CLEVELAND, Ohio — As the NFL offseason begins, many players are strategizing how to secure or improve their roles within their current squads while a select group of quarterbacks face uncertainty about where they will continue their careers. Among these, Russell Wilson free agency is a central storyline, as Wilson joins a competitive group of signal-callers seeking fresh opportunities this year.
Recent history shows that free agency can produce unexpected quarterback heroes. The Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl LX triumph with Sam Darnold at the helm is a prime example, proving that a quarterback rising anew through free agency can dramatically impact a team’s fortunes.
Emerging and Veteran Quarterbacks Eye New Opportunities
The list of quarterbacks heading into free agency this upcoming offseason includes players in various stages of their careers hoping to seize or reclaim starting roles. These players, much like Darnold in his time, aim to revitalize their standing as primary quarterbacks for NFL franchises.
Below is an overview of the ten quarterbacks most expected to influence this year’s free agency market, alongside their projected contracts according to Pro Football Focus and Spotrac.
10. Zach Wilson: A Young Quarterback Looking for a Reset
Wilson’s projected one-year deal worth $1.6 million reflects his career’s uncertainty. At 26 years old, Wilson has faced challenges, including limited playing time with only 11 pass attempts over the past two seasons. His backup role loss in Miami to rookie Quinn Ewers has further complicated his path. Despite these setbacks, Wilson’s youth and three seasons as the New York Jets’ starter keep hope alive for a rebound with a new team.
9. Kenny Pickett: Poised to Build on Early NFL Experience
Pickett, projected at $2.25 million for one year, has spent four seasons with three different teams and is now entering free agency after his rookie contract ends. Known for managing his limitations, Pickett’s lack of aggressive deep throws has been a concern, with subpar air yards and completion percentages in 2022 and 2023 during his tenure as Pittsburgh’s starter.
He represents the group of quarterbacks searching for a second chance to firmly establish themselves as starters.
8. Tyler Huntley: Showing Promise Beyond Backup Duties
Huntley’s one-year deal projection stands at $1.35 million. Typically known as Lamar Jackson’s backup in Baltimore, Huntley demonstrated his ability to carry a team late in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. His contributions included clutch performances that helped extend playoff hopes through wins and effective passing and rushing stats, revealing potential as a capable starter.
7. Jimmy Garoppolo: A Veteran Ready to Contribute Where Needed
At 34, Garoppolo is projected to earn $3 million for a one-year deal. Injuries and backup roles have limited his recent visibility. Nonetheless, his steady play during his time with San Francisco and returns as a backup for the Rams showcase his reliability as a starting-caliber quarterback when healthy. His 2023 Raiders stint highlighted solid production over six starts, although inconsistency and