2026 NFL Quarterback Tiers Revealed: Mahomes Drops to Tier 2, Jackson Joins Expansive Tier 2
The 2026 NFL quarterback tiers have been released, highlighting Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford, and Joe Burrow as the top Tier 1 selections. Mahomes received 191 out of 200 top-tier votes, but for the first time since 2022, one general manager ranked him in Tier 2.
Lamar Jackson has slipped into Tier 2, joining a group that includes rising stars like Drake Maye and Caleb Williams. This marks the largest Tier 2 in the survey's 13-year history. Notably, Sam Darnold, the Seattle Seahawks' latest Super Bowl-winning quarterback, has also moved up to Tier 2, while Russell Wilson has dropped out of the rankings entirely.
The panel of 50 coaches and executives evaluated 35 veteran quarterbacks, categorizing them into five tiers. The survey excludes rookies due to a lack of NFL performance data. Mahomes, who turns 31 in September, is returning from a torn ACL, raising questions about his physical condition. Meanwhile, Jackson's rushing yards per game have significantly decreased, prompting concerns about his effectiveness as a dual-threat quarterback.
