Quarterback battles shape 2026 NFL training camps in Atlanta, Cleveland, Las Vegas and Minnesota

Training camp for the 2026 NFL season has highlighted four notable quarterback competitions. In Atlanta, the Falcons must choose between former first-round picks Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. Penix, still recovering from a third ACL tear, has limited recent playing time, while Tagovailoa, recently signed on a veteran minimum after being released by Miami, is dealing with a minor injury but has a higher career completion rate. > "If Tua is running the offense and they're winning games, they're not going to throw Penix in there just to get a look at him," a scout said. The consensus among sources is that Tagovailoa is likely to start Week 1, with Penix remaining a possible mid-season option.

In Cleveland, the Browns face a choice between rookie Shedeur Sanders and veteran Deshaun Watson. Sanders, a fifth-round pick who started the final seven games last season, posted modest numbers, while Watson returns healthy after a series of injuries and a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. The team’s new head coach, Todd Monken, is expected to favor the player who gives the best chance to win, and most insiders predict Watson will start, though Sanders is expected to see significant playing time to evaluate his long-term potential. > "They have to play Shedeur at some point," an AFC front-office executive said.

The Las Vegas Raiders have added veteran Kirk Cousins on a one-year deal while also holding the No. 1 overall pick, quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza. Cousins, a 15-year veteran, is expected to start while the organization plans to develop Mendoza gradually. A fourth-round pick, Aidan O'Connell, could see action if Cousins were injured early in camp. > "[The Raiders] were telling everyone at the combine that they didn't want to play Mendoza right away," a player agent said. Sources indicate Cousins is the projected Week 1 starter.

Minnesota’s quarterback competition pits former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy against veteran Kyler Murray, who was released by Arizona and signed to a minimum contract. McCarthy struggled with injuries and inconsistent play last season, while Murray brings proven NFL experience but no long-term contract commitment from the Vikings. The team is expected to start Murray if he performs well in camp, though McCarthy will have a chance to retain the job. > "Kyler isn't perfect, but I don't know how you get past what [McCarthy] did last year," an NFC executive said.