The 2026 NFL quarterback offseason market presents limited prospects for teams seeking a franchise passer, as the draft class offers few standout quarterbacks and the free agent pool is equally scarce. With veteran options mostly underwhelming or mired in costly contracts, teams will need to be strategic in approaching quarterback acquisitions this offseason.
This season’s draft lacks depth at the quarterback position beyond expected top picks such as Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and national champion at Indiana, projected to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. After Mendoza, the class thins considerably, highlighting Alabama‘s Ty Simpson and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier as likely secondary prospects, but neither is positioned to immediately transform a franchise. The veteran free agent quarterback market compounds these challenges, featuring limited appealing options as most potential signings are either injured, ageing, or tied to their current teams.
Kyler Murray’s Position and Trade Prospects
Among veteran quarterbacks available, Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray stands as one of the highest-profile trade candidates, yet his contract complicates any potential deal. Murray, drafted in 2019 and a former Offensive Rookie of the Year and multiple-time Pro Bowler, has endured recent setbacks including an ACL injury and struggles adapting post-coordinator change. The Cardinals are actively seeking trade partners to offload Murray’s significant salary and salary cap burden, which includes over $54.7 million in dead money if released outright.
Trading Murray would allow Arizona to save approximately $35 million in cap space compared to his expected 2026 cap hit of more than $52 million. However, his contract contains three remaining years totaling roughly $125 million with $60 million guaranteed. This size and guarantee level deter many potential suitors, as acquiring teams inherit substantial financial risk and limited flexibility. Murray’s fully guaranteed $22.8 million base salary for the 2026 season and additional roster bonuses further complicate the prospect of bridging him onto a new roster.
Despite his recent underperformance, particularly in an offense that emphasizes a run-heavy approach, Murray remains a valuable quarterback with considerable talent, especially when deployed in a shotgun spread system emphasizing quick releases and underneath passing. His mobility is critical, though lingering concerns over a foot injury cloud his immediate outlook for the offseason. His fit in future offenses hinges on health and suitable offensive design, qualities that may entice teams seeking a veteran bridge quarterback or a potential mentor to a rookie.
While Murray’s contract often makes him a candidate for a day-three draft pick return in trade discussions, teams with substantial cap space and long-term rebuilding timelines—such as the New York Jets—might pursue him as part of their strategy. The Cardinals may also accept some dead cap hit to enhance their draft compensation, increasing Murray’s trade value in the process.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Trade Situations and Fit
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa represents the other marquee trade candidate, possessing a very different style and circumstances than Murray. Tagovailoa distinguished himself from 2022 to 2023 as one of the most efficient passers in the league, ranking behind only Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen in key metrics like Expected Points Added (EPA) per dropback and dropback success rate. His explosive passing rate was league-leading during this period.
Tagovailoa thrived under head coach Mike McDaniel’s innovative offense, which featured shotgun formations, play-action passes, and rapid timing schemes that created advantageous matchups. His strengths lie chiefly in his anticipation and accuracy in the short to intermediate passing game and RPO (run-pass option) setups, but he struggles with pocket mobility, escapes under pressure, and reads beyond his initial progressions. These limitations mean he is highly dependent on proper scheme fit and coaching to maximize output.
Contractually, Tagovailoa is bound to a substantial deal that would produce nearly $99 million in dead cap if released outright—an unprecedented figure—forcing the Dolphins to consider trades rather than cuts if they choose to move on from him. The team may absorb portions of his contract in a trade to facilitate movement, likely including his fully guaranteed $39 million base salary for 2026 and a $15 million option bonus due early in the league year. This deal structure reduces the acquiring team’s risk to about one year, with subsequent salary years structured as options.
Despite his talent under the right conditions, Tagovailoa is likely to command a modest trade compensation, possibly a fourth-round pick, due to the financial burdens teams would assume. The Dolphins’ salary cap constraints, especially with upcoming commitments like releasing wide receiver Tyreek Hill, limit their flexibility in acquiring valuable assets in exchange for Tagovailoa.
Other Veteran Quarterback Options and Emerging Players
Aside from Murray and Tagovailoa, the offseason quarterback market includes several less heralded but still intriguing names. Malik Willis of the Green Bay Packers, a 26-year-old with limited starting experience, has demonstrated considerable rushing ability and improved passing accuracy over time. While Willis’ prior starts with the Tennessee Titans produced unimpressive statistics, his recent play in Green Bay shows marked growth, and he profiles as an athletic, dynamic passer akin to Lamar Jackson in style.
“Watching Malik Willis. Bears bust the coverage so Christian Watson is wide open but Willis doesn’t see it and hits the harder throw to Musgrave instead. Great velocity on this ball.” — Benjamin Solak, NFL Analyst
Willis is no longer considered a sleeper and is expected to garner significant interest from teams willing to take a developmental gamble on a young quarterback with upside. Contract valuations for Willis may fall in the $20–$30 million per year range, comparable to recent contracts given to quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Baker Mayfield at similar stages.
The Atlanta Falcons are expected to release veteran Kirk Cousins before the new league year, opening the door for him to sign with a team seeking a reliable stopgap. Although approaching 38 years old and recovering from an Achilles injury, Cousins offers proven competence and familiarity with current coaches, such as Kevin Stefanski. Unlike other veteran free agents, Cousins remains one of the more talented quarterbacks available in this age group and may prefer to continue playing rather than retire.
