Analyzing quarterbacks who could revive their careers in 2026

A controversial career that included a lucridous 212 million extension culminated in a disastrous 2025 campaign. Tagovailoa found his stride with offensive guru Mike McDaniel. While never a top five QB, Tagovailoa seemed to fit like a glove with McDaniel’s Shanahan style offense. Then this past year, his play took a nosedive and he was a liability on the field. Miami appears to be content with cutting their losses and starting anew. Therefore, Tagovailoa will likely be suiting up for a new team this upcoming season. It’s going to be key for him to join an offensive staff that will mesh well with his skill set. Otherwise, it’ll just be a retread of this past campaign.

Will Levis

Most people have forgotten about Levis save for wanting to have a laugh at one of his many cartoonishly bad plays. After Cam Ward was selected to replace him, he was sidelined the entire year to repair a persistent right (throwing) shoulder injury. The rediculous plays and sporadic interceptions could make Levis an unappealing option. Nevertheless, what’s also true is that Levis had to play with one of the worst situations in football. Considering the fact that he’s still got a cannon of an arm and is dedicated to his craft, it wouldn’t be entirely out of the question for him to be a capable starter again.

Mac Jones

Showing grit, resilience and poise, Mac Jones played his best football since his rookie campaign in relief of Brock Purdy. Kyle Shanahan wanted to draft him back in 2021, and this year showed how he could have potentially molded Jones into a very respectable QB. Through eight matches, Jones passed for 2151 yards along with 13 touchdowns. Of course, the 49ers have confirmed that they have no intentions to trade Jones. While this makes sense considering their track record of season altering injuries, if a QB needy club gives them an offer they can’t refuse, Jones will have a shot at becoming the face of a franchise.

Malik Willis

Whenever his name was called, Malik Willis was a stabilizing presence. Starting off in 2024 after Jordan Love was sidelined after week 1, Willis took the field and managed the game like a veteran. Though he didn’t have to put the team on his shoulders, he contributed massively to Green Bay staying on schedule even without Jordan Love. Willis’ stock especially rose following his two starts in 2025. In the elements, at times when the ground game couldn’t pick up its own weight, he completed 84.4 percent of his passes for 409 yards. Now, he’s set up for a big payday, and if he gets a short term deal he has the chance to become the face for a franchise.

Kyler Murray

Kyler Murray’s tenure in the desert has been mostly underwhelming. Short of a playoff berth in 2021, Arizona has not played in many meaningful games with Murray. Pair that lack of production with injury concerns and questions regarding worth ethic, the Cardinals are in a curious predicament with their QB. Though all signs indicated a parting of the ways between Murray and the organization due to Jonathan Gannon benching him, the hire of Mike Lafleur makes things interesting. Lafleur comes from Sean McVay’s tree that specializes in QB development. Will he take his chances at maximizing his man in place? Or will Murray be looking for a new squad to lead?

Anthony Richardson

It feels like everybody’s selling all their stock on Anthony Richardson. Richardson’s young career has unfortunately been marred by injuries and inefficient play. Now with Daniel Jones immediately demonstrating what the Colts offense could look like with a more experienced man under center, it seems like Richardson’s time in Indy is all but over. Still, all the upside is there, and Richardson has barely any experience under his belt. He’s a big ball of clay, and with proper molding, he could become a true force at signal caller.

Zach Wilson

There’s a pattern that arises when looking at former highly drafted QBs finding greener pastures away from their original team. That pattern being that those QBs kickstarted their careers after being selected by the Jets. Sam Darnold is the obvious choice here, but Geno Smith too started off as a pro at Metlife. Though a simple pattern doesn’t guarantee Zach Wilson will have a rebound season that cements himself as a starter, he’s still 26 years old and a cheap option at the position. His offenses in New York were varying types of disastrous, and he’s never had a shot beyond that.

Justin Fields

The perennial breakout candidate Justin Fields disappointed in 2025. Beyond being a decent game manager, Fields gives little upside for an offense. He still struggles with reading defenses, throwing over the middle and being accurate. Still, teams will continue to give him a chance because of his potential upside. Granted, his past two stops were with organizations that you wouldn’t categorize as great QB developers. Nevertheless, it’s fair to question if his potential is really as unrealized as people make it out to be. Heading into year six, it’s likely we’ve seen the ceiling Fields can provide.