Introduction

The NFL landscape was shaken on Tuesday when the Arizona Cardinals announced plans to release star quarterback Kyler Murray at the start of the new league year. This unexpected turn of events has raised questions about the future of several other quarterbacks around the league, many of whom may soon find themselves benched, traded, or released. As the 2026 NFL season approaches, we evaluate five quarterbacks whose performance, injuries, or team changes leave them vulnerable to transition.

1. Justin Fields - New York Jets

The New York Jets have long struggled at the quarterback position, and Justin Fields' arrival with high hopes has largely failed to materialize into success. After signing a two-year, $40 million contract, Fields was expected to be a key player in turning the franchise around this past season. However, with only a 2-7 record in his nine starts and a mere 139.9 passing yards per game, the Jets' search for stability seems as urgent as ever.

Despite not leading the league in turnovers as he did during his time with the Chicago Bears, Fields managed only seven touchdowns while his completion percentage stood at a modest 65.8 percent. With discussions about his potential release to save $10 million against the salary cap, the Jets face tough decisions ahead, largely compounded by the disappointing quarterback options available in both free agency and the draft.

2. J.J. McCarthy - Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings’ decision to hand the starting quarterback job to J.J. McCarthy has not panned out as expected. After a promising collegiate career, McCarthy has struggled with injuries and performance, completing only 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and a staggering 12 interceptions last season. The Vikings are left contemplating their choice, especially after watching former backup Sam Darnold lead a championship run with the Seattle Seahawks.

If McCarthy’s performance doesn’t improve in the upcoming season, he may find himself looking for a new team, as head coach Kevin O'Connell seeks alternatives to salvage the Vikings’ offense.

3. Michael Penix Jr. - Atlanta Falcons

Michael Penix Jr. has an uphill battle ahead, as he enters what can be labeled as a make-or-break third season in the NFL. Having shown flashes of potential as a backup to Kirk Cousins, Penix’s full-time starting role with the Falcons did not yield overwhelming results. With a record of 3-6 in nine starts and a subpar 60.1 completion percentage, Penix failed to live up to the expectations associated with being a top-10 pick in 2024.

Injuries have been a chronic issue for Penix, and with history of multiple ACL tears and other significant setbacks, questions linger about his ability to sustain a successful career. The Falcons have been cautious in expressing full commitment to him as the future starter, meaning that his window to prove himself is narrowing rapidly.

4. Shedeur Sanders - Cleveland Browns

Last season, Shedeur Sanders was arguably the best option among several quarterbacks for the Cleveland Browns. However, the competition for the starting role remains fierce, particularly with new head coach Todd Monken taking over. Despite earning a Pro Bowl nod, Sanders posted mediocre statistics, including a completion rate of just 56.6 percent.

With the new regime at the helm, Sanders finds himself in a precarious position—especially as Monken has hinted at exploring a more dynamic quarterback lineup. The speculation surrounding the Browns’ drafting plans could drastically alter Sanders' role in the upcoming season, leaving his future in doubt.

5. Tua Tagovailoa - Miami Dolphins

With the situation in Miami surrounding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in flux, the recent change of coaching staff has only fueled speculation regarding his future. Following a lackluster finish to the 2025 season that saw Tagovailoa benched, he openly entertained the idea of a fresh start with another team. However, the two main decision-makers in the Dolphins' front office have indicated that while evaluating the quarterback position, all options remain on the table.

The Dolphins face a dilemma; releasing Tagovailoa would incur a hefty $99.2 million in dead cap, while finding a trade partner willing to absorb his salary is highly unlikely. As the clock ticks down to the new season, Miami's quarterback situation remains a pressing concern, especially with no clear successor in sight.

Conclusion

The NFL offseason has set the stage for significant changes at the quarterback position across several franchises. As teams reassess their needs in the wake of the Kyler Murray release, attention will undoubtedly focus on how organizations respond to the performance and future of Justin Fields, J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr., Shedeur Sanders, and Tua Tagovailoa. With the 2026 season approaching, the league eagerly anticipates where these signal-callers will land and how their futures will unfold.