NFL Strength of Schedule 2026: Rankings for All 32 Teams Revealed Ahead of Schedule Release
The NFL strength of schedule has been revealed. Here's a look at each of the 32 teams' expected difficulty of schedule.
Arizona Cardinals
5 Teams With The Biggest Super Bowl Windows Closing And 5 That Will Be Opening Soon
While some NFL teams are running out of time to win it all with their respective cores, other clubs have done a masterful job in stockpiling young talent to create a long-term title contender. Here are five NFL teams whose Super Bowl windows are rapidly closing, and five whose will open real soon. Which teams should win the Super Bowl soon, and which ones will not? Closing: Buffalo BillsBuffalo Bills helmet (Denny Medley-Imagn Images) It’s not only mind-boggling that the Bills have yet to win it all in the Josh Allen era. It’s baffling that they haven’t even gotten to the Super Bowl in the first place. Buffalo has won double-digit games every year since 2019. They’ve won the AFC East division crown five times. And yet… The Bills’ heartbreaking Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos was the final straw for GM Brandon Beane, who fired beloved head coach Sean McDermott. The Bills then promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, the latest desperation move to get this franchise over the hump. The problem is, the window in Buffalo can’t be considered wide-open anymore. Allen has entered his 30s, and it’s anybody’s guess how much longer he’ll be in his prime with his style of play. Wide receiver DJ Moore, offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, defensive tackle Ed Oliver, and edge rusher Bradley Chubb aren’t young guns, either. And while the Bills are trying to “win now,” the archrival New England Patriots have taken over as the team to beat in the AFC East. And if their rebuilds are done properly, the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins could gain ground on Buffalo in a couple of years. At this rate, the Bills’ window has no more than three years. If they can’t get it done, then it’ll be time to start over. Opening Soon: New York GiantsOct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants helmets on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images We know Giants fans haven’t had much to celebrate since their last Super Bowl triumph in the 2011 season. But for the first time since they last won it all with Eli Manning, the long-term future in New York is oozing with brightness and promise. They hit on their 2024 first-round pick of wide receiver Malik Nabers, and finally ended the failed Daniel Jones experiment. They found three potential franchise cornerstones in the 2025 NFL Draft with edge rusher Abdul Carter, quarterback Jaxson Dart, and running back Cam Skattebo. Dart showed promise in his rookie year despite season-ending injuries to Nabers and Skattebo. And decided to play behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines….with a terrible coaching staff at his side. Then something special happened for the Giants. The Baltimore Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons at the helm. So, the G-Men moved quickly to hire the future Hall of Fame head coach. And boom goes the dynamite. The Giants then aced the draft, snagging prized offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and linebacker Arvell Reese with their first two picks. So, the Giants now have one of the best coaches of the 21st century to maximize a roster loaded with offensive firepower and a ridiculous front seven featuring Carter, Reese, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. With their three NFC East rivals all facing long-term question marks across the board, the path is there for the Giants to emerge as the new kids on the block and rule the division. Bottom line: They’re about to enter a lengthy Super Bowl championship window. Much brighter days are coming, G-Men fans. Closing: Philadelphia EaglesFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of a Philadelphia Eagles helmet during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images It’s a good thing the Eagles won the Super Bowl with this very core in 2024, because there’s a high probability that the group will never get that close to tasting victory champagne again. Only could a Philadelphia sports team win a championship one year, let locker room drama affect their title defense, and seemingly have half the fanbase demand a new head coach. That’s the state of the Eagles, folks. Everyone knows about the Jalen Hurts-AJ Brown drama that never got resolved. Despite winning the NFC East with an 11-6 record, the Eagles never found their rhythm. And nobody was shocked when they were upset by a short-handed San Francisco 49ers team in the Wild Card Round. Anyway, AJ Brown is gone, and we wish Makai Lemon luck in repeating his all-world production. Jalen Hurts is maddeningly inconsistent. Saquon Barkley could slow down at any time with all that mileage. Lane Johnson is likely retiring within the next two years. Jalen Carter has yet to put it all together, and mainstays on the defense from the Super Bowl 59 championship team, like Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, and Darius Slay, are long gone. There are just too many question marks for us to think that Philly can compete for a Super Bowl much longer. And honestly, the Eagles will probably fire Sirianni if they don’t at least reach the NFC Championship Game next season. If that happens, good luck replacing a Super Bowl-winning head coach with a .694 winning percentage. As we said, it’s a darn good thing the Eagles won it when they had their best chance in 2024. Opening Soon: Cincinnati BengalsDec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A general view of the helmet of Cincinnati Bengals long snapper Cal Adomitis (48) during warmups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images It feels weird putting the Bengals under this entry, yes. Their last “championship window” was seemingly wide-open three years ago. Three straight non-playoff seasons unexpectedly followed. But sometimes, a retooling phase and short-term pain are necessary. The Bengals have worked through that, and now they’ve lined up what appears to be another window of opportunity with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Burrow, Chase, and Tee Higgins are just in the midst of their prime years. Chase Brown emerged as the new lead RB with his first 1K rushing seasons. The defense was garbage last year, but it could be much better in 2026, even if Trey Hendrickson is out. They signed Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen in free agency before making a blockbuster trade for ex-Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Cincy also got great value with Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell, a projected first-round pick who fell to them at No. 41. So, the Bengals have a top-five offense and a rebuilt D that just has to go from abhorrent to average for them to win. Why else are the Bengals on this list? Look at their AFC North rivals. The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to take a big step back. The Baltimore Ravens face major question marks with John Harbaugh gone, and with Lamar Jackson facing longevity issues. And the Cleveland Browns? Yeah, a QB room with Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel isn’t scaring anyone. Closing: Pittsburgh SteelersSteelers helmet (Photo via Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) Sticking with AFC North teams… When Mike Tomlin made the right decision by stepping down as the Steelers’ head coach, this was the perfect time for the organization to sell its fans on a necessary rebuild. But