Myles Garrett Trade Explodes Browns QB Room and Nobody in the NFL Is Ready For It

Alright, fam, listen up! We're only a few months away from the official NFL season kick-off, but the drama is already simmering for 2026. Voluntary OTAs are wrapping up, mandatory minicamps are on deck, and these quarterback competitions are starting to feel, well, different. More obvious, maybe? Some teams are making moves that are gonna flat-out shock the league. And honestly, for some of these guys, it feels like the job is already locked down.

NFC North & AFC South QB Shakedowns Are Brewing

First up, let's talk about Kyler Murray in Minnesota. Remember when the Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 in 2024? Well, after an underwhelming rookie year, throwing more picks than touchdowns, it looks like his time might be done. Murray signed in free agency, and there’s absolutely no way he did that without a solid guarantee he’d have an upper hand. With Justin Jefferson, the best receiver in the NFL, on that roster, the Vikings need someone to get him the ball. They’re betting Murray can turn his career around, much like our very own Sam Darnold did a few seasons ago. We'll see if that gamble pays off.

Then there’s Daniel Jones with the Indianapolis Colts. This dude looked like he was leading the Colts to a top AFC seed before his Achilles ruptured last season. Now, Anthony Richardson’s reps got permission to seek a trade at the Combine, and it seems there aren't many takers for the 24-year-old. Assuming Jones is fully recovered, he's a no-brainer QB1 for Indy in 2026. Talk about a comeback story if he pulls it off.

Question Marks in Vegas and Atlanta Loom Large

Over in Vegas, the Raiders went big with Kirk Cousins, dropping a five-year, $172 million contract on him. But get this: the deal is essentially just a one-year, fully guaranteed $20 million contract, split with the Falcons who had to release him. Twenty million bucks for a backup? That’s spicy! The Raiders might start him for a few games, but don’t be surprised if they hand the keys to No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza pretty quickly. It feels like a stopgap move, not a long-term solution.

And speaking of the Falcons, Kevin Stefanski is back at it with the quarterback drama. Michael Penix Jr., their No. 8 overall pick in 2024, is still on his rookie deal, but injuries have totally messed up his outlook. That clears the path for veteran Tua Tagovailoa to start. Stefanski got a high-priced contract to fix Atlanta in a very winnable division, so you know he's gonna trust the vet over the injured rookie. This is gonna be fascinating to watch unfold.

Cleveland's Wild Youth Movement Takes Over

Now, hold onto your hats, because Cleveland is about to go full youth movement. Everyone's been saying Deshaun Watson is ahead of Shedeur Sanders, but the Myles Garrett trade to the Rams changes everything. Seriously, they moved on from Garrett, one of the best pass rushers in the league, in favor of 25-year-old EDGE Jared Verse. That's a huge signal. Sanders is six years younger than Watson, who hasn’t played good football since 2020. After three major injuries and two full seasons on the sideline, how can anyone expect the 30-year-old Watson to return to form? This disastrous contract is in its final year, and it looks like Cleveland is ready to pivot. Shedeur Sanders starting? You gotta be kidding me. That’s a bold, bold move.

So there you have it, folks. Five teams, five wild quarterback situations brewing for 2026. From guaranteed starters to expensive backups and complete youth movements, the NFL never disappoints. Keep your eyes locked on these teams as we get closer to the season. The stakes are sky-high, and these decisions are going to shape the league for years to come. Who's gonna shine? Who's gonna flop? We're about to find out!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.