Ranking NFC East quarterbacks in 2026
The NFC East was once called the NFC Least, but there is now a genuine case for this being one of the stronger divisions in the NFL.
In 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles became the first team to go back-to-back in the division since the early 2000’s. Whilst they may have traded away wide receiver AJ Brown, the relationship between him and quarterback Jalen Hurts was diminishing. The addition of Makai Lemon through the NFL Draft may be the change that was needed in the locker room.
For the Dallas Cowboys, they had an impressive first round in the NFL draft, taking Malachi Lawrence as well as highly rated Caleb Downs, a player some felt was the best player in the entire class. With the addition of Rashan Gary this defense and having Quinnen Williams available the entire season after his midseason trade in 2025, their defense could see massive improvements in 2026.
Franchise tagging wide receiver George Pickens gives them a great second option for at least the next season. Alongside Ceedee Lamb, this is one of the most exciting wideout tandems in the NFL.
The New York Giants’ biggest offseason move came in the form of new head coach John Harbaugh, who could be the difference maker to bring back the good times back. If they can keep Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers all on the field at the same time, this is a team that could shock a few in 2026.
The Washington Commanders were brought back down to earth, enduring a difficult campaign in 2025 after being the underdog story a season prior. They’ve made improvements, but these may not be enough in such a tough division.
How do their quarterbacks rank? Here is a ranking of NFC East quarterbacks from fourth to first.
4th – Jaxson Dart (New York Giants)
In an otherwise difficult season, Dart gave hope to the Giants fanbase.
Despite this, he cannot be placed higher than fourth.
Concerns over his long-term health continue to linger, with several occasions of a failure to protect his body.
Dart has shown a great ability to be a dual threat quarterback, but if you cannot stay on the field then it is hard for a franchise to truly put their faith in you for the future.
Under the stewardship of Harbaugh, he could see an improvement in 2026. Right now, it is hard to put him anywhere higher than fourth.
3rd – Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)
No one could have asked for more different seasons to start their NFL career than Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
After his Cinderella story rookie year that saw the Commanders reach the NFC Championship game, Daniels played just seven games in the 2025 season. Injuries piled up for the former LSU quarterback and he will want to put a halt to the media noise of him becoming the next Robert Griffin III.
Only one truly great year puts Daniels third in this list for now, but he has shown the talent that he has which could put him higher in this list in a year or two’s time.
Daniels has shown that he is able to make plays with his legs, an ability to make something happen out of nowhere. No play defined this more than his Hail Mary against the Chicago Bears in his rookie season.
His body size would be a concern going into the next few years, but anyone who watched Quarterback on Netflix would have seen his mentality. This is sure to be something he will work on as the years go by.
2nd – Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has often been a figure of public scrutiny. Perhaps this is due to the team he plays for.
Whilst the Cowboys have failed to repeat the success of their predecessors in the 1990’s, Dak has shown he is a more than capable quarterback, someone who is strong in the pocket and has stood the test of time in the NFL.
His lack of playoff credentials does have an effect on his ranking in this table, but he is a fantastic quarterback on his day.
1st – Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
One of the most divisive quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts tops the list.
His naysayers will point to the team he has around him, but two Super Bowl appearances is no mean feat. Hurts one of those two, but it could have very easily been a 2-0 record had the Eagles not fallen agonisingly short against the Chiefs back in the 2022 season.
Two years later, and Hurts was back against the same opponent, but this time the team cruised to victory in one of the most one-sided Super Bowls in recent memory.
The argument that Hurts only won a Super Bowl because of the team around him feels a lazy narrative. After all, Tom Brady had Rob Gronkowski to throw to and was coached by Bill Belichick. Joe Montana had Jerry Rice. Peyton Manning had Edgerrin James. John Elway had Terrell Davis, Patrick Mahomes has Travis Kelce. Every successful quarterback has had good players around them.
Some players have had a good team around them and not lifted a Lombardi Trophy. The Chargers had the league’s number one ranked offense and number one ranked defense in 2010, but missed the playoffs altogether.
Hurts may not have the arm of Josh Allen, or the legs of Lamar Jackson, but he has the success on the field. With a 57-25 regular season record, he has only one season with double digit interceptions.
Whilst the team has overseen multiple head coach and offensive coordinators, Hurts has remained a constant and is the perfect person to lead the offense on the field.
Andy Davies