of course, the Steelers just couldn’t bring themselves to it. Rather than bring in a young, energetic, and culture-building coach, the Steelers went with Mike McCarthy, who’s hardly different from Tomlin. He won a Super Bowl more than a decade ago. His teams are always in the mushy middle. Not a bad coach, but not one to get you over the hump again. The Steelers made a win-now move by trading for ex-Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr., because an overpaid and fading DK Metcalf wasn’t enough. They’re retaining pricey and rapidly aging veteran defensive players like TJ Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Jalen Ramsey, who aren’t the same game-breakers anymore. And oh yeah, the QB thing. It’s sad that a fading and 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers is still their best option. Otherwise, yeah, Mason Rudolph isn’t saving the day. And that Super Bowl dream remains far. If you’re a Steelers fan, you should just hope for 2026 to go off the rails. That will give this organization the long-overdue wake-up call to rebuild from scratch. At some point, 10-win seasons and wild-card berths should stop being the standard in Steel City. Opening Soon: Carolina PanthersDec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers helmet rests on the bench against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images If the Panthers played in any other division, they wouldn’t be on this list. Fortunately, they play in the NFC South — football’s worst division by a country mile since 2021. Carolina won the NFC South with an 8-9 record last season. They also took the heavily-favored Los Angeles Rams to the wire in their Wild Card Round matchup, narrowly losing 34-31 to Matthew Stafford’s squad. 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young finally came into his own, thanks to the emergence of wide receiver and 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Tatairoa McMillan. Seeing that his young roster was ready to take the next step, GM Dan Morgan completed an excellent offseason that has Carolina on the path to long-term contention. He bolstered the front seven by signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd, giving Dave Canales more game-changing juice. He landed a future star in Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling at No. 19 overall, before snagging Tennessee wideout Chris Brazzell II in the third round. Morgan filled Carolina’s last few remaining roster weaknesses with an excellent offseason. If Young, McMillan, Freeling, and the other young talents take that next step forward, Carolina will be more than the best of a weak NFC South division. They should soon enter “Super Bowl contender” status. Closing: Tampa Bay BuccaneersNov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images When Tom Brady lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl 55 championship in the 2020 season? We know it’s important not to be too greedy, but it sure felt like the Buccaneers could have won another before the GOAT retired. But it never happened. In fact, the Bucs won just one more playoff game over Brady’s final two years before he retired. Just when we all thought his retirement would destroy the team, Baker Mayfield stepped in and emerged as Tampa’s new star QB, leading them to NFC South division crowns in 2023 and 2024. But it’s all over now, folks. The Bucs just got too old and didn’t make the necessary roster upgrades to maximize their window of opportunity with Mayfield. And they’re going to be taking many steps back from here. Lavonte David retired, and Mike Evans left to sign with the 49ers. Chris Godwin, the No. 1 receiver, can’t stay healthy. The secondary has been a weak link for five years, and the Bucs have done nothing to fix it. While Tampa is built around a few aging veteran stars, their three NFC South foes have stockpiled plenty of young talent, with young QBs in place. The Bucs got their one Super Bowl with Brady, but the chance to add another in this decade has sailed away. Opening Soon: Arizona CardinalsJan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images We know this entry will surprise most of you. But do hear us out. The Cardinals just used the No. 3 pick on a can’t-miss running back prospect in Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. He joins an offense with superstar tight end Trey McBride, 1,000-yard wideout Michael Wilson, and another hopeful star in Marvin Harrison Jr., who has yet to put it all together. Josh Sweat, 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson, and 2025 first-round pick Walter Nolen headline an underrated front seven. Budda Baker is still a game-wrecker at safety, and Will Johnson has the tools to be Arizona’s next great All-Pro cornerback. So, why do we have Arizona on this list with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II leading their QB room? Because the Cardinals will probably have a top-five pick in 2027. That means getting an elite quarterback prospect like Arch Manning or Oregon’s Dante Moore. Add a young QB to that core, and the Cardinals will be ready to compete for a Super Bowl very soon. If they get Manning or Moore next year? Look out, league. Closing: San Francisco 49ersDetail view of the helmet for San Francisco 49ers (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images) Unlike the Bills, the 49ers have been to the Super Bowl with their current core. Franchise mainstays like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and George Kittle led the 49ers to big-game appearances in the 2019 and 2023 seasons, both losses to the Kansas City Chiefs. GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have done a remarkable job building up a sustainable title contender since they both came over in 2017. But the clock is ticking on this group to win it together, which is why it’s unfortunate that they were hit hard by the injury bug in 2024 and 2025. Kittle and newcomer Mike Evans are entering their age-33 seasons in 2026. Trent Williams is 38. Christian McCaffrey is 30, which is rather ancient for a running back in this day and age. Bosa and Warner, who’ve dealt with multiple significant injuries since 2020, aren’t getting any younger, either. Is there a time for Shanahan’s 49ers to finally break through and bring Lombardi Trophy No. 6 to the Bay Area? It has to be in 2026 or 2027. Their window will not be happening after that. Opening Soon: Chicago BearsNov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Chicago Bears helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Yes, they won the NFC North and were one play away from reaching the NFC North last season. But regression is inevitable for the Bears, who benefited from unsustainable one-score luck and improbable comebacks. Also, the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions shall have better health luck next year. The Minnesota Vikings should contend as well if JJ McCarthy breaks out…or, more likely, if Kyler Murray takes over as the QB1. But folks, this would only be a temporary setback. The Bears are still set up nicely to dominate for the next half-decade-plus. Ben Johnson is the real deal as a head coach. Caleb Williams is THAT GUY. The young offensive nucleus of Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, and Rome Odunze is only going to get better. There’s a lot to like about a secondary of Coby Bryant, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, and rookie Dillon Thieneman. The Bears may take a temporary step back in 2026, but their long-term setup is much better than that of their division rivals. 2025 was fun and all, but these Bears are still a year or two away from hitting their ceiling and really taking off.
