NFL Teams Still Facing Critical QB Questions
Not every NFL team has a no-brainer starting quarterback for the start of the 2026 season. And we're not even diving into the mess that is the Cleveland Browns.
Here are three QB battles to keep an eye on as NFL training camps are set to begin in just a few short weeks. Some of these players may offer up an early season fantasy starting option before a mid-season change.
Kirk Cousins vs. Fernando Mendoza
The Las Vegas Raiders' high-profile offseason brought veteran QB Kirk Cousins in to mentor – and perhaps compete with – rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Related: NFL Rushing Leaders: The All-Time Career List and Single-Season Records
Cousins, who will be 38 by Week 1, offers proven leadership but faces age and mobility questions. He's a five-time Pro Bowl QB but had accuracy issues in two seasons in Atlanta. In 2024, he led the league in interceptions. In 2025, his completion percentage of 61.7 was by far the lowest of his long career as a regular starter.
Mendoza's arm talent, athleticism and success in leading Indiana to an improbable national championship has excited Vegas. Still, he's only a rookie. Medoza was a Heisman-winning star for the Hoosiers, but he'd started only 17 games over two seasons at Cal prior to that, to modest success (30 TD, 16 INT).
Prediction: Early camp buzz favors Cousins starting and allowing Mendoza to ease into the full-time role sooner than later. That said, Mendoza could force a timeshare or even be the guy right away if he flashes elite preseason marks.
Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings' open competition pits veteran Kyler Murray against 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy. Murray brings dual-threat dynamism and experience, but durability concerns. The hope was that McCarthy's poise and accuracy from college would translate well to Kevin O'Connell's scheme. But so far, it hasn't gone that way.
Murray led the Cardinals to a winning record just once in seven seasons, compiling a 38-48-1 record overall. His TD-to-INT ratio, however, is 2-to-1, and his scrambling ability could be better utilized in Minnesota than it was in Arizona. Perhaps a change of scenery is exactly what Murray needs.
McCarthy had 11 TDs and 12 INTs in a rocky rookie campaign in 2025. Still, the team went 6-4 in those starts, and 3-4 in games he didn't start.
Prediction: Murray wasn't brought in to be a veteran clipboard-holder. He should win the starter's role, but McCarthy remains the future. McCarthy's development could accelerate a change if he outperforms in live action or Murray falters.
Michael Penix Jr. vs. Tua Tagovailoa
The Atlanta Falcons host a high-stakes QB duel between 2024 first-rounder Michael Penix Jr. and veteran addition Tua Tagovailoa. Penix's cannon arm and upside clash with Tua's quick release and precision in a pass-heavy system.
More From Lindy's Sports:
- The Worst Draft Picks In Giants History
- Patriots Have Made Some Bad Picks Over The Years
- Bills Fans Experience New Stadium Sticker Shock
Preseason will scrutinize mobility, sack avoidance and leadership. Tua may start for immediate production, but Penix's raw talent could earn significant reps or a mid-year takeover. This battle tests Atlanta's patience with young talent versus win-now pressure.
Concussions have infamously become part of Tua's story, but when he plays, there's been success. He had a career 44-32 record with 120 TDs to only 59 INT. He's led the league in completion percentage, yards, and TD percentage – all in different seasons.
Penix may have a higher upside, but through 12 career starts, he's managed only 12 passing TDs and a 4-8 record.
Prediction: Tua begins the year as the QB1 and finds success with a talented supporting cast.
Related: Buffalo Bills' new $2.1 billion stadium ushers in new era for NFL owners
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 7:03 PM.