Which NFL Teams Should Draft a QB?

Despite a weak 2026 QB class, some teams may still need to address the position in the draft.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:58am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting an abstracted football game, with players and the field reduced to sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a bold color palette, conveying the complex quarterback landscape heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.The 2026 NFL Draft's quarterback class may lack top-tier talent, but several teams are still in need of a long-term solution at the position.Today in Pittsburgh

The 2026 NFL Draft class is headlined by Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be the only quarterback taken in the first round. However, several teams still have pressing needs at the position, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Philadelphia Eagles are also a wild card, as they may look to add a quarterback despite recently acquiring Andy Dalton.

Why it matters

The quarterback position is the most important in the NFL, and teams that fail to address it can struggle for years. This year's draft class may not be as strong, but several teams will still need to find their future signal-caller, whether it's in the early rounds or on Day 3.

The details

According to the report, the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Philadelphia Eagles are among the teams that should consider drafting a quarterback in 2026. The Raiders are expected to select Mendoza with the first overall pick, but they also have Kirk Cousins and Aidan O'Connell on the roster. The Cardinals are left with Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew II, and Kedon Slovis after trading away Kyler Murray. The Steelers currently have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, while the Eagles just traded for Andy Dalton but may look to the future with Tanner McKee.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

The expected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and the top quarterback prospect in the class.

Kirk Cousins

The veteran quarterback currently on the Las Vegas Raiders roster.

Aidan O'Connell

Another quarterback on the Las Vegas Raiders roster.

Kyler Murray

The former Arizona Cardinals quarterback who was traded to the Minnesota Vikings.

Jacoby Brissett

A quarterback currently on the Arizona Cardinals roster.

Gardner Minshew II

A quarterback currently on the Arizona Cardinals roster.

Kedon Slovis

A quarterback currently on the Arizona Cardinals roster.

Mason Rudolph

The longtime backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Will Howard

A quarterback on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster who did not take a snap as a rookie in 2025.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback who is reportedly taking his time with his future plans.

Andy Dalton

The veteran quarterback recently acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Tanner McKee

A quarterback on the Philadelphia Eagles roster who is not under contract past 2026.

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What they’re saying

“With Kyler Murray in Minnesota, they're left with Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew II and Kedon Slovis, so …”

— Nate Davis, USA TODAY Sports

“They own the 21st overall pick. The QBs currently on their roster are longtime backup Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, who didn't take a snap as a rookie in 2025. As for Aaron Rodgers? He's taking his sweet time”

— Nate Davis, USA TODAY Sports

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026, so teams will continue to evaluate their quarterback options and make decisions on whether to address the position in the draft.

The takeaway

This year's NFL Draft class may not be as strong at quarterback, but several teams still have pressing needs at the position. The Raiders, Cardinals, Steelers, and Eagles are among the teams that could look to add a quarterback, whether it's in the early rounds or on Day 3 of the draft.