Three NFL quarterbacks primed to deliver their best seasons yet

Not every career year comes with career-high passing totals. For these three NFL quarterbacks, 2026 could be defined by winning more games, correcting old problems and finally receiving a little help from the rest of the roster.

Joe Burrow may no longer have to do everything

Burrow’s best statistical season is already difficult to top. He threw for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns in 2024. Cincinnati went 9-8 anyway.

That season became a weekly test of how much nonsense one quarterback could overcome. Burrow would lead the Bengals to 35 points, then stand on the sideline while the defense treated a three-point lead like an unreasonable request.

Cincinnati finally responded this offseason. Dexter Lawrence II arrived to anchor the defensive line, with Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe joining him. Bryan Cook gives the secondary another experienced piece.

Burrow has called this the most talented roster Cincinnati has assembled during his career. 

Burrow may not throw 43 touchdowns again. He might not need to. If the revamped defense holds up, his best season could be the one that ends with Cincinnati playing deep into January.

Trevor Lawrence can build upon a quiet breakthrough

Lawrence did not receive much attention for what he accomplished last season. He threw for 4,007 yards, set a career high with 29 touchdown passes and added nine rushing scores. Jacksonville finished 13-4 in Liam Coen’s first year.

Those numbers were impressive. The way Lawrence finished was even better.

He threw nine touchdowns and six interceptions over the first eight games. During the final nine, Lawrence tossed 20 touchdowns while throwing six interceptions. The offense began to look natural instead of carefully rehearsed.

Now he gets another year with Coen, which is a rare luxury for someone who has already played for several coaches and coordinators. Lawrence said he feels “a lot more confident” with his progressions and knowledge of the system.

That familiarity should help him find answers faster. It also could prevent the ugly stretches that have followed him throughout his career.

Lawrence does not need another reinvention. He needs to continue what he started during the second half of 2025. If that version sticks around for a full season, the Jaguars could have one of the NFL quarterbacks nobody wants to see in the playoffs.

Mike McDaniel could unlock Justin Herbert

At some point, the Chargers need to stop admiring Herbert’s talent and build an offense that properly uses it.

Mike McDaniel now gets that opportunity.

Los Angeles hired McDaniel as offensive coordinator after Herbert dragged a flawed offense to 11 wins last season. The quarterback played behind shaky protection, suffered a fractured hand and still made the Pro Bowl.

McDaniel’s system should give him better answers. It relies on motion, timing and creating space before the quarterback ever releases the ball. Herbert has worked on his footwork throughout the offseason to adjust to its rhythm.

There is already a complication. New center Tyler Biadasz suffered a serious knee injury in practice and is out indefinitely. Rookie Jake Slaughter could be forced into that job much sooner than planned.

Still, the foundation is better than it was a year ago. Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are back at tackle.

Herbert threw for 5,014 yards and 38 touchdowns in 2021. He does not have to surpass either number to enjoy his best season. Better efficiency, fewer chaotic third downs and an actual postseason run would do the job.

Herbert has spent years proving what he can survive. McDaniel may finally show everyone what he can become.