Developing and Backup Quarterbacks to Watch
Due to the scarcity of top-tier quarterback options, several teams will be pursuing developmental or backup quarterbacks to supplement their rosters. Key names include:
- Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): A second-round pick in 2023, Levis lost his starting job to Cam Ward and underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. Despite his mixed reputation due to turnovers and inconsistency, Levis possesses prototypical size and arm strength, making him a potential trade candidate after the Titans’ front office overhaul.
- Jalen Milroe (Seattle Seahawks): Currently third on the Seahawks’ depth chart, Milroe has starting experience at Alabama and represents a trade candidate for teams seeking a developmental quarterback at a bargain relative to this year’s draft class.
- Tanner McKee (Philadelphia Eagles): The Eagles’ backup with limited game exposure but solid preseason performance, McKee’s age (26) and developmental curve could make him an attractive camp competition candidate for teams looking for quarterback depth.
- Davis Mills (Houston Texans): Recently extended by Houston, Mills plays a solid QB2 role and might be tradable only under substantial offers due to his steady play and the Texans’ lack of better options behind starter C.J. Stroud.
- Anthony Richardson Sr. (Indianapolis Colts): Though plagued by injuries and inconsistent campaign, Richardson is considered a sleeper due to his physical tools and youth, deserving a fresh opportunity outside Indianapolis.
- Spencer Rattler (New Orleans Saints): Demonstrated potential in early starts, Rattler blends physical playmaking prowess with growing maturity, making him a worthwhile trade target for teams needing camp competition and developmental upside.
- Derek Carr (Retired): Although retired, Carr has expressed interest in a return, but obstacles including contract ties with the Saints and no-trade clauses make a comeback complicated and less appealing.
- Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): Projected as a later-round pick, Nussmeier offers arm talent despite injury setbacks and size concerns, positioning him behind top-tier quarterback prospects.
Teams with Notable Quarterback Needs
At least ten NFL teams face clear quarterback needs entering the 2026 season, excluding the Las Vegas Raiders who will start Fernando Mendoza’s anticipated tenure. Several franchises must navigate uncertain situations regarding starters, injuries, and depth, with some notable cases outlined below:
Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr.’s ACL injury leaves the Falcons searching for a potential starter or competition for him. Kirk Cousins’ familiarity and past success with new head coach Kevin Stefanski make him an intriguing fit. The Falcons might eschew aggressive free agency in favor of developing young quarterbacks on rookie contracts or seeking trade options for backups.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts may explore adding a veteran alongside Daniel Jones, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, to provide stability while Jones returns. Options like Marcus Mariota or Joe Flacco could fit as short-term starters. If Jones ultimately departs, the Colts’ quarterback outlook becomes significantly more uncertain.
New York Jets: With Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor already on the roster, the Jets have flexibility but may target veteran quarterbacks like Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa through trades. Given Murray’s and Tagovailoa’s market status, Murray seems a more likely acquisition. The Jets’ substantial draft capital provides them with leverage to negotiate favorable trade terms.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Re-signing Aaron Rodgers would provide a veteran presence, albeit with limitations due to his diminished mobility and arm strength. The Steelers could try to pair Rodgers with a developmental quarterback like Spencer Rattler for camp competition, though that remains speculative.
Cleveland Browns: The Browns should aggressively pursue Malik Willis in free agency to stabilize the quarterback position with a young, dynamic passer, potentially foregoing higher-priced or more uncertain alternatives.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins must manage cap challenges and the consequences of potentially trading Tua Tagovailoa. They may prioritize defense while employing mid-tier quarterbacks in hopes of eventual breakthrough play from developing or newly acquired passers.
Minnesota Vikings: Minnesota will seek competition for starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, possibly revisiting Kirk Cousins or targeting younger prospects like Anthony Richardson or Tanner McKee to challenge McCarthy’s role.
Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals’ transition with Mike LaFleur and mix of veterans like Jacoby Brissett, plus potential additions like Jimmy Garoppolo, signals a commitment to youth development alongside prudent veteran quarterback acquisitions like Malik Willis.
Los Angeles Rams: With Matthew Stafford’s health in question, the Rams will aggressively pursue seasoned backups or developmental young quarterbacks for depth, considering players such as Will Levis, Tanner McKee, Anthony Richardson, and Spencer Rattler.
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from ACL and LCL tears necessitates caution, prompting the need for a secure backup quarterback option, especially with their current No. 2 QB Gardner Minshew set to become a free agent.
Implications and Outlook for the 2026 QB Offseason
The 2026 NFL offseason quarterback market presents one of the most constrained landscapes in recent memory, compelling teams seeking starting quarterbacks to consider a combination of trading for costly veterans, developing young talents, or settling for stopgap solutions. The scarcity of first-round quarterback prospects beyond Mendoza limits drafting options, while the free agent pool lacks enticing, affordable stars.
Teams with cap flexibility and multiple draft picks hold critical advantages in navigating this market, able to absorb expensive contracts like those of Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa in exchange for significant draft capital. Meanwhile, franchises with limited resources will emphasize acquiring developmental quarterbacks—such as Malik Willis or Jalen Milroe—or relying on roster battles to identify the best internal options.
The outcome of this challenging offseason will shape many teams’ trajectories, as effective quarterback acquisitions correlate strongly with success in the NFL. Identifying and securing serviceable starters or high-upside developmental players amid this deep but unglamorous market will test front offices’ strategic acumen and patience.
Watching Malik Willis. Bears bust the coverage so Christian Watson is wide open but Willis doesn't see it and hits the harder throw to Musgrave instead.
Great velocity on this ball. pic.twitter.com/gdvJC1noiD
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) February 10, 2026
