What to expect from NFL's second-year QBs in 2026, from Cam Ward to Shedeur Sanders

The rookie grace period is over. Now it’s time to see how the 2025 NFL Draft’s quarterback class performs as sophomores.

>One this week’s episode of the “Football 301” podcast on Yahoo Sports, Nate Tice and Matt Harmon discuss the most notable QBs entering their second seasons and what fans should look for in 2026.

>From No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward to fifth-round selection Shedeur Sanders, there’s a wide range in potential outcomes.

Cam Ward, Tennessee TitansBoth Tice and Harmon agreed that Ward’s rookie year stats didn’t stand out, but the surrounding situation was dire — rookie receivers, backup tight ends and an unstable coaching staff. Despite the lack of a single eye-popping stat, Ward showed encouraging traits: good pocket clock, a willingness to push the ball and creativity in his throws. With the addition of rookie first-round receiver Carnell Tate and slight improvements around him, expect Ward to take a noticeable second-year leap, likely shedding most lingering doubts about his viability as a starter, even if he doesn’t suddenly become elite.

Jaxson Dart, New York GiantsDart impressed with his athleticism and toughness in a difficult situation last season, showing real flashes as a runner and creator. However, he takes too many hits and needs to develop passing consistency, especially over the middle and on in-structure plays. Tice compared him to a raw Russell Wilson or Justin Fields: high upside if he reins himself in, but there’s significant bust risk if he can’t grow his pocket operator skills. The new system under Greg Roman/Matt Nagy should emphasize his running, but big strides as a passer are still needed.

Tyler Shough, New Orleans SaintsHarmon and Tice both see Shough as the safest bet for Year 2 success. He showed poise, decisiveness and a good football IQ — albeit at 27 years old. He lacks the ceiling of Ward or Dart, but makes good decisions, gets the ball out quickly and fits well in the Saints’ improved offense. The main concern is his sack rate and ability to create under heavy pressure, but he projects as a top-16 to top-18 “steady hand” starter for this season.

Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland BrownsSanders struggled statistically and on film, hampered by dreadful pass protection and inconsistent receivers in Cleveland. He’s neither a top athlete nor a power arm, and must play much faster and with more decisiveness. He projects best as a developmental backup — he showed enough to compete for a backup job, but unless he can overcome his processing and physical limitations, he’s unlikely to develop into a starting-caliber QB. Tice compared his statistical profile to Mitchell Trubisky.

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