10 Retired NFL Players That Could Ball Out Right Now If They Came Out of Retirement
Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) adjusts his helmet during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports Numerous active players compete in the NFL, from guys who are locks for the Pro Football Hall of Fame to Pro Bowlers, Pro Bowl-caliber talent, and guys who are trying to make a name for themselves in the league. However, due to numerous injuries and certain NFL players struggling in recent years, we reflect on the guys who became Hall of Fame Icons from yesteryear and wonder whether they could still play today. The Colts convinced Phillip Rivers to briefly come out of retirement at 44 and help them out in the final stretch of the 2025 season, and he performed okay in today’s NFL. We’ve also seen other guys return to action on the field, like Eric Weddle, Jason Witten, and Darren Waller, who came out of retirement once and helped their respective teams out, and showed some effort during the second time around on the field. There are quite a few guys who could come out of retirement and dominate in today’s NFL, as we’ll go over here at TPS. Without further ado, here are 10 retired NFL Players That Could Ball Out Right Now If They Came Out of Retirement. Can these former players still play in today’s NFL? Tom BradyTom Brady (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) Tom Brady, aka the “GOAT,” looks like a guy who can potentially come out of retirement right now and create a positive impact. He came out of retirement once in 2022 and played one season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping them win the NFC South and reach the Wildcard Round of the playoffs before losing to Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys. Sure, he’s 47, but if he were to somehow come out of retirement, he would help teams like the Arizona Cardinals or make a return to the Buccaneers and make things more competitive. Plus, he would continue to make NFL history and achieve feats that no other quarterback who steps foot in the league will ever break moving forward. Brady did consider a comeback, but his minority ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders prevents him from doing so. On top of that, Brady is happily retired and also in the FOX NFL Sunday broadcast booth. Just the thought of seeing TB12 returning to play would be a huge deal for the league, as ratings would increase, and stadiums would sell out just to see him play one more time. Not to mention, he would bring his winning ways to any team he suits up for, guaranteeing that team a spot in the playoffs. Rob GronkowskiOct 18, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs with the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter of a NFL game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Similar to Tom Brady, Gronkowski was fun and exciting to watch during his heyday with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although Gronk is happy to be retired, it would be a treat to enjoy seeing him spike the ball in the end zone during a regular-season game again and dominate opposing defenses. Gronk has joked about coming out of retirement in the past, but says he plans to stay retired. Well, except for playing flag football. Like TB12, Gronk came out of retirement once, which led to his trade from the Patriots to the Buccaneers in 2020, reuniting him with the latter. The only downside is that Gronk has dealt with injuries throughout his career, and the league is only getting more intense. And even if Gronkowski did come out of retirement, he would pass a physical with flying colors and make it on an NFL roster with ease and contribute on offense. If Gronk did come out of retirement, he would immediately be a great contributor on offense and incredibly challenging to tackle, thanks to his athletic build and strength. Aaron DonaldDec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Seeing Donald coming out of retirement would be a treat, as the former NFL player was a dominant force for the Rams from their final years in St. Louis to relocating to Los Angeles for his entire career. Donald would still strike fear into opposing offenses, make the current NFL’s defense more competitive in key games, and motivate the young guys to strive for much more. Seeing him paired up with Jared Verse and Byron Young would be very exciting to see, as it would add a fierce level of explosiveness to the Rams’ pass-rush and a potentially easy pathway to the Super Bowl. Another couple of teams who would love Donald’s services include the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, and Philadelphia Eagles, who each have very talented defenses that would benefit from having Donald on their respective teams. Donald has stated that he’s happy with his 10-year career in the NFL and is burnt out from training camp, but he’ll be 35 by the start of the 2026 season, and could have room in the tank for one more season if he really wanted to come out of retirement. If he did come out of retirement, it would be incredibly entertaining to see him sack the current crop of quarterbacks in the league and prevent opposing running backs from making explosive plays on offense. Calvin JohnsonDec 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) and running back Ameer Abdullah (21) get ready for a play during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports Johnson’s playing career was magnificent to watch, as he kept the Lions afloat in every game he played in from his rookie season in 2007 until his final season in 2015. Even though Johnson was burned out after his final season in 2015, he looks like he can still play and cook opposing secondaries. If he were to come back, he would have to pass a physical, but he wouldn’t play for the Lions, as he would want to play for a championship contender. Put Calvin “Megatron” Johnson on a team like the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Chiefs’ passing attack would be one heck of a show to watch with Patrick Mahomes throwing the ball to Johnson every game. Especially when scoring touchdowns in Arrowhead Stadium in front of the home crowd. On top of that, Johnson broke numerous records during his time in the NFL, like in 2012 when he broke the record for most receiving yards in a season with 1,964. He would very likely break more records with a championship contender and potentially win a Super Bowl to finish the season off in the best way possible. Seeing Megatron dominate in today’s NFL would be incredibly exciting to watch in the year 2026 and beyond if he chose to come out of retirement. Marshawn LynchOctober 24, 2010, Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) during pregame warmups against the Arizona Cardinals at Qwest Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports Lynch came out of retirement once and suited up for the Raiders when they were in Oakland from 2017 to 2018, and the Seattle Seahawks in 2019. It would be incredibly exciting to see Lynch come out of retirement. He would have to join a championship contender, like the current Seahawks, who would be in service for a new running back since Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III signed a three-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Sure, Lynch will be 40 years old when the 2026 season kicks off, but the Seahawks have the team that would help Lynch earn that second Super Bowl championship, and we would be watching every second of it. Lynch would also be an upgrade over Cam Akers and Zach Charbonnet when going up against opposing defenses on the ground. Lynch’s agility, ability to push defenders off of him as a player, and versatility would be enticing to watch in the current state of the NFL. Other teams that would benefit from Lynch’s services include the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams, who would be more than happy to make things work for “Beast Mode” if he chose to come out of retirement and lace up the cleats one more time. J. J. WattAugust 20, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) before a game against the New Orleans Saints at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Just like Aaron Donald, Watt dominated opposing defenses in his prime with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals and walked away from the game to prioritize his family and health. Although Watt is currently 37, he has the strength to come out of retirement and join a championship contender like the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, and Buffalo Bills, who have rosters built around reaching and potentially winning the next Super Bowl. Seeing Watt paired up with the current defenders like Jared Verse, Ed Oliver, and Byron Young would be spectacular for football fans to tune in every week. Another team that would love J. J. Watt’s services would be the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would reunite with his brother, T. J. Watt, and dominate on the team’s defense. Plus, it would be a treat to have two different NFL Defensive Players of the Year award winners on the same roster. If anyone could come out of retirement and return to form on defense, Watt would have no problem doing so. Julian EdelmanPatriots receiver Julian Edelman dives into the end zone past Bills defender Aaron Williams for a 22 yard touchdown. Williams was injured on the play and left the game on a stretcher. The Patriots be a the Bills 40-32. Edelman may not be a Pro Bowler like everyone else on this list, but we do miss the incredible athleticism he displayed in games. Edelman won the Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams, then retired at 34 a couple of years later. He retired in the 2021 offseason due to a chronic knee injury that prevented him from performing at a high standard. If Edelman were to come out of retirement, he would still be a sneaky good slot receiver and deceive opposing defensive backs and create some outstanding trick plays since he was a quarterback at Kent State. He would also likely return to the New England Patriots or another championship contender and work with quarterbacks like Drake Maye, Sam Darnold, Bo Nix, Patrick Mahomes, or Jalen Hurts, throwing him passes instead of Tom Brady. Seeing a prime Julian Edelman dominate in today’s NFL would be an incredible treat to watch every Sunday. Especially when the lights are shining the brightest during a prime-time game. Luke KuechlyDec 15, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) looks back to the ref after a play against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports Now, Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly was a force to be reckoned with when he was with the Carolina Panthers. He was the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year back in his prime and made seven Pro Bowls. Kuechly retired from the league at 28 due to focusing on his long-term health and having a track record of multiple concussions. If Kuechly didn’t suffer from any of those concussions during his playing career, he could make a great comeback and dominate on any defensive unit. Kuechly would be a great addition to defensive-heavy teams like the Seattle Seahawks and their “Darkside” defense or the Houston Texans and their incredible defense for the 2026 season if he could come out of retirement, as the current Carolina Panthers are nowhere near championship contention. Seeing an in-prime Kuechly back in action would be incredible fanfare for fans and an exciting must-watch on TV. Especially dominating the current crop of opposing quarterbacks, trying to make a name for themselves in the league. Andrew WhitworthFormer Bengal Andrew Whitworth watches the final minutes in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 4 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Dolphins at PayCor Stadium in downtown on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. The Bengals improved to 2-2 with a 27-15 win over the Dolphins. Miami Dolphins At Cincinnati Bengals Week 4 Whitworth was one of the best offensive tackles in the 21st century, thanks to his incredible football IQ, remarkable longevity, and elite proficiency during his playing days with the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams. Whitworth retired from playing due to his age and wanted to go out on his own terms after winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams. If Whitworth came out of retirement and returned to playing in his prime, he would be an excellent fit for teams looking for a strong and reliable offensive line. Whitworth started in 234 out of 239 games in his legendary career. He has a 93.4 grade from Pro Football Focus, and he had one touchdown in the 2010 season with the Bengals. Whitworth also allowed very few sacks in his storied career, making him an incredible offensive lineman to have in today’s NFL on teams with strong or rebuilding offensive lines. Teams would love Whitworth’s professionalism, durability, and versatility, which he would bring to protect current quarterbacks in the league. Randy MossSep 17, 2006; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss (18) looks on against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK Moss was a superstar wide receiver during his prime with the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots back in the late 1990s and 2000s. Moss had video game-like stats, leaped over defenders, and broke several records throughout his career, like scoring a record-breaking 23 touchdowns in his debut season with the Patriots back in 2007. If Moss ever came out of retirement, he would be very impactful for a wide receiver-needy team looking for someone who could make a game-changing play, shifting everything in their favor. It would be incredibly exciting to see Moss catch touchdown passes from modern-day quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Sam Darnold, Lamar Jackson, Drake Maye, or Jalen Hurts. On top of that, Moss would likely be a missing link to help a championship-contending team win that elusive Super Bowl they’ve been looking for.
