The 2026 NFL Draft did not deliver much at quarterback. The 2027 class is expected to be a different story, and several teams are already being positioned as the most likely buyers.
According to CBS Sports, only the Las Vegas Raiders selected a potential plug-and-play starter in this year's draft, taking Fernando Mendoza, who may still begin the season behind veteran Kirk Cousins. Next spring's draft is expected to include Arch Manning, Dante Moore, and a collection of other high-profile arms, giving quarterback-needy franchises a genuine opportunity to find a franchise signal-caller.
CBS Sports identified seven teams likely to be in the market. The Arizona Cardinals may be at the front of the line. The team moved on from Kyler Murray and has reportedly informed Jacoby Brissett that he will handle starting duties in 2026, though Brissett has been skipping voluntary workouts while seeking a new contract. Arizona also selected Carson Beck in the 2026 draft as a potential future option.
Brissett started 12 games last season and went 1-11, posting what the report described as respectable statistics in difficult circumstances. The NFC West is expected to remain competitive in 2026, meaning Arizona's floor and ceiling both sit low. The report identified the Cardinals as perhaps the safest bet to land the No. 1 overall pick in 2027.
Neither Brissett nor Gardner Minshew, also on the roster, has secured a long-term starting role at any previous stop. Brissett does hold a notable statistical distinction: he is the NFL's all-time career leader in interception percentage at 1.4%. That mark, however, is unlikely to convince the organization to extend him as a long-term starter.
The Cleveland Browns are also among the teams listed, with the report describing another potential shake-up at quarterback in Cleveland this season. The Steelers are mentioned as well, with CBS Sports noting that teams in poor positions in 2026 should not be discouraged, given the expected quality of the draft class waiting for them.
The Miami Dolphins were cited as one team that may avoid the quarterback market entirely, with Malik Willis on the roster as a breakout candidate the report described as a possible solution for the foreseeable future.
The 2027 draft is still nearly a year away, and rosters can shift significantly before then. But for teams entering 2026 without a clear answer at the position, the class waiting at the end of a difficult season may be reason enough to stay patient.