Every season has something interesting to offer, and it all starts in training camp. Players battle for playing time and starting positions, and those battles often occur at the most important position in all of sports - Quarterback. These are the 3 biggest quarterback battles heading into July’s training camp.
Deshaun Watson v. Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland Browns)
Though the Browns made it obvious that they didn’t even believe in themselves for the 2026 season, they still have a lot to evaluate at the QB position. The Deshaun Watson trade has been revisited many times and coined one of, if not the worst, trades in league history. With just 19 starts in 4 years for the Browns, there isn’t much to expect with Watson. Yet reports out of OTAs had him coined as the starter, receiving the most reps out of the 4 quarterbacks on the Browns roster and reportedly building a solid relationship with new head coach Todd Monken.
Shedeur Sanders played football in 2025, which is more than I can say for Watson. He even made a Pro Bowl! His 7 passing touchdowns to 10 interceptions weren’t a pretty statline, but he showed crucial development within the pocket from his time at Colorado. Sanders has never dealt with an offensive as reliable as the one the Browns will be trotting out in 2026, a huge flip from their 2025 roster.
Reports have been slipping through the cracks surrounding trade interest between teams in the league and the Browns regarding Shedeur Sanders. With Watson entering his age 31 season and final year of his fully guaranteed deal, I doubt the Browns make a drastic move at quarterback during the 2026 season. A starter will be announced between now and the end of the preseason.
Kyler Murray v. JJ McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings)
Who would’ve thought that Kyler Murray would be in a quarterback battle before he hits his 30s? What’s worse might be the fact he’s battling statistically a bottom 5 quarterback of all time. Murray is coming off a slew of average seasons on an expensive contract with the now rebuilding Arizona Cardinals. He has also struggled with injuries. His rookie of the year season feels closer than it actually is, but many around the league believe he can regain form and start at a high level once again. Reports have been heavily in favor of Murray, and the way Minnesota’s media had portrayed his signing also indicates his position within the quarterback battle.
JJ McCarthy is honestly in a tough spot. He suffered a torn meniscus as a rookie and missed crucial time within the organization and on the field. He then goes into the 2025 season and struggles early on. His injury list from last season includes 2 reported concussions, an ankle sprain and a wrist injury. It is not looking good for the former 1st round pick and National Championship winner.
In all honesty, there is a small chance that this battle is actually close. But JJ McCarthy is an easy contingency plan if Kyler Murray struggles. Murray’s leash may be shorter than expected.
Tua Tagovailoa v. Michael Penix (Atlanta Falcons)
After Tua’s electric 2023 campaign, it seemed like the sky was the limit. Unfortunately, his body failed him at the end of his career with Miami. His superpowers started becoming average talent and his flaws worsened. An abysmal 2025 season had Miami’s new regime cut their losses and eat a historic number of dead cap. He hasn’t been counted out by Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, and may even have the inside track on the starting job. With Michael Penix coming off a torn ACL, one of many he’s suffered in his football career, Tua has been taking the bulk of snaps through OTAs and will likely be able to do so again within the first week of training camp.
Penix is the more talented player, but hasn’t put much on film in 2 years for the Falcons. His flashes have been enough to keep his horse in the race, but the devastating knee injuries have held him back from reaching full potential. Reports have him and Tua as a 50/50 split for the starting job. This is the most even battle heading into July’s training camp.
My personal predictions don’t matter in any capacity, but I’d have to check off Deshaun Watson, Kyler Murray and Michael Penix as the starters for their teams week 1!