Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Need Analysis: Quarterback

The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching which makes it a good time to review the Lions' positional needs and how it may impact their draft strategy. Last year, defensive tackle got the biggest combined need score, and the Lions indeed filled that position in the 1st round with Tyleik Williams.

For the complete offensive positional breakdown, read Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Needs: OFFENSE Positional Rankings + Injury Impact.

The following is the review of the QB position.

The combined need score is the summation of positional need (0-5) plus medical concern level (0-5). The higher the score, the greater the need. I’m reserving the focus to the starters and key backups here, with health of the starters weighted more heavily.

(In parentheses are player age at the start of the 2026 season, signed-through year, and medical concern level.) *Projected starters.

Quarterback

• *Jared Goff (31, 2028, 0/10) - Not the most nimble, but extremely durable.
• Teddy Bridgewater (33, 2026, 1/10) - Still relatively young for a QB.

Positional need 1/5

The top-2 QB’s are set. With Bridgewater in-and-out of retirement, a long-term, developmental, backup QB might be a good idea in the mid-late rounds.

Medical concern 0/5

Gradually getting older, but no concerns for 2026.

TOTAL 1/10

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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Need Analysis: Quarterback