Four NFL quarterbacks facing the most pressure in 2026

The 2026 NFL season is just weeks away, and several of the league's biggest stars enter the year with plenty to prove.

Whether it's living up to expectations, silencing critics or delivering postseason success, these four quarterbacks face the most pressure heading into the upcoming season. 

4. Kyler Murray (Minnesota Vikings)

Former No.1 overall pick Kyler Murray has found a new home with the Minnesota Vikings. After having spent seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, it was time for both sides to move on. Murray has dealt with a plethora of injuries, which included a torn ACL in the 2022 season. The 28-year-old has participated in just 30 out of a possible 51 regular-season games over the past three seasons. 

When healthy, Murray is capable of being one of the league's most dynamic players. The two-time Pro Bowler exhibits elite mobility, off-script playmaking and has elite speed to avoid pass-rushers. 

The starting quarterback position battle between J.J. McCarthy and Murray seems to be leaning toward Murray at this juncture. If Murray does win the starting role, the former Heisman winner can do wonders with tight end T.J. Hockenson and star wideout Justin Jefferson on offense. 

3. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert possesses the stereotypical build an elite quarterback would theoretically look like. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound gunslinger has an elite rocket-like throwing arm along with high-level athletic ability. Herbert was drafted sixth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft after a prolific college career at Oregon. 

However, Herbert and the Chargers have grossly underperformed when it matters the most. Herbert is 0-3 in postseason play, which includes having blown a 27-point lead against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 wild-card round. The 28-year-old has completed just 54.7 percent of his passes along with four interceptions and two touchdowns in his postseason career. 

Los Angeles enters Year 3 under the Jim Harbaugh-Herbert era, and just making the playoffs and getting bounced in the wild card simply won't cut it for the third season in a row. 

2. Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)

Cowboys pass-thrower Dak Prescott will have pressure on his shoulders in 2026. The 33-year-old is one of the better quarterbacks in the league, which is vindicated by his 2023 campaign. In 2023, Prescott tossed for 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns (led the league) and completed 69.5 percent of his passes. Prescott earned second-team All-Pro honors for his efforts. 

Prescott has proved that he's a good quarterback, but he hasn't been able to rise to the occasion in the postseason. The four-time Pro Bowler is 2-5 in the postseason and hasn't led Dallas to a conference championship game appearance. 

After missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, the Cowboys need more from Prescott. With one of the NFL's largest contracts on the books, the expectation is no longer just regular-season success — it's postseason results. 

1. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)

Burrow, without a doubt, has the most to prove in 2026. The 29-year-old is one of the best pure passers in the NFL and has arguably the best wide receiver duo in Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. 

The three-time Pro Bowler has led the league in touchdowns (2024), completion percentage (2021) and passing yards (2024). Burrow is mainly credited for having led the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 2021 despite a losing effort. The 2021 season is prominent due to the fact that it was Burrow's first full healthy campaign after having torn his ACL the previous season. 

However, since the Super Bowl loss, Burrow has struggled to stay healthy, and Cincinnati hasn't made the postseason since 2022. 

Burrow has played in only 35 out of a possible 51 regular-season games over the past three seasons. Due to Burrow's lack of availability, it has hindered him from earning accolades such as All-Pro and MVP awards.