Which NFL teams should draft a QB?
Jim Reineking
This is the USA TODAY Sports NFL newsletter, 4th and Monday. If this newsletter isn't already getting conveniently delivered to your inbox, click here to subscribe. USA TODAY Sports is now on Bluesky! Give us a follow for more of our NFL content.
Before we do a deep dive into which NFL teams should consider drafting a quarterback in this year's "annual selection meeting," here are some essentials for your reading pleasure:
As far as quarterback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft go, there's Fernando Mendoza and everybody else.
The expected No. 1 overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders could be the only quarterback to be selected in the first round. Despite a less-than-desirable talent pool, there are teams that should strongly consider selecting a passer in the draft ... it just might come on Day 3.
USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis analyzed each teams' needs at quarterback heading into the draft. Here's a sampling:
High priority – Las Vegas Raiders: Mendoza will join Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell in what shapes up as perhaps the unlikeliest trio of quarterbacks to "read the playbook by the light of a jukebox" as Raiders legend Kenny Stabler once put it.
High priority? Arizona Cardinals: With Kyler Murray in Minnesota, they’re left with Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew II and Kedon Slovis, so …
Wild card? Pittsburgh Steelers: They own the 21st overall pick. The QBs currently on their roster are longtime backup Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, who didn’t take a snap as a rookie in 2025. As for Aaron Rodgers? He's taking his sweet time
If the right circumstances arise – Philadelphia Eagles: They just traded for gray(red)beard Andy Dalton but were reportedly disinclined to deal Tanner McKee, who turns 26 later this month, during this offseason. Neither is under contract past 2026.
➤ Ranking quarterback needs for all 32 teams
📷 Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
HOT READS 🎯
🏈 Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel won't talk before the NFL draft, but that's not due to the Dianna Russini controversy.
🏈 The Eagles acquired WR Dontayvion Wicks in a trade with the Packers, further clouding A.J. Brown's future in Philadelphia.
🏈 In the weeks leading up to the NFL draft, Fernando Mendoza’s film watching has understandably concentrated around the NFC West.
🏈 Age as an NFL draft taboo? Teams embrace the "seasoned rookie" in paradigm shift.
📷 NFL players on the move this offseason
‼️UFL UPDATE‼️
Here is your one-minute read of what's going on in the UFL:
- The Orlando Storm – after an overtime shootout against the Louisville Kings – and Dallas Renegades – who defeated the Columbus Aviators – remain unbeaten after three weeks of play. The two teams don't meet until Friday, May 15. Mark your calendars!
- Ted Ginn Jr., who played 14 NFL seasons for six different teams, is the head coach of the Aviators. However, he missed Sunday's loss to the Renegades following an arrest on Saturday night. The defeat dropped the Aviators to 0-3. Acting as Renegades head coach on Sunday with Ginn absent was longtime NFL assistant and former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley, who's looking more and more like Rob Ryan.
- The DC Defenders defeated the Houston Gamblers, 45-7. The 38-point triumph is the largest margin of victory in UFL history.
🏈 If you enjoy reading 4th and Monday 📰, encourage your football fan friends to subscribe 📱. Follow the writer of this newsletter on social media @jimreineking and drop a line if you want to talk some football. 🏈