Chris Simms’ 2026 Quarterback Countdown is underway! Here’s a look at how the former NFL quarterback ranks the top 43 signal callers in the league:
43. Carson Beck, Arizona Cardinals
Though he may appear to be a third-string quarterback with the Cardinals, Beck has several attributes that could make him the most game-ready quarterback from the 2026 draft class.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Carson Beck
Though he may appear to be a third-string quarterback with the Cardinals, Carson Beck has several attributes that could make him the most "game-ready" quarterback from the 2026 draft class, says Chris Simms.
42. Ty Simpson, Los Angeles Rams
The former Alabama quarterback has top-12 quarterback potential with Sean McVay in his corner.
Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Ty Simpson
Chris Simms breaks down why Ty Simpson is No. 42 on his 2026 quarterback countdown, examining the former Alabama quarterback's potential with the Los Angeles Rams.
41. Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns
Sanders, one of the most polarizing players in the game, remains raw but has the ability to succeed. The presence of his family isn’t doing him any favors.
Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Shedeur Sanders
Chris Simms dives into the game of Shedeur Sanders, breaking down his ranking of the polarizing Cleveland Browns quarterback.
40. Jarrett Stidham, Denver Broncos
Stidham is a perfect backup and has physical traits to be a starter.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Jarrett Stidham
Chris Simms and Connor Rogers discuss Jarret Stidham at No. 40 in Simms' 2026 QB countdown with Stidham as a perfect backup and has physical traits to be a starter.
39. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
Can Watson get back to playing solid football after years of injuries and time off the field?
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Deshaun Watson
Chris Simms and Connor Rogers take a look at Deshaun Watson landing at No. 39 on Simms' list and if Watson can get back to playing solid football after years of injuries and time off the field.
38. Davis Mills, Houston Texans
Mills is a quality backup who is an accurate passer if he doesn’t try to force the ball into tight windows.
Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Davis Mills
Chris Simms explains why Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills is ranked No. 38 in his 2026 quarterback countdown.
37. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
The former Michigan Wolverine has all of the tools to be a top quarterback but has yet to piece everything together.
Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: J.J. McCarthy
Chris Simms breaks down why J.J. McCarthy is No. 37 on his 2026 quarterback countdown, diving into how the former Michigan Wolverine has all of the tools to be a top quarterback but has yet to piece everything together.
36. Tua Tagovailoa, Atlanta Falcons
Tagovailoa has a chance to prove himself with the Atlanta Falcons.
Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Tua Tagovailoa
Chris Simms discusses Tua Tagovailoa's ranking on his quarterback countdown and analyzes the opportunity he has to prove himself with the Atlanta Falcons.
35. Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders
Mariota’s athleticism and arm power land him at No. 35.
Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Marcus Mariota
Chris Simms dives into Marcus Mariota coming in at No. 35 on his 2026 quarterback countdown.
34. Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders
Cousins’ arm strength and athleticism are declining but the veteran can still execute in the right system.
33. Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft lands just above his Raiders teammate based on Simms’ projection.
Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Cousins and Mendoza
Chris Simms explains why he has Kirk Cousins at No. 34 and Fernando Mendoza at No. 33 in his 2026 QB Countdown, discussing the dynamic between both players with the Las Vegas Raiders.
32. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
Penix has the potential to be a top-10 quarterback if he can avoid injury and maximize his talents.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Michael Penix Jr.
Chris Simms and Connor Rogers break down Michael Penix Jr.'s ranking on the 2026 Quarterback Countdown, explaining why the 26-year-old has the potential to be "really special" if he can avoid injury.
31. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
Young made improvements last season but still has a lot more room to grow.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Bryce Young
Chris Simms acknowledges that Bryce Young made improvements last season but explains why he's not sold on Young being Carolina's quarterback of the future, as the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner still has "work to be done."
30. Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings
An explosive arm and natural athleticism are strengths, but lack of anticipation and small stature are weaknesses for the new Minnesota Viking.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Kyler Murray
Chris Simms breaks down the game of Kyler Murray, explaining how an explosive arm and natural athleticism are strengths, but lack of anticipation and small stature are weaknesses for the new Minnesota Viking.
29. Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers
Jones is one of the premier backup quarterbacks in the NFL, as his ability to read coverages is up there with the elite decision makers of the sport.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Mac Jones
Chris Simms and Connor Rogers explain why Mac Jones is one of the premier backup quarterbacks in the NFL, as his ability to read coverages is "up there with the elite decision makers of the sport."
28. Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals
With starting-caliber traits at 41 years old, Flacco is the highest-ranked backup in the countdown.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Joe Flacco
Chris Simms explains why Joe Flacco is the highest-ranked backup in his quarterback countdown, analyzing why the 41-year-old still has starting-caliber traits.
27. Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough’s intelligence and “good arm” help him land at No. 27 on the countdown, but Simms isn’t 100% sure the Saints signal caller is the long-term answer in New Orleans.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Tyler Shough
Tyler Shough’s intelligence and “good arm” help him land at No. 27 on Chris Simms’ Quarterback Countdown, but Simms isn’t 100% sure the Saints signal caller is the long-term answer in New Orleans.
26. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
Rodgers’ lack of aggression and athleticism at this point in his career hold him to No. 26.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Aaron Rodgers
Chris Simms breaks down Aaron Rodgers' "lack of aggression" and lack of athleticism at this point in his career, discussing what holds the 42-year-old back on the 2026 Quarterback Countdown.
25. Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals
Brissett is an aggressive decision maker who has sneaky athleticism.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Jacoby Brissett
Chris Simms analyzes how Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett is an “aggressive decision maker” who has sneaky athleticism.
24. Geno Smith, New York Jets
The former New York Jet returns in what could be a bounce-back season.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Geno Smith
Chris Simms dives into the strengths and weaknesses of Geno Smith and explains why he expects the veteran quarterback to “bounce back” in his return with the New York Jets.
23. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
The former No. 1 overall pick looks for a breakout year with the Tennessee Titans.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Cam Ward
Cam Ward falls at No. 23 on Chris Simms’ 2026 Quarterback Countdown, as the former No. 1 overall pick looks for a breakout year with the Tennessee Titans.
22. Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
Dart is a master of backyard football who can make magic happen but questions remain about the quarterback’s ability to thrive in the pocket heading into his second season.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Jaxson Dart
Chris Simms loves how Jaxson Dart is a “master of backyard football” who can make magic happen but questions the quarterback’s ability to thrive in the pocket heading into his second season with the New York Giants.
21. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Hurts took a major step back just one year after being named Super Bowl LIX MVP.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Jalen Hurts
Chris Simms dives into Jalen Hurts' inefficiencies last season and explains why the Super Bowl LIX MVP lands at No. 21 on his quarterback countdown.
20. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Stroud sees a colossal fall on Chris Simms’ 2026 Quarterback Countdown given his playoff performance last season, but the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year still has plenty of good moments.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud sees a "colossal fall" on Chris Simms' 2026 Quarterback Countdown given his playoff performance last season, but the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year still has plenty of good moments.
19. Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins
Willis has superstar talent and has the opportunity to be a full-time starter with the Miami Dolphins.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Malik Willis
Chris Simms says that Malik Willis has "superstar talent" as the quarterback has the opportunity to be a full-time starter with the Miami Dolphins.
18. Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts
Jones plays big in the pocket with a solid arm but doesn’t always see the field well.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Daniel Jones
Chris Simms says that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones plays big in the pocket with a solid arm but doesn't always see the field well.
17. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Purdy has amazing anticipation and does a great job of extending plays but is limited in certain areas.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Brock Purdy
Chris Simms explains how Brock Purdy has "amazing" anticipation and does a great job of extending plays but is limited in certain areas.
16. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
The Broncos signal caller needs to improve as a decision maker but has the ability to be a top 10 quarterback.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Bo Nix
Chris Simms discusses Bo Nix's ranking on the quarterback countdown, explaining why the Broncos signal caller needs to improve as a decision maker but has the ability to be a top 10 quarterback.
15. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Love enters a pivotal season for his future with head coach Matt LaFleur.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Jordan Love
Chris Simms and Connor Rogers break down the game of Jordan Love, who lands at No. 15 on the 2026 quarterback countdown.
14. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Darnold put together some crucial plays for the Seahawks en route to a Super Bowl title. His quick release and movement in the pocket help him land at No. 14.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Sam Darnold
Chris Simms and Connor Rogers break down how quarterback Sam Darnold put together some crucial plays for the Seahawks en route to a Super Bowl title, highlighting his quick release and movement in the pocket.
13. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Goff’s aggressive decision-making is a strength but he has some things that could be hold him back heading into the 2026-27 season.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Jared Goff
Chris Simms and Connor Rogers discuss how Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff's "aggressive" decision-making is a strength and take a look at what may be holding him back heading into the 2026-27 season.
12. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence is primed to continue an upward trajectory in Liam Coen’s offense and has turned a corner in several aspects.
Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Trevor Lawrence
Chris Simms unpacks why Trevor Lawrence is primed to continue an upward trajectory in Liam Coen's offense, where he can prove he has "turned a corner" in several aspects.
11. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Prescott has been playing at a high level for a long time and can help the Cowboys finally get over the hump.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Dak Prescott
Chris Simms and Connor Rogers discuss No. 11 in Simms' QB countdown with Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott landing in the top-12.
10. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mayfield lands inside the top 10 as the Buccaneers look to bounce back in 2026.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Baker Mayfield
Chris Simms and Stugotz open the top-10 of Simms' QB countdown with Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield.
9. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Daniels has superstar ability and executes multiple facets of the game at a high level despite his physical concerns.
Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Jayden Daniels
Chris Simms and Stugotz break down Jayden Daniels' "superstar" ability, who despite his physical concerns, executes multiple facets of the game at a high level and lands at No. 9 on Simms' QB Countdown.
8. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
Maye lands at No. 8 despite the ups and downs from his eventful sophomore season with the Patriots.
Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Drake Maye
Chris Simms and Stugotz examine the ups and downs from Drake Maye's sophomore season with the Patriots, coming in at No. 8 in Simms' QB Countdown.
7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Herbert lands at No. 7 the QB Countdown despite the lack of big playoff wins on his resume.
Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Justin Herbert
Chris Simms makes his case for why Justin Herbert lands at No. 7 in his QB Countdown despite the lack of big playoff wins on his resume.
6. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Williams has elite arm talent and has proven he’s ready to take the Chicago Bears to the next level.
Simms’ 2026 QB Countdown: Caleb Williams
Chris Simms and Stugotz expect another leap from Caleb Williams in Year 3, unpacking his elite arm talent while noting a need for improvement in his mechanics.
5. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Stafford has an all-time arm and has plenty in the tank following an MVP season.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford comes in at No. 5 in Simms' QB Countdown following an MVP season, and he continues to display a lethal ability to throw the football with an "all time arm."
4. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Mahomes’ game goes beyond the statistics. The Chiefs’ quarterback has already set himself up as one of the greatest of all time.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Patrick Mahomes
Chris Simms breaks down why Patrick Mahomes' game goes beyond the statistics and how the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has already set himself up as one of the greatest of all time.
3. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens star didn’t put up his best performance last season but is still one of the NFL’s most dynamic players.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Lamar Jackson
Chris Simms explains why Lamar Jackson lands at No. 3 on his 2026 Quarterback Countdown, discussing how the Ravens star didn't put up his best performance last season but is still one of the NFL's most dynamic players.
2. Joe Burrow Cincinnati Bengals
Burrow’s anticipation and ability to read defenses make him one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Joe Burrow
Chris Simms analyzes why Joe Burrow's anticipation and ability to read defenses make him one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.
1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
The 2024 MVP is an unstoppable force with one-of-a-kind ability.
Simms' 2026 QB Countdown: Josh Allen
Chris Simms breaks down why Josh Allen is his top-ranked quarterback in the NFL, discussing how the 2024 MVP is an "unstoppable force" with one-of-a-kind ability.
Watch in-depth analysis of Simms’ 2026 Quarterback Countdown on YouTube.
