in preseason to pull that off?
We’re even seeing coaches earning reputations. Kellen Moore seems to be a quiet QB whisperer, given how he’s worked with past quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts, and now with Shough. Year two for Dart could see him elevate like Drake Maye did last year, but the main thing for him is just taking care of his head. Kevin O’Connell has to be stoked he doesn’t have J.J. McCarthy under center, but Kyler Murray isn’t going to be easy either. He’s a fiery pocket passer who thinks he can take on the whole world, but in reality, he can’t. He’s gonna need Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka a…
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
Leave a Reply