5 NFL QBs Fans Hate Despite Winning — And 5 They Love Despite Losing
QB’s in today’s NFL are shaping their legacy as either heroes who lead their team to victory or someone who can’t seem to get over the hump of losing and not winning enough. These quarterbacks are doing everything they can to win it all on the field and dominate for our favorite teams, no matter the outcome. Some quarterbacks are loved and admired for their courage, their ability to soldier through the league’s intensity without winning much, while those who have conquered most of the NFL can be hated at times for winning too much. When a quarterback is hated, there are numerous reasons fans hate them, from their constant success, domination of opponents during the regular season, and always winning a Super Bowl, when there are other quarterbacks we go to see hoist the Lombardi Trophy instead. Regardless of whether these guys will be Hall of Famers or not, some quarterbacks are beloved despite losing a lot, and some are hated, even though they can’t stop winning. Here are five current quarterbacks who win, but are hated, and five quarterbacks who lose, but are loved. Which QBs are loved despite losing a ton, and which ones are hated due to winning? Wins but hated: Patrick MahomesPatrick Mahomes (Amy Kontras-Imagn Images) Even though Mahomes is a three-time Super Bowl champion, three-time Super Bowl MVP, and two-time league MVP, he can be pretty hated for the amount of winning he’s racked up. Mahomes has made the Kansas City Chiefs a Super Bowl dynasty; he’s also received favorable treatment from the refs and has embraced the villain role. Even though the Chiefs missed the playoffs in the 2025 season, fans were very happy to see them out, but with the championship-winning QB returning to action in 2026, he’ll have the potential to bring the Chiefs back to the playoffs. Mahomes knows how to make anyone on the Chiefs become a superstar and a champion, thanks to his winning ways that constantly make NFL fans jealous of his on-field success as a QB. On top of that, Mahomes’ loved ones can be a bit distracting off the field from the headlines they’ve attracted throughout the years. All of those factors combined make Mahomes one of the more irritating quarterbacks to fans who already dislike the Chiefs and their winning ways. Loses but loved: Justin HerbertNov 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) drops back to pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Although Justin Herbert led the Chargers to the playoffs three times, he has yet to win a playoff game in his career so far. Herbert displays elite physicality, is very consistent during the regular season, and has a humble personality. Herbert constantly carries the Chargers on his back when the team’s defense gives out during key playoff games. He also has had a lackluster offensive line for most of his career, as he is seen running for his life during games. Sure, Herbert has guys like Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey to throw the ball to in the 2026 season, but he needs more Pro Bowl-caliber running backs and tight ends to throw to for a stronger offense. The popular QB may not have the championship résumé like Patrick Mahomes, but he tries to be very competitive every week, and we as fans hope he wins his first playoff game sooner rather than later. Wins but hated: Jalen HurtsJalen Hurts (Credit: IMAGN) Hurts is a talented dual-threat quarterback, but when it comes to playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, fans of opposing teams who are rivals to the Eagles don’t like him. Hurts has played dominant football ever since he became the team’s full-time starter in the 2021 season, and has led the Eagles to the playoffs each year so far. He also became a Super Bowl Champion in the 2024 season, when he and the Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX. He also knows how to get the best of everyone around him, which also makes fans of opposing teams jealous. The “Tush Push” Hurts and the Eagles keep doing throughout games also gets extremely annoying, and the league wants to ban the play outright because of safety concerns, its effectiveness, and the unfair advantage it gives Hurts and the Eagles. In fact, Vegas Insider did a study on the most hated NFL player, and they found that the Eagles’ QB is the most hated player in the league. It was also reported that Hurts didn’t even listen to his coaches during the 2025 season, as he would utilize his own game plan instead of what his coaches wanted him to run. Loses but loved: Trevor LawrenceSep 14, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Lawrence may not be the most elite QB in the league, but he has put in the effort in his game and has led the Jaguars to the playoffs twice so far in his career. Lawrence’s NFL career began in 2021 when he was coached by Urban Meyer, who made the headlines for the wrong reasons, while Lawrence kept a strong personal demeanor throughout that season. He has played inconsistently, as he led the league in interceptions in 2021, but cleaned that up when he had more competent coaches like Doug Pederson and Liam Coen coaching him instead. He’s also had a weak supporting cast around him, as he doesn’t have that elite wide receiver to work with yet. Sure, Lawrence and the Jaguars have Brian Thomas Jr. on the roster, but his play has regressed since his rookie season in 2024. Lawrence will also be without Travis Etienne Jr., as he signed a four-year, $52 million deal with the New Orleans Saints. Lawrence was also beloved during his collegiate days back at Clemson, as he helped them win the 2019 College Football National Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide 44-16. Wins but hated: Brock PurdyDec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images When Purdy took control of the 49ers’ starting job in the 2022 season, fans were surprised at how talented he was, even though he was the final draft pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. He instantly became a winner under Kyle Shanahan’s system and kept the 49ers afloat in the ever-so competitive NFC West. However, Purdy is disliked by opposing fans and skeptics, labeling him as a system quarterback who has elite teammates around him and Shanahan coaching him day in and day out. Purdy has a lack of elite physical traits compared to other quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson, even though he made the Pro Bowl once. Purdy always has elite talent surrounding him, as he constantly makes guys look incredible, which makes fans of opposing teams dislike him and his journey into the league. He has also dealt with his fair share of injuries, which hurts the 49ers’ chances in the playoffs and sometimes of reaching the playoffs. Loses but loved: Joe BurrowJoe Burrow (Photo Via Imagn Images) Even though Burrow hasn’t brought the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl since the 2021 season, he still brings a lot of fight to his game each week. Burrow’s competitive play elevates the team; he doesn’t shy away from losses as he takes his accountability and matures as a player and leader. Burrow has also suffered injuries throughout his playing career, and it stings, as fans want to see him lead the Bengals to a Super Bowl victory. Most of the Bengals’ problems aren’t Burrow’s fault, but rather the team’s defense struggling to keep up