B/R NFL 1000: Ranking the Top Quarterbacks for the 2026 Season

This is the NFL 1000. The 1,000 best players in the league today, ranked by our NFL Scouting Department based on their on-field play and positional value.

Big questions will be asked and answered. Is Patrick Mahomes still the top QB? Which up-and-coming young signal-callers have made an impression?

To tackle all this, our team of scouts conducted an exhaustive film review and graded every non-rookie on a 100-point scale built from position-specific traits.

QBs are graded on six categories: accuracy (25 points), processing (20), arm talent, decision-making, pocket presence (15 apiece) and leadership (10). Trait scores add up to the grade, and when multiple players received the same score, their ranking was determined by a majority vote among the scouts.

Scroll down and see where your favorite team's players land.

Player grades and write-ups were done by Bleacher Report NFL scouts Damian Parson (QB/WR/RB/FB), Brandon Thorn (OL), Matt Holder (EDGE, LB, DL), Dan Harms (TE, CB, Safety) and Brent Sobleski (Kickers/Punters).

Click here for a rundown of the full NFL 1000 series slate.

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Tap a player to reveal their full card, traits and scouting summary.

While Brosmer, Leonard, Ewers, Gabriel, and McCarthy are all 25 years old or younger, this group of signal-callers doesn't offer much in the way of starter potential.

The jury remains out on McCarthy, who carries a lofty draft pedigree but has been anything but impressive during his short time in an NFL uniform. If anyone could see a sizable move up in future rankings, it is him, but it would be a surprise at this point in time.

Continue scrolling to explore the next tier.

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These QBs could start in a pinch. A mix of veterans, longer-term developmental projects, or simply journeymen, this is a group that can buy you a game or two — see Joe Flacco, Davis Mills, Kirk Cousins and Carson Wentz — and provide value in the right situations.

Sanders, specifically, has the most upside to rise from this tier. Currently embroiled in a QB battle with unranked Deshaun Watson to start for the Browns, one way or another, he has a chance to see significant playing time this year.

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The largest group in this year's QB rankings is a mix of veterans and potential rising stars. Tyler Shough, Jaxson Dart and Cam Ward are entering their second seasons with tons of promise and upside. All three have the potential to rise into the near top 10 or top 15 in the next year or two.

Young, Willis, and whichever QB starts for the Falcons (Tagovailoa or Penix) have a chance to ascend as well.

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Health is the key for the three signal-callers above.

This is Murray's first opportunity to start for a team that isn't the Arizona Cardinals. If healthy, there's a chance he makes a big leap this season.

Jones started to make that leap last year before his season was cut short again due to injury. The potential is there, but staying on the field comes first.

And just getting on the field is the kicker for Mac Jones, who has been subject to trade rumors after a strong showing last year, but currently sits behind starter Brock Purdy in San Francisco again.

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These are undisputed starters with a few question marks hanging over their heads. How will Daniels return from an injury-ravaged second season? Can Mayfield put some of the drama behind him? Can Stroud finally take that next step after looking so promising in his rookie year three seasons ago?

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Two Super Bowl-winning QBs and two former No. 1 overall picks.

Darnold and Hurts have experienced the highest of highs for a QB in this league by hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, and with both still under the age of 30 years old, they still have years of potentially great football in front of them.

Williams and Lawrence, meanwhile, represent what can be. Both have the potential to ascend to the top tier of the league.

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Just outside the league's top five signal-callers, all six QBs here have actual MVP-caliber potential. A mix of rising and established stars, it would be no surprise at all to see any of these players exceed their respective ranks this season.

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The top five quarterbacks entering the 2026 season are hardly surprising. These are the guys who first spring to mind when you think of current NFL QBs.

Matthew Stafford may be 38 years old, but he's the reigning MVP for a reason. These superstars are chasing him, and all are capable of claiming the top spot next year. The season cannot get here soon enough.

As with any rankings, debate is natural and expected. Let's hear it.