American Football
Falcons, Browns, Raiders, Vikings: Four QB battles taking shape at camp
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Training camps and preseason games are the last audition before the season starts for these eight quarterbacks to prove they deserve to be in the starting lineup.
One bad practice, a handful of bad plays, or an unfortunate-timed injury, and they could find themselves on the outside looking in all season, perhaps even longer.
As the countdown to the NFL season continues and with training camp in full swing for all 32 teams, here are four quarterback battles to keep a watchful eye on, and where things stand right now.
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Falcons: Tagovailoa has the edge on Penix
Michael Penix is still recovering from an ACL injury and missed 11-on-11 work during OTAs and minicamp, handing Tua Tagovailoa a significant head start in the quarterback competition.
The former first-rounder had his moments last year, but with Tua running with the 1s throughout the spring and summer, the job felt like it was swinging Tua's way.
Penix's biggest edge was already knowing the offense, and the Tommy Rees hire at offensive coordinator took that away instantly.
Nevertheless, Penix vowed to be ready for Week 1, telling reporters in May, "I feel great. I feel like I'm right where I need to be," but truthfully, it may be too late by then.
One thing worth watching, however, is whether Tua's latest setback proves serious after he injured his back.
"Tua is dealing with an injury right now. It's not long-term," head coach Kevin Stefanski added.
Browns: Watson and Sanders still slugging it out
Sanders may have ended last year as the starter, but he once again finds himself embroiled in a crowded quarterback battle for the second year running.
As has been the case since new head coach Todd Monken arrived, the real choice comes down to Shedeur Sanders or veteran Deshaun Watson.
Nick Cammett / Stringer
Sanders is younger and has arguably has a higher ceiling, and while Watson has experience on his side, he's also missed a lot of football to injury in recent years.
Both players have spent time with the first team throughout OTAs and minicamp, but Monken has so far refused to be drawn on who has the edge.
With Monken's early self-imposed deadline to make a decision already behind us, surely training camp will be the decider.
Raiders: Cousins buys time before Mendoza
Las Vegas spent $11.3 million on Cousins because they didn't want to place the No. 1 overall pick under pressure from Week 1.
Indiana didn't lose a game with Fernando Mendoza running the show, and with a Heisman and a national championship under his belt, leaving him on the bench may seem stubborn to some.
But the Raiders have no realistic shot at making the playoffs, so it makes sense to let Mendoza sit, learn, and acclimate to the NFL before he's thrust into the fire.
Vikings: Murray favoured but McCarthy still involved
The Vikings finished 9-8 in 2025 despite cycling through three subpar quarterbacks in J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer.
McCarthy's technically still in the mix, a former first-round pick clinging on despite an 11-touchdown, 12-interception season that produced a derisory 72.6 rating.
Enter Kyler Murray, whose career hasn't always gone to plan despite winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and picking up two Pro Bowl nods along the way.
David Berding / Stringer
"Kyler isn't perfect, but I don't know how you get past what [McCarthy] did last year," one NFC executive told ESPN's Dan Graziano.
"He's in a great situation; he's got tremendous experience, but we all have to grow as players," Vikings legend Cris Carter said.
"If he continues to grow, if he accepts KOC's coaching... he will bring an ingredient to the Vikings offense that we haven't had in years," he added.
Given McCarthy's struggles and Murray's upside, it's somewhat surprising that Kevin O'Connell hasn't yet handed the reins to the latter.
