The 2026 draft class is not considered strong at the quarterback position. Projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza leads the pack with Ty Simpson seen as the clear QB2 who could also break into the first round. Beyond that, this year’s slate of prospects lacks another starting-caliber talent.
But quarterback-needy teams will always be willing to take swings on the most important position in the sport, especially on the second and third days of the draft. That is where former Georgia and Miami quarterback Carson Beck is projected to be selected.
As for his destination? The Steelers and Jets have already demonstrated interest, and the Cardinals and Dolphins can now be added to that list. Beck is scheduled to visit Arizona and Miami before April’s draft, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, both teams that could stand to add a young quarterback.
The Cardinals moved on from Kyler Murray earlier this month as expected. Gardner Minshew then joined Jacoby Brissett in the team’s quarterback room, giving them two veteran options to start this fall. But new head coach Mike LaFleur is surely looking for a long-term option under center. Next year’s draft offers a far richer well to draw from, but it would not hurt to take a shot on a less-heralded prospect in April.
The Dolphins are in a slightly different situation. They have a clear starter after signing Malik Willis to a three-year deal in free agency. But 2026 will be his first time in charge of an offense, and his small sample size of excellent play may not continue at a larger volume. Miami would be wise to bring in a younger passer behind Willis – who himself developed as a backup in Green Bay – to form into a backup or even the team’s next starter if Willis does not work out.
Beck would be an option for both teams. He brings plenty of experience at the highest level of college football, but that competition also exposed his lack of elite tools and potential. Landing in Arizona or Miami would not force him to step into a bigger role than he is ready for, but the two teams – especially the Cardinals – could offer more opportunities in the next three years of his rookie deal.