With the 2026 NFL season just around the corner, former league MVP and three-time Pro Bowler Cam Newton has stirred the pot by releasing his personal list of the top 10 quarterbacks in football. And it’s not the usual suspects at the top.
Newton, who racked up over 32,000 passing yards and 5,600 rushing yards in his own career, knows a thing or two about leading an offense. So when he talks signal-callers, people listen. His latest rankings deviate from the popular consensus that Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes should sit atop the throne. Instead, Newton gives the crown to Los Angeles Rams veteran Matthew Stafford.
“Matthew Stafford is the last of the as far as how he plays. He’s not the razzle dazzle footwork type of guy. He is a person who can carve up a defense in the pocket,” Newton said. “There’s not a lot of guys that are still in this league that are able to throw the football as effectively, as efficiently, and as tactical as Matthew Stafford.”
Stafford certainly earned the praise. In his most recent season, he completed 65% of his passes for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. Those numbers make a strong case for Newton’s top billing.
Here’s Newton’s complete top 10:
- Matthew Stafford
- Patrick Mahomes
- Lamar Jackson
- Josh Allen
- Joe Burrow
- Jordan Love
- Caleb Williams
- Sam Darnold
- Dak Prescott
- Drake Maye
Notably absent from the list are some big names. Newton specifically mentioned Jayden Daniels, Justin Herbert, Trevor Lawrence, Baker Mayfield, and C.J. Stroud as quarterbacks who just missed the cut. But he didn’t even bring up Jared Goff or Jalen Hurts, which has already sparked debate among fans.
Newton’s rankings bring to mind recent discussions about former NFL stars transitioning to new roles in football, though Newton himself remains a prominent media voice. The list also echoes the kind of bold takes seen when Tom Brady was ranked 9th best QB ever on another former player’s list.
Of course, any preseason ranking can age quickly once the games begin. But if Stafford’s recent form is any indication, Newton’s faith in the Rams’ gunslinger might be well-founded. The 2026 season will ultimately decide whether this list looks prophetic or puzzling.
For now, Newton has thrown down the gauntlet. The NFL’s top quarterbacks have their work cut out for them.