against opposing teams, and the team not surrounding their star QB with the necessary pieces he needs to succeed. Burrow also has a coolness factor not found in other quarterbacks that comes from his humble attitude, style of play, and toughness he displays throughout the weeks. We hope Burrow wins that elusive Super Bowl in the near future, as it would be well-deserved and a perfect cherry on top for Burrow’s résumé. Wins but hated: Aaron RodgersAaron Rodgers (8) reacts in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. (Ken Blaze-Imagn Images) Although Chicago Bears’ fans still hate Rodgers for all of the pain and torment he put them through, Rodgers has become pretty hated by many NFL fans for a lot of reasons: Rodgers’ questionable off-field behavior has rubbed fans the wrong way; his love-hate relationship with the media is an issue with fans, as he wants to control the narrative, and his polarizing behavior has been irritating. Besides all of that, Rodgers’ winning against our favorite teams has been hard and painful to watch throughout the years. In 2025, he had a decent season, where he led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 10-7 record with his immense skill set, which has rubbed opposing fan bases the wrong way. However, no one knows if Rodgers will play in 2026 or not, as his mysterious ways also rub fans the wrong way. Despite winning one Super Bowl, Rodgers also has had bad luck in playoff games when it mattered most, as he hasn’t been back to the Super Bowl since the 2010 season, and that also irritates his fans, while fans who don’t like him enjoy it. As of now, no one knows if Rodgers will suit up for the 2026 season, as it drives us crazy to wonder whether he’ll play or not. If Rodgers does play, his haters and critics will be there to point out his flaws during the regular season. Loses but loved: Baker MayfieldTampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) makes a pass against Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. Mayfield has seen some success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in recent days, but he’s had his hardships on the field, and fans will always appreciate his humble attitude. Mayfield’s selfless play has brought the Browns out of misery and got them into the 2020-21 playoffs and their first playoff win since the 1994 season. He has kept the Buccaneers afloat in the NFC South after Tom Brady retired, but has had limited playoff success. Mayfield is a beloved underdog as he began his collegiate career as a walk-on, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2017, and has always carried that underdog mentality throughout his NFL career, even though he was drafted with the first pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. He is a great influence off the field, thanks to his community engagement, mentoring, and helping out with disaster relief. And similar to Joe Burrow, Mayfield’s personality is very likable and relatable to fans wanting to root for a hard-working QB. If the Buccaneers somehow improve during the 2026 season and return to the playoffs, we will be rooting for Mayfield and his team to make a serious playoff run for the Super Bowl, depending on how they finish in the regular season. Wins but hated: Lamar JacksonLamar Jackson (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) Although Lamar Jackson won two league MVPs, opposing fans don’t like him due to his lack of playoff success, his style of play, and how he negotiates his contracts. Jackson brings elite competitiveness to the Baltimore Ravens, as the way he runs through opposing defenses makes opposing fans jealous during the regular season. He’s kept the Ravens afloat during the regular season and has adapted as a passer throughout the years. However, as mentioned earlier, opposing fans don’t like Lamar Jackson, as he’s incredible in the league, which makes them jealous of his athletic prowess as a QB. Not to mention not being able to reach a Super Bowl and falling flat in the playoffs has fans annoyed, despite Jackson and the Ravens having talented rosters that could get them there. Once Lamar captures that elusive Super Bowl, fans will be happy for him, while the haters will continue to wish he were on their teams instead. Loses but loved: Kyler MurraySep 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Murray may be 5-foot-10, but he has gifted athletic talents, giving fans fun athletic reels to enjoy during Thursday nights, Sundays, and Monday nights. Murray’s dual-threat abilities and his gunslinger mentality make him an exciting quarterback to watch on game days. HE has reached the playoffs once in his career, only to be bounced out of the Wildcard Round in a tough 34-11 loss against the Cardinals’ divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Rams. Murray has dealt with very inconsistent seasons and injuries in recent years, leading to his release from the Cardinals and his signing a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Murray was a foundational player who tried his best to get the Cardinals far during his time with them. He even posted a message on social media saying, “I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77-year drought for this organization. I am sorry I failed us. I wish the community and my brothers nothing but the best.” A message like that is humble and from the heart, as the QB meant every word and did everything he could, as we mentioned a second ago. It’s unknown if Murray will be the starter heading into week one, as the Vikings still have J. J. McCarthy on the roster. Will Murray be able to revive his career under Kevin O’Connell’s coaching? Who knows, but O’Connell has had a history of getting the best out of the quarterbacks he’s coached, and we hope he can get the best out of Murray during the 2026 season.
Cardinals HC Mike LaFleur Shares What Most Impresses Him with QB Carson Beck
The rookies had a chance to show what they can do as the Arizona Cardinals hosted Rookie Minicamp. That included incoming quarterback Carson Beck, who hopes to find a way to compete for time in 2026.Right off the bat, Beck has impressed Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur. In particular, for his demeanor.“His demeanor, I guess […] The post Cardinals HC Mike LaFleur Shares What Most Impresses Him with QB Carson Beck appeared first on HEAVY.
Cardinals have reportedly made guarantee to Jacoby Brissett
The Arizona Cardinals may be at odds with Jacoby Brissett over his contract, but not his role. The Cardinals have already informed Brissett that he is their starting quarterback for 2026, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. This is despite the fact that the team did not make such assurances immediately after parting ways with … The post Cardinals have reportedly made guarantee to Jacoby Brissett appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.
Jeremiyah Love turns heads with plan for his $53.9 million contract
Jeremiyah Love has no plans of becoming a cautionary tale once he eventually hangs up his cleats. The Arizona Cardinals made Love the 3rd overall pick in last month’s draft — a draft slot that came with a pretty hefty dollar figure tied to it. The Notre Dame alum was awarded a four-year, $53.9 million … The post Jeremiyah Love turns heads with plan for his $53.9 million contract appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.
