Here’s a look at the five NFL teams with uncertain QB situations to open training camp

Sport admin August 3, 2026 0 Comments

Here’s a look at the five NFL teams with uncertain QB situations to open training camp

This story originally appeared in the Globe’s Sunday Football Notes. Read the rest here.

Five teams enter training camp with quarterback situations that aren’t totally settled, and each is handling it a little differently.

The Raiders clearly view Fernando Mendoza as the future after drafting him No. 1, but are desperately trying to take it slow. First-year coach Klint Kubiak said on the first day, “When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback. He’s the guy, and he’s going to get a ton of reps.”

Mendoza said he’s embracing the “follower role,” and seems OK with sitting and learning. But the reality is that, other than Patrick Mahomes, almost all highly drafted rookie QBs become the starter by mid-October at the latest, so the Raiders better get Mendoza ready.

The Cardinals ended talk of a QB battle by giving Jacoby Brissett a new contract worth $15.5 million, with upside to $21 million, making him the clear starter over Gardner Minshew. Brissett is still the lowest-paid veteran starting quarterback, but getting a $10 million raise from such a tight-fisted organization is a win. Of course, if and when the Cardinals have a terrible start to the season, they will likely give rookie Carson Beck a shot.

Get Starting Point

A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday.

Enter Email

The Falcons are putting their competition on hold, with Michael Penix (ACL) not yet cleared for team drills and Tua Tagovailoa missing early camp practices with a tight back. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand has been taking first-team reps, and the Falcons signed veteran backup Cooper Rush. Tagovailoa is the favorite to win the job and should return soon, but that injury is concerning.

The Vikings have an “open” competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy, with both players getting first-team reps. Coach Kevin O’Connell acknowledged it can’t last too long, as the starter will need to get more work to get ready for Week 1.

The Browns also have a competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, with Dillon Gabriel running a distant third. Browns GM Andrew Berry said his team doesn’t have a timetable for announcing a starter, “and we’ll let it play out and figure it out as we go.”

Expect Murray and Watson to win the starting jobs, as it seems the Vikings and Browns are mostly trying to see how McCarthy and Sanders respond to the competition and opportunity. It’s also a lot easier for each team to start with the veteran and later turn to the youngster, instead of the other way around.