By Harry P McGill · July 5, 2026
Quarterback is always one of the most interesting positions in fantasy football. Some managers prefer to pay up early for an elite option, while others wait and try to find value later in the draft.
If you're in the second group, this year's quarterback pool has several intriguing sleeper candidates. Using our latest fantasy rankings and ADP data, these five quarterbacks stand out as players who could outperform their current draft cost.
Overall Rank: 142
QB Rank: QB22
ADP: 188
Daniel Jones is one of the clearest quarterback values on our board.
We currently have him ranked 46 spots higher than his ADP, which makes him exactly the type of late-round quarterback fantasy managers should be looking for. He may not be a weekly QB1, but at this price, he does not need to be.
If Jones holds the starting job and adds even modest rushing production, he can become a useful matchup-based starter or strong Superflex option.
Fantasy Outlook: Deep sleeper with QB2 value and streaming appeal.
Overall Rank: 236
QB Rank: QB29
ADP: 284
Geno Smith is not going to be the flashiest name in your draft room, but value matters.
Our rankings have him nearly 50 spots ahead of his current ADP, making him one of the better late-round quarterback values available. For managers in deeper leagues or Superflex formats, that kind of gap is worth paying attention to.
Smith has already shown he can support fantasy production when the offense around him is functional. At his current cost, he is essentially free late in drafts.
Fantasy Outlook: Low-cost QB2 with useful depth value in Superflex leagues.
Overall Rank: 165
QB Rank: QB25
ADP: 178
Panthers fans know this is the name to watch.
Bryce Young is still being drafted as a backup fantasy quarterback, but his situation is better than it has ever been. Carolina's offense has more weapons, more continuity, and more confidence entering 2026.
With Tetairoa McMillan emerging as a true No. 1 receiver, Jalen Coker developing into a reliable option, and Xavier Legette still offering big-play upside, Young finally has the supporting cast needed to take another step.
Our board still prices him as QB25, but the upside is higher if the Panthers passing game continues to rise.
Fantasy Outlook: High-end QB2 target with breakout potential, especially for Panthers fans who believe in the offense.
Overall Rank: 145
QB Rank: QB23
ADP: 174
Sam Darnold is another quarterback who checks the value box in our rankings.
We have him ranked nearly 30 spots ahead of his ADP, which makes him a reasonable late-round target in deeper leagues. Darnold has enough arm talent to produce when the matchup is right, and Seattle should give him enough weapons to remain fantasy relevant if he is starting.
He is not someone to build your fantasy team around, but he can be useful in the right format.
Fantasy Outlook: Matchup-based QB2 with late-round value.
Overall Rank: 243
QB Rank: QB30
ADP: 327
Deshaun Watson is the ultimate late-round dart throw.
Our rankings place him 84 spots ahead of his ADP, which is one of the largest value gaps among quarterbacks. There is obvious risk, but at this stage of drafts, fantasy managers are not looking for safety. They are looking for upside.
If Watson earns meaningful playing time and shows even flashes of his previous fantasy production, he could easily outperform his current cost.
Fantasy Outlook: Risky but extremely cheap late-round stash in deep and Superflex formats.
Tyler Shough (Saints) – QB21, ADP 140
C.J. Stroud (Texans) – QB24, ADP 150
Kirk Cousins (Raiders) – QB35, ADP 345
Aaron Rodgers (Steelers) – QB28, ADP 222
Waiting on quarterback can still work if you know where to find value.
Based on our current rankings and ADP data, Daniel Jones, Geno Smith, Bryce Young, Sam Darnold, and Deshaun Watson all stand out as sleeper options who are being drafted later than their ranking suggests they should be.
For Panthers fans, Bryce Young is easily the most interesting name on the list. The fantasy market is still treating him like a backup, but the offense around him has improved enough to make a real breakout possible.
If you're looking to save draft capital at quarterback, these are the names worth circling before your draft.