Browns Rookie Makes Feelings Clear on Brendan Sorsby Amid Chatter
A Cleveland Browns rookie who played with Brendan Sorsby made his feelings clear on the embattled quarterback. The post Browns Rookie Makes Feelings Clear on Brendan Sorsby Amid Chatter appeared first on HEAVY.
Top 10 NFL Highest-Paid Running Backs in 2026 Ft. Jeremiyah Love
The NFL contracts are largely set in ink, which means fans can now have a solid look at the leaderboard heading into the regular season.
Jeremiyah Love Sends Powerful Message After Historic Contract
Jeremiyah Love delivers strong message after record NFL deal, staying focused, humble, and ready to earn it on the field.
Star NFL rookie reveals surprising way he plans to spend his record-breaking $53m first contract
The highly-rated Love was selected No. 3 overall by the Cardinals out of Notre Dame in last month's NFL Draft and on Friday he formally signed his four-year, $53m deal.
Star NFL rookie reveals surprising way he plans to spend his record-breaking $53m first contract
The highly-rated Love was selected No. 3 overall by the Cardinals out of Notre Dame in last month's NFL Draft and on Friday he formally signed his four-year, $53m deal.
Why Rookie RB Jeremiyah Love Plans to Never 'Touch' His $53M NFL Salary
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love plans to save his entire $53.9 million rookie contract.
Cardinals Coach Mike LaFleur Downplays Latest Quarterback Drama
The Arizona Cardinals have been going through voluntary workouts, but with one player notably absent. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has still not reported, as the veteran continues his wait for a new contract that would pay him like a starting quarterback. And while Brissett continues to skip workouts, rookie Carson Beck got his first reps in as […] The post Cardinals Coach Mike LaFleur Downplays Latest Quarterback Drama appeared first on HEAVY.
Ranking All 32 NFL Teams By How Much Pressure Their QB Is Under Heading Into 2026
NFL quarterbacks aren’t just defined by their skill set and individual numbers. They’re also judged by their ability to perform under pressure as the main QB for their team. Look at Tom Brady vs. Philip Rivers. Joe Montana vs. Dan Marino. Patrick Mahomes vs. Lamar Jackson. You get the idea. With the 2026 NFL season just a few months away, how high is the pressure level of each team’s starting QB ? Let’s rank him from lowest to highest. Who are the most pressured QBs for each NFL team? 32. Cleveland Browns (Deshaun Watson)Deshaun Watson (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images) Two years ago, Watson would have placed higher on this list. But everyone has accepted that he’s washed up and done. So, there aren’t any expectations for him whatsoever. And if Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel end up taking over as the QB1? Same deal. Nobody is expecting anything from anyone in Cleveland’s QB room. Moving on… 31. New York Jets (Geno Smith) Smith may be fighting for his career at this point, but nobody is expecting much of anything from the former Seattle Seahawks’ Pro Bowler. Smith was awful with the Las Vegas Raiders last year. The 2026 Jets have even less talent than the 2025 Raiders, who finished as the NFL’s worst team. 30. Arizona Cardinals (Jacoby Brissett)Nov 9, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images Whether it’s Brissett, Gardner Minshew II, or rookie Carson Beck behind center, it doesn’t matter. The pressure is minimal on an Arizona team that’s in a good spot to win the Arch Manning or Dante Moore QB sweepstakes next year. Even if Brissett loses the starting job, he’ll be a bridge QB elsewhere in 2027. Pressure meter on Cardinals QBs: Sub-zero. 29. Miami Dolphins (Malik Willis) The Dolphins signed Willis to a three-year deal worth $67.5 million after cutting Tua Tagovailoa loose. They also cut Tyreek Hill and traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, leaving Willis with a practice-squad-level set of receivers. In other words, the heat level is low on Willis this year. The Dolphins gave him a multi-year deal and little to work with, which is another way of saying they’ll be patient with his transition into a full-time QB1 role. 28. Las Vegas Raiders (Kirk Cousins)Apr 8, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks at a press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Now on his third team in four years, the Pro Bowl version of Cousins is long gone. The Raiders gave him a one-year deal to serve as a temporary starter while they patiently develop No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza. Cousins isn’t playing for a long-term future in Sin City. He also joins a team that was far and away the worst in football last year. Despite his status as a household name, nobody is really expecting much from Cousins at this phase of his career. 27. New York Giants (Jaxson Dart)New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) walks on the field after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium, Sep 28, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA. Dart had a strong rookie season while fighting numerous injuries and dealing with a banged-up supporting cast. Though some Giants fans understandably want a jump to superstardom with John Harbaugh now calling the shots, it’s still important to be patient with Dart. The Giants aren’t going to become contenders overnight. It’s a work in progress. Dart established himself as the starting QB last year for this team. Let’s not act like he has to be MVP-caliber in year two. 26. Tennessee Titans (Cam Ward)Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) exits the field after an NFL pre-season game against the Minnesota Vikings at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Yes, the Titans signed Wan’Dale Robinson and used the No. 4 pick on Carnell Tate to bolster the wide receiver corps for Ward. But again, nobody is realistically expecting Ward to break out in year two. The Titans enter 2026 with a brand new coaching staff, led by Robert Saleh. They play in a division with three playoff contenders. The Titans want improvement from Ward, but he’s not fighting for his job or under pressure to win a Super Bowl in 2026. 25. Seattle Seahawks (Sam Darnold)Sam Darnold (Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images) Among the established starting QBs for each NFL team in 2026, none can take a larger “chill pill” than Sam Darnold. The man exceeded expectations in his first year with the Seahawks, leading them to a Super Bowl 60 championship with a near-perfect postseason. Seahawks fans will want more, of course, hoping Darnold and the “Dark Side” defense can form a dynasty that Russell Wilson and the Legion of Boom couldn’t. But there’s not much pressure on Darnold for 2026. Repeating is hard. The main objective has been achieved once already. Anything after that is gravy. 24. New Orleans Saints (Tyler Shough)Tyler Shough (Image Credits: Imagn) Shough replaced Spencer Rattler mid-season and finished the season as the starter. He showed enough promise to maintain the starting QB job for 2026, and New Orleans got him more help by signing Travis Etienne Jr. and drafting Jordyn Tyson in the first round. The Saints are still rebuilding, so expectations are minimal for Shough this year. It would take a disastrous season on his end for New Orleans to seek a new option in 2026. That feels unlikely, given the upgraded weaponry around him. 23. Pittsburgh Steelers (Aaron Rodgers)Aaron Rodgers (Photo By Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-PA / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) We’re operating under the assumption that Rodgers ends up returning to the Steelers. If he doesn’t, well, Mason Rudolph isn’t gonna save the day. It’s hard to label Rodgers as a QB facing much pressure for this team. He’s above-average, but well past his best-before date at age-42. If he returns to Pittsburgh, they’ll be a playoff contender and nothing more. 22. Kansas City Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes)Patrick Mahomes (Photo Via Imagn Images) Hard to put much pressure on Mahomes here. He’s a three-time Super Bowl champion who’s gone to the big game in five of his eight seasons as the starter. With Mahomes also recovering from a season-ending ACL tear, it’ll be understandable if he’s not at 100 percent in 2026. 21. Los Angeles Rams (Matthew Stafford)Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) Nobody seems to know how much longer Matthew Stafford is playing. But with a Super Bowl ring already on his resume, it’s hard to say there’s any real pressure on him. Of course, the Rams would like to win another Super Bowl before No. 9 calls it quits. But the NFC is brutally difficult this year. Nobody can hold it against him if they fall short of the ultimate prize again. 20. Carolina Panthers (Bryce Young)Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) passes on the run against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images The No. 1 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft finally put it together in year three, leading Carolina to a surprise NFC South crown. With an improved supporting cast around him, there’s no reason to think Young is facing real pressure in year four. 19. Chicago Bears (Caleb Williams)Sep 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) gestures after throwing a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Williams had a breakout year for the ages under Ben Johnson’s tutelage. He led the Bears to a surprise NFC North crown and their first playoff win since 2010. The No. 1 pick of 2024 has arrived, and he’s just entering his prime now as this team’s starting QB. No pressure here. Moving on… 18. Washington Commanders (Jayden Daniels)Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images There’s pressure on Daniels to stay healthy and look more like his superstar form we saw as a rookie in 2024. But I mean, he’s a third-year QB who has limited talent around him. Not like the guy’s fighting for his job or anything. Washington won’t re-emerge as a contender without an improved ground game, pass protection, and defense. Those responsibilities don’t fall on Daniels. 17. Cincinnati Bengals (Joe Burrow)Nov 27, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) reacts against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images The weight isn’t really on Joe Burrow’s shoulders here. We all know he’s going to have a lights-out season in Cincinnati. The pressure is on the rest of the team to build a winner. We can see a scenario where he demands a trade Burrow memorably told reporters, “You think about a lot of things,” last December when asked about playing elsewhere. If things go well this year in Cincy, great. If not, Burrow has good reason to demand a trade. The pressure is hardly on him. 16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Baker Mayfield)Baker Mayfield. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Mayfield is entering the final year of his deal with the Bucs, who endured a brutal second-half meltdown to miss out on the postseason for the first time since 2019. The Bucs, even with their star QB, are a mushy middle team, not Super Bowl contenders. If Mayfield doesn’t play well enough to get an extension from Tampa, somebody else will pay him. And with their window closing, that’s not the worst scenario for Mayfield. 15. Minnesota Vikings (Kyler Murray)Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images) After his release from the Cardinals, Murray signed a one-year deal with the Vikings. It’s hard to think he’ll fare poorly with an elite set of weapons and a top head coach like Kevin O’Connell…but crazier things have happened. If Murray somehow flops in Minny, it could hurt his chances of securing a long-term starting job elsewhere. Play well, however, and he could get a nine-figure contract from the Vikings or somewhere else next year. 14. Denver Broncos (Bo Nix)Bo Nix (Photo via Imagn Images) If not for a season-ending ankle injury in the Divisional Round, Nix would have led the Broncos to the Super Bowl. And who knows? They might have even defeated Seattle in the big game. The Broncos are now bona fide Super Bowl contenders, but so are over a half-dozen teams in the hard AFC. Nix and the Broncos are facing natural pressure as the AFC runner-ups, but it’s not the end of his career if they don’t win it all in 2026. 13. Jacksonville Jaguars (Trevor Lawrence)Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs on the field before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Texans 17-10. Lawrence finally regained that star-like form we saw in 2022, thanks to the masterful coaching of Liam Coen. With a long-term contract in his back pocket, Lawrence isn’t going anywhere. Obviously, it’d be great if the Jags could build on last year’s 13-win season and go on a deep playoff run. But there’s only room for one winner in the AFC. It’s not quite championship-or-bust for this young QB and the team in 2026. At least, not yet. 12. San Francisco 49ers (Brock Purdy)San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images) Hard as it is to believe, we’re now four years through Purdy’s career. Three playoff berths, two NFC Championship berths, and a Super Bowl 58 appearance are nothing to scoff at. But now, the pressure’s growing on Purdy. The short-handed 49ers were crushed by the Seahawks in the Divisional Round. No shame in that, but they’ll be healthy for 2026. With core players getting old, Purdy is running out of prime opportunities to win his first Super Bowl. His pressure meter isn’t scorching-scorching hot, but sunscreen is a good idea. 11. Philadelphia Eagles (Jalen Hurts)Dec 20, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks on before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images To some, it may feel weird putting Hurts this high after winning the Super Bowl a year ago. But folks, this is Philly. The market is unforgiving. Just look at how many Eagles fans turned against Nick Sirianni this past season. The Eagles are getting rid of AJ Brown, drafted Makai Lemon, and named Sean Mannion their new OC. So, the Hurts-Brown locker room drama is no longer an excuse. Nor is OC malpractice. If Hurts has another “down” season, there will be calls for Philly to trade him and/or fire Sirianni. In this ruthless Philly market, the pressure is ultra-high for Hurts to rebound. 10. Detroit Lions (Jared Goff)Jared Goff (Image Credits: Imagn) The Lions were a trendy pick to win Super Bowl 60 last year. Instead, a rash of injuries and poor performances in one-score games sank them to a 9-8 record and last-place finish in the NFC North. Since leading the Lions to the NFC title game in 2023, Goff hasn’t won a single playoff game. And remember, the knock against him in Los Angeles was that he couldn’t win the big one. Goff isn’t a young man anymore at age 32. Dan Campbell infamously told his players that losing in the 2023 NFC title game may have been their only shot. It’s up to the veteran QB to put that notion to bed and lead his team back into playoff contention. 9. Green Bay Packers (Jordan Love)Jordan Love (Image Credits: Imagn) After leading the Packers to the elite eight in 2023, Love has endured back-to-back losses in the Wild Card Round. That’s just not going to cut it in Green Bay. Love isn’t fighting for his job in 2026, but it’s also not a stretch to suggest he’s a playoff choker. If the Packers don’t at least reach the NFC Championship Game, questions about whether he’s the right guy in Green Bay will escalate. 8. New England Patriots (Drake Maye)Drake Maye (Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images) Maye’s sophomore season couldn’t have gone THAT much better. He was the MVP runner-up and led the Pats to a surprise AFC title before an overmatched Seattle team crushed them in the Super Bowl. But fair or not, expectations are now sky-high for Maye. Any year the Pats didn’t win it all with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick was considered a disappointment. Playing in New England means more pressure. Now, it’s up to Maye to show a) last year was no fluke and b) he won’t let the Super Bowl loss break him. 7. Dallas Cowboys (Dak Prescott)Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks at his helmet during warmups before the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images When you’re the starting quarterback of the Cowboys, pressure will always go through the roof. Even though most NFL fanbases know these guys aren’t serious contenders, the Cowboys’ faithful and brass hold a “championship or bust” mentality each year. If there were a time for Prescott to lead Dallas on a deep postseason run, it’s now. He’s never had an offense this stacked, with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Javonte Williams. If this team falls off and misses the postseason for a third straight year, you have to wonder if Jerry Jones will consider replacing their starting QB in 2027. 6. Los Angeles Chargers (Justin Herbert)Justin Herbert (Image Credits: Imagn) The knock against the Bolts early in Herbert’s career was that he had a bad offensive line, a weak defense, and coaching malpractice. Neither of those has been a problem in LA since Jim Harbaugh arrived. And yet, Herbert has delivered back-to-back stinkers in the Wild Card Round. His playoff record is now 0-3 with two touchdowns, four picks, and a 64.7 passer rating. Woof, we don’t wanna imagine how much worse his reputation will get if the Bolts can’t win at least one playoff game this year. 5. Indianapolis Colts (Daniel Jones)Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Denny Medley-Imagn Images) Jones was enjoying a career year in Indy before, unfortunately, suffering a torn Achilles late in the season. The Colts decided to take the risk that it wasn’t a fluke, giving “Danny Dimes” a two-year extension worth $88 million. But folks, we’ve seen this story before. Jones had a career year for the Giants in 2022, then signed a $160 million extension in 2023. He was released in the midst of the 2024 season. If he flops in 2026 the way he did in 2023, he won’t be a starter again. Pure and simple. 4. Buffalo Bills (Josh Allen)Josh Allen (Image Credits: Imagn) Allen’s not a young man anymore at 30. If you thought Sean McDermott was the problem? Well, he’s long gone. The Bills replaced him with Joe Brady, who has helped Allen take his game to another level. The Bills’ championship window is closing, and quickly. If the Bills don’t get it done in 2026, then what do you do? The excuses for Allen have to end at some point. 3. Atlanta Falcons (Michael Penix Jr.)Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) reacts after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa to challenge Penix after his release from the Dolphins. So yeah, the pressure is really on Atlanta’s 2024 first-round pick to deliver this time. Penix has battled injuries and accuracy woes over his first two years. If he can’t deliver early for Kevin Stefanski, the Falcons will turn to Tua. And that will be that in this team’s young QB. 2. Houston Texans (C.J. Stroud)Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (Barry Reeger-Imagn Images) Stroud’s shaky 2025 season wasted a generational Houston Texans defense. He single-handedly cost them in their AFC Divisional Round loss against the Patriots. What happened to the guy who had an MVP-like season in his 2023 rookie year? Houston picked up Stroud’s fifth-year option, but his seat is burning-hot now. Houston has a championship-caliber roster. If Stroud is going to waste it again, they have to move on and find a QB who won’t keep screwing up when they need him most. 1. Baltimore Ravens (Lamar Jackson)Lamar Jackson (Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images) Lamar Jackson presumably wanted John Harbaugh gone after missing the postseason in 2025. The Ravens gave him a fresh start. So we’ve entered the “If not now, when” phase of Jackson’s career. Jackson and Harbaugh never got to the postseason together despite remarkable regular-season success. The 29-year-old QB isn’t getting any younger. If the fortunes don’t change under Jesse Minter, we might have to accept that Jackson will never win the big one.
Cardinals’ Jeremiyah Love drops eye-opening financial take on $53.9 million rookie contract
There has been a strong movement over the 10 to 15 years in the NFL to devalue running backs. While nearly every team would like to have a strong running game, the idea of using high draft picks on the ball carriers and paying them the big salaries that some of the other position players […] The post Cardinals’ Jeremiyah Love drops eye-opening financial take on $53.9 million rookie contract appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Cardinals’ Jeremiyah Love officially signs $53.9 miillion rookie deal
With the Arizona Cardinals coming out of the 2026 NFL Draft, a highlight of the first round was when the team selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick. As fans were wondering when an official contract announcement would be made with the Cardinals and Love, Friday is the day that […] The post Cardinals’ Jeremiyah Love officially signs $53.9 miillion rookie deal appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Vikings add an exciting new weapon for Kyler Murray
The Minnesota Vikings are doing their best to put Kyler Murray in a position to succeed. Minnesota announced on Thursday that they have agree to sign wide receiver Jauan Jennings in free agency. Adam Schefter of ESPN adds that Jennings is getting a one-year deal from the Vikings that can be worth up to $13 … The post Vikings add an exciting new weapon for Kyler Murray appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.
Mike LaFleur solely focused on Cardinals’ QBs amid Aaron Rodgers rumors
Even with the 2026 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains a free agent. Fans and analysts have begun speculating his next move. Amongst the noise, the Arizona Cardinals were raised as a potential Rodgers landing spot. However, new head coach Mike LaFleur has poured cold water on that idea, rather focusing […] The post Mike LaFleur solely focused on Cardinals’ QBs amid Aaron Rodgers rumors appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Cardinals coach breaks silence on Aaron Rodgers rumors
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been waiting a long time to see what the future holds for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. As of now, Rodgers has yet to make a decision, and rumors have swirled that the Arizona Cardinals could be an option for the veteran if he doesn’t return to Pittsburgh. CBS Sports insider John … The post Cardinals coach breaks silence on Aaron Rodgers rumors appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.
Pat McAfee Reacts to Cardinals’ Interest in Aaron Rodgers Amid Steelers Uncertainty
It was originally thought that the Pittsburgh Steelers were the only team that was in the running for future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But now, it appears as though the Arizona Cardinals could have interest in him. With Cardinals wide receiver Kendrick Bourne attempting to recruit Rodgers to the desert, it appears as though this is […] The post Pat McAfee Reacts to Cardinals’ Interest in Aaron Rodgers Amid Steelers Uncertainty appeared first on HEAVY.
One NFL Team Already Being Accused Of Tanking
Looks like the 2026 NFL season is in full effect.
Aaron Rodgers Receives Request From NFC Wide Receiver
Aaron Rodgers has yet to decide if he will return for his 22nd season in the NFL. After spending 2025 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the four-time MVP is not only a free agent but also considering retirement. In his 16 starts with the Steelers, Rodgers completed 327-of-498 passes for 3,322 yards, 24 ...
Cardinals Receiver Sends Recruiting Message to Aaron Rodgers on Social Media
The Arizona Cardinals currently have three potential starting quarterbacks on the roster, but the one who ultimately gets the job may not be any of them.Aaron Rodgers has still not signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, or officially retired, leading to speculation that Arizona could become an option. One current Cardinal certainty thinks so, and threw […] The post Cardinals Receiver Sends Recruiting Message to Aaron Rodgers on Social Media appeared first on HEAVY.