2026 NFL QB Rankings: Quarterback analysis, breakdowns from Chris Simms heading into OTAs

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Carson Beck

Though he may appear to be a third-string quarterback with the Cardinals, Carson Beck has several attributes that could make him the most “game-ready” quarterback from the 2026 draft class, says Chris Simms.

42. Ty Simpson, Los Angeles Rams

The former Alabama quarterback has top-12 quarterback potential with Sean McVay in his corner.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Ty Simpson

Chris Simms breaks down why Ty Simpson is No. 42 on his 2026 quarterback countdown, examining the former Alabama quarterback’s potential with the Los Angeles Rams.

41. Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns

Sanders, one of the most polarizing players in the game, remains raw but has the ability to succeed. The presence of his family isn’t doing him any favors.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Shedeur Sanders

Chris Simms dives into the game of Shedeur Sanders, breaking down his ranking of the polarizing Cleveland Browns quarterback.

40. Jarrett Stidham, Denver Broncos

Stidham is a perfect backup and has physical traits to be a starter.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Jarrett Stidham

Chris Simms and Connor Rogers discuss Jarret Stidham at No. 40 in Simms’ 2026 QB countdown with Stidham as a perfect backup and has physical traits to be a starter.

39. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns

Can Watson get back to playing solid football after years of injuries and time off the field?

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Deshaun Watson

Chris Simms and Connor Rogers take a look at Deshaun Watson landing at No. 39 on Simms’ list and if Watson can get back to playing solid football after years of injuries and time off the field.

38. Davis Mills, Houston Texans

Mills is a quality backup who is an accurate passer if he doesn’t try to force the ball into tight windows.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Davis Mills

Chris Simms explains why Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills is ranked No. 38 in his 2026 quarterback countdown.

37. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

The former Michigan Wolverine has all of the tools to be a top quarterback but has yet to piece everything together.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: J.J. McCarthy

Chris Simms breaks down why J.J. McCarthy is No. 37 on his 2026 quarterback countdown, diving into how the former Michigan Wolverine has all of the tools to be a top quarterback but has yet to piece everything together.

36. Tua Tagovailoa, Atlanta Falcons

Tagovailoa has a chance to prove himself with the Atlanta Falcons.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Tua Tagovailoa

Chris Simms discusses Tua Tagovailoa’s ranking on his quarterback countdown and analyzes the opportunity he has to prove himself with the Atlanta Falcons.

35. Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders

Mariota’s athleticism and arm power land him at No. 35.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Marcus Mariota

Chris Simms dives into Marcus Mariota coming in at No. 35 on his 2026 quarterback countdown.

34. Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders

Cousins’ arm strength and athleticism are declining but the veteran can still execute in the right system.

33. Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft lands just above his Raiders teammate based on Simms’ projection.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Cousins and Mendoza

Chris Simms explains why he has Kirk Cousins at No. 34 and Fernando Mendoza at No. 33 in his 2026 QB Countdown, discussing the dynamic between both players with the Las Vegas Raiders.

32. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons

Penix has the potential to be a top-10 quarterback if he can avoid injury and maximize his talents.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Michael Penix Jr.

Chris Simms and Connor Rogers break down Michael Penix Jr.’s ranking on the 2026 Quarterback Countdown, explaining why the 26-year-old has the potential to be “really special” if he can avoid injury.

31. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

Young made improvements last season but still has a lot more room to grow.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Bryce Young

Chris Simms acknowledges that Bryce Young made improvements last season but explains why he’s not sold on Young being Carolina’s quarterback of the future, as the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner still has “work to be done.”

30. Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings

An explosive arm and natural athleticism are strengths, but lack of anticipation and small stature are weaknesses for the new Minnesota Viking.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Kyler Murray

Chris Simms breaks down the game of Kyler Murray, explaining how an explosive arm and natural athleticism are strengths, but lack of anticipation and small stature are weaknesses for the new Minnesota Viking.

29. Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers

Jones is one of the premier backup quarterbacks in the NFL, as his ability to read coverages is up there with the elite decision makers of the sport.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Mac Jones

Chris Simms and Connor Rogers explain why Mac Jones is one of the premier backup quarterbacks in the NFL, as his ability to read coverages is “up there with the elite decision makers of the sport.”

28. Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals

With starting-caliber traits at 41 years old, Flacco is the highest-ranked backup in the countdown.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Joe Flacco

Chris Simms explains why Joe Flacco is the highest-ranked backup in his quarterback countdown, analyzing why the 41-year-old still has starting-caliber traits.

27. Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints

Tyler Shough’s intelligence and “good arm” help him land at No. 27 on the countdown, but Simms isn’t 100% sure the Saints signal caller is the long-term answer in New Orleans.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Tyler Shough

Tyler Shough’s intelligence and “good arm” help him land at No. 27 on Chris Simms’ Quarterback Countdown, but Simms isn’t 100% sure the Saints signal caller is the long-term answer in New Orleans.

26. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers

Rodgers’ lack of aggression and athleticism at this point in his career hold him to No. 26.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Aaron Rodgers

Chris Simms breaks down Aaron Rodgers’ “lack of aggression” and lack of athleticism at this point in his career, discussing what holds the 42-year-old back on the 2026 Quarterback Countdown.

25. Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals

Brissett is an aggressive decision maker who has sneaky athleticism.

Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Jacoby Brissett

Chris Simms analyzes how Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett is an “aggressive decision maker” who has sneaky athleticism.