ESPN has put the NFL's 2026 quarterback landscape under one roof, with Dan Graziano identifying major questions for all 32 teams before the season, from Lamar Jackson's Ravens contract to Baker Mayfield's Buccaneers future and Sam Darnold's Seahawks deal.
Ravens, Cowboys And Texans Face Different QB Pressure
The Baltimore Ravens question is not whether Lamar Jackson can play. ESPN noted that Jackson has two years left on his contract and that Baltimore discussed an extension this offseason but did not complete one. Given how tense Jackson's previous contract process became, the situation will stay visible if no agreement arrives before or during the season.
For the Dallas Cowboys, the issue is more familiar. Dak Prescott is entering his 11th season as the starter, with an 83-55-1 regular-season record and a 2-5 playoff mark. ESPN framed the question around whether Prescott can add postseason success to a resume that already has regular-season stability.
The Houston Texans have a different calculation with C.J. Stroud. ESPN reported that Stroud is eligible for an extension, but still does not have one. He posted career highs in completion percentage at 64.5% and QBR at 61.7 last season, while also setting career lows with 3,041 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. The Texans have reached three straight divisional rounds, which makes the contract question more complicated than a simple yes-or-no decision.
Seahawks And Buccaneers Weigh Quarterback Contracts
The Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are both dealing with veteran quarterbacks on contracts that may need attention. Sam Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million deal with Seattle last offseason, then added $4 million by hitting performance and playoff incentives.
Darnold is scheduled to make $27.5 million this year, with the same $4 million in incentives available again. ESPN also noted that if he remains with Seattle in 2027, he would be scheduled to earn $35.5 million, though the Seahawks do not typically build future-year guarantees into veteran deals.
Mayfield's case in Tampa Bay looks similar. ESPN reported that his three-year, $100 million Buccaneers contract was close to Darnold's structure, but Mayfield has one year and $27 million left. The awkward part for Tampa Bay is timing: a team with an established starter is moving toward the season with that quarterback months from free agency.
Steelers, Titans And Commanders Show QB Risk
Pittsburgh's quarterback situation is the bluntest part of the ESPN overview. The Steelers went 10-7 in each of the past three seasons cited, lost in the first round each time and have not won a playoff game in 10 years. After Mike Tomlin stepped down following 19 seasons, Pittsburgh hired Mike McCarthy and is moving forward with 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, plus Will Howard, Drew Allar and Mason Rudolph.
The Tennessee Titans are betting on development. ESPN pointed to Brian Daboll, now Tennessee's offensive coordinator, as a key figure for Cam Ward. Daboll previously worked with Josh Allen in Buffalo and Daniel Jones with the Giants, and the Titans hope he can help Ward build on a promising rookie season.
Washington is trying to reduce how much Jayden Daniels has to create by himself. ESPN reported that Daniels played only seven games last season because of injuries after leading the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game as a rookie in 2024. Washington changed its offensive staff, promoted David Blough to offensive coordinator and added running back Rachaad White, while also counting on Terry McLaurin's health and new defensive starters to ease the burden.
The 49ers, meanwhile, illustrate how quarterback questions do not always center on the quarterback. ESPN noted that Brock Purdy's own questions are mostly answered when healthy, but San Francisco has a rebuilt receiver group after Jauan Jennings left for Minnesota, Brandon Aiyuk's future appeared uncertain, and veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk arrived alongside Ricky Pearsall and second-round pick De'Zhaun Stribling.
That is the shape of the NFL quarterback map before the 2026 season: some teams need contracts, some need health, some need protection, and a few need to prove that the plan around the passer is more than offseason optimism.