2026 Offseason Preview: QB Edition

Players Under Contract:

Cam Ward, Will Levis

Pending Free Agents:

Brandon Allen (UFA)

Potential Free Agent Targets:

Sam Howell, Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky

What to Watch For:

The offseason plan at QB should be straight forward. Cam Ward is obviously the future at the position and the backup QB this year Brandon Allen is a pending FA. Allen was picked by Brian Callahan to be the backup, so I can definitely see the new coach going a different direction (as he should). I don't think we should go out and pay top dollar for a backup QB but a serviceable backup should be a priority. Mike Borgonzi came out and said Levis still has a role on the team and if that holds true, I'm not mad at it as he is still on a rookie contract. Levis can be a good backup QB and I honestly think having some time to sit back and learn will have helped him come next season. What can make things interesting is if someone comes knocking with a pick, I think you have to evaluate that as an option as well. As far as potential targets in the offseason (if/when Levis is traded), Sam Howell would be my favorite backup candidate. I had him as my #1 rated QB when he came out and I have always been high on him. His style of play is similar to Cam Ward, as they are both gun slingers and he shouldn't cost top dollar backup money. Last year, I wanted Gardner Minshew and may have gone that route again but he tore his ACL at the end of the season. A lot of this is going to depend on the new coach and what type of scheme we are looking at.