NFL training camps are finally in full swing, and that means starting quarterback competitions are underway. Three teams have yet
NFL training camps are finally in full swing, and that means starting quarterback competitions are underway. Three teams have yet to announce a starting QB, yet several others could get benched throughout the course of the regular season.
Below, we dive into which ten NFL quarterbacks could get benched at some point during the upcoming season, and there are more than a few surprises.
Joe Flacco
No, Joe Flacco has not officially won the Cleveland Browns’ starting QB job, yet. But we expect the grizzled vet to beat Kenny Pickett who’s missing valuable time due to injury, plus a pair of rookies. However, the Browns are in an extremely tough division. If they get off to a rough start, it wouldn’t surprise us if Kevin Stefanski wants to see what Pickett or one of the rookies can do to evaluate their options for next year.
Related: Cleveland Browns Eyeing Hall of Fame Coach, Tantalizing QB?
Tyler Shough
Tyler Shough is the leading candidate to start for the Saints, mainly because we’ve already seen a glimpse of what Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler can do, and it hasn’t been pretty. Rattler is 0-6 and Haener is 0-1. If Shough starts the season on a winless streak, it wouldn’t shock anyone if first-year head coach Kellen Moore gives Rattler or Haener another crack at the apple.
Related: New Orleans Saints Are ‘Big Fans’ of QB Not Named Tyler Shough
Anthony Richardson/Daniel Jones
This one is tricky. Whoever wins between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson may not keep the job for long. Obviously it will all depend on performance, but Jones could have a short leash, only because this team has so much invested into Richardson. Yet, if Richardson wins the job, it may only be a matter of time before inconsistency and inaccuracy ruins his day.
Cam Ward
Would the Tennessee Titans bench the No. 1 overall pick? Probably not, but second-year head coach Brian Callahan may start feeling some pressure to win after winning just three games last season. If Cam Ward experiences a lot of early growing pains, it’s possible we see the Titans turn to a more experienced option, even if its for a few games.
Justin Fields
The New York Jets are moving forward with Justin Fields as their starting quarterback, but other teams have been here before. While he had a strong showing with the Steelers last season, Fields will also be on the run alot, which puts him at risk of getting hurt. Ultimately, it shouldn’t shock anyone if the former first-round pick experiences a rough patch in New York without a loaded group of weapons around him.
Bryce Young
The former No. 1 overall pick took big steps toward being an above average quarterback last season. Now that the Carolina Panthers have built a stronger supporting cast, it’s time to see what Bryce Young is capable of. Andy Dalton is a more than capable backup, so if the Panthers can’t start hot, then it’s possible the Red Rifle takes over for a week or two.
Sam Darnold
The Seattle Seahawks rewarded Sam Darnold after the one-time Pro Bowler’s career year in Minnesota. But they don’t have the same supporting cast. There’s no Justin Jefferson in Seattle, and the offensive line is entirely unproven. Now that Darnold doesn’t have coach Kevin O’Connell in his ear, he could very well regress back to the norm. If so, Drew Lock and possibly Jalen Milroe will be ready to take over.
Related: 2025 NFL QB Rankings
Michael Penix
The biggest reason why Michael Penix is on this list is because they still have Kirk Cousins on the roster. Penix still doesn’t have a lot of NFL experience, and the Atlanta Falcons have playoff expectations. Thus, if they get back off track, don’t be surprised if the four-time Pro Bowler gets a chance to save the day/season.
Russell Wilson
The New York Giants have a couple of other viable starting options behind Russell Wilson. After all, teams don’t draft quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart in the first round if they don’t have a plan to play him early and often. Plus, Jameis Winston can sling it with the best of them. Both quarterbacks will create a lot of heat on Wilson if he doesn’t thrive in the high New York winds.
Related: Predicting NFL playoff teams and Super Bowl 2026 winner
Aaron Rodgers
The future Hall of Famer is an all-time great. But how much does he have left in the tank at the age of 41? The Pittsburgh Steelers always have playoff expectations, and if Rodgers can’t help Mike Tomlin hit his target, Mason Rudolph will be more than ready to step in. Yet, we expect Rodgers to have a pretty long leash in Pittsburgh.
Related: Buy or Sell Early Steelers Training Camp Narratives?
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