The most important and talked-about NFL position is quarterback.
So, who are the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL right now? ESPN surveyed NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to help ESPN rank the top 10 current quarterbacks entering the 2026 season.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels had a super 2024 rookie season, excelling in Kliff Kingsbury’s fast-paced, often no-huddle offense. However, Daniels struggled to remain healthy in 2025, playing only 7 games and missing 10. Therefore, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota played more than Daniels.
Here are ESPN’s top 10 Quarterbacks, according to a survey of many NFL coaching and scouting personnel.
- 1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: Allen is the only player in NFL history with at least 200 passing touchdowns and 50 rushing touchdowns. Allen was the third of five quarterbacks taken in the 2018 first round (7 overall).
- 2. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: In his two games against Washington, Mahomes has completed 70.4% of his passes, averaging 348 passing yards and 8.6 yards per pass attempt.
- 3. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams: Stafford produced the fourth season in NFL history with at least 45 touchdown passes (46) and fewer than 10 interceptions (eight). The Commanders face Stafford and the Rams on November 8.
- 4. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: Burrow’s 16 games with at least 300 passing yards and three passing touchdowns over the past five seasons are two more than any other quarterback. Burrow and the Bengals play at Washington on Monday, November 23.
- 5. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: Jackson, a two-time MVP, led the NFL in yards per completion (13.3) last season. Against Washington, Jackson has completed 34 of 47 passes (72.3%) for 516 yards (11.0 YPA) and a 111.7 passer rating.
- 6. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: Read this closely: in his 15 games vs Washington, Prescott has 32 touchdown passes and only 5 interceptions. Enough said?
- 7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers: Herbert’s 10 passing touchdowns from outside the pocket led the NFL last season.
- 8. Drake Maye, New England Patriots: Maye is the third NFL quarterback since 2006 to lead the NFL in Total QBR (77.1), completion percentage (72%) and yards per attempt (8.93).
- 9. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions: Goff had a career game against Washington in 2025, completing 25 of 33 (75.8%) for 320 passing yards (9.7 YPA), three touchdowns and 0 interceptions for a 135.9 passer rating.
- 10. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears: Williams passed for 252 yards, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt against the Commanders in 2025.
Honorable Mentions: Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks; Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders; Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers; Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers; Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars; Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles.
Also receiving votes were Bo Nix (Broncos), Daniel Jones (Colts), C.J. Stroud (Texans).
Here’s what ESPN said about Daniels:
“I know he was hurt [in 2025], but I think this is the year he really makes his stamp and he’s the guy we’re all talking about as having taken the next step. Such a good decision-maker and very accurate.” — NFC exec
“I would still take him over the other quarterbacks [from the 2024 draft class] from a pure quarterback, decision-making standpoint.” — NFL personnel evaluator
It sure sounds like a healthy 2026 will put Daniels firmly back inside the top 10.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Did Jayden Daniels make ESPN’s list of top 10 quarterbacks?
