The NFL quarterback carousel for the 2026 offseason will have a different spin. After Sam Darnold, the top available unsigned QB in 2025, landed with the Seattle Seahawks and helped them win a Super Bowl, other teams are considering whether they can have similar success with a reclamation veteran bridge option.
Darnold was the right fit to complement a team loaded with young defensive stars and dedicated to an offense heavy on the running game. He executed well win the offense, leading to matching the 13-4 season he posted with the Vikings in 2024.
Another one-time high first-round draft pick from a New York team, Daniel Jones, turned his one-year flyer with the Colts into a possible long-term contract this year. Darnold and Jones left the Vikings, who are the mix to find such a QB again.
Without factoring rumored trade candidates from Kyler Murray to Anthony Richardson to Tyson Bagent, here’s breaking down the top 12 free-agent quarterbacks and their potential signing spots:
FREE AGENCY: Ranking top 100 free agents, best players available by position
NFL free agent QB rankings 2026
1. Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (age: 42)
Rodgers is still the best experienced starting QB unsigned with all the rebound positives in Pittsburgh. He will either re-sign (much more likely) and return to play in Mike McCarthy’s offense in a Packers reunion or retire.
2. Malik Willis, Packers (age: 26)
Willis’ value is being a bit inflated given the limited other options. He did play very well filling in for Jordan Love in Green Bay with his strong arm and mobility, showing delayed development from his one-time draft prospect hype coming out of Liberty. He should get $30-35 million a season on a multi-year contract from a team such as the desperate Browns, Dolphins or Jets.
3. Daniel Jones, Colts (age: 28)
Jones would get the franchise or transition tag if the Colts cannot reach a long-term deal with him. GM Chris Ballard is committed to keeping him as the QB of choice for Shane Steichen after Jones’ big breakout, despite him suffering a late torn Achilles’. The team isn’t too concerned about Jones having enough recovery time to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
MORE: Sporting News’ 2-round mock draft
4. Kirk Cousins, Falcons (age: 37)
Cousins is still on the Falcons‘ roster until March 11, when he will be released at the start of the new league year. The interest in Cousins is tied most to his former team, the Vikings, needing competition for J.J. McCarthy. The Dolphins and Cardinals also figure to be in the mix should Tua Tagovailoa and Kyler Murray be moved. Cousins also can be in play as a backup for Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers.
5. Joe Flacco, Bengals (age: 40)
Flacco won’t be finishing his tour of the AFC North with the Steelers, but since his strong backup stints with Cleveland and Cincinnati, he should have some interest. He could en up back in Indianapolis behind Jones or replace Cousins behind Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta.
6. Marcus Mariota, Commanders (age: 32)
Mariota has been an ideal backup for Jayden Daniels and might get some bridge buzz, too, from the Jets, Dolphins and Vikings. But he’s better off staying as a No. 2. Watch out for him following Kliff Kingsbury to the Rams.
7. Russell Wilson, Giants (age: 37)
Wilson might think he can still start but backup is his best bet. The top openings for him figure to be the Raiders, Chiefs and Rams.
8. Tyler Huntley, Ravens (age: 28)
“Snoop” is a sneaky backup to consider for teams. He seems like a good fit for the Chargers behind Justin Herbert or following Todd Monken to the Browns.
9. Tyrod Taylor, Jets (age: 36)
Taylor will be looking to land on his eighth NFL team. stopping with the Giants and Jets in New York over the past three seasons. He might end up in Washington should the Commanders not re-sign Mariota.
MORE: Top 140 big board of top prospects in 2026
10. Jimmy Garoppolo, Rams (age: 34)
Garoppolo remains a valuable system-savvy backup and might become the Flacco of the NFC West by going to either the Seahawks or Cardinals.
11. Kenny Pickett, Raiders (age: 27)
Pickett may see a dried-up market because he proved last season he’s even a shaky sub, a far cry from 2022 QB draftmate Willis. He will need to latch one last time as a No. 3.
12. Gardner Minshew Chiefs (age: 29)
Minshew is looking for his fifth team since leaving the Jaguars. He could end up back with Matt Nagy replacing Wilson on the Giants to compete with Jameis Winston for the top spot behind Jaxson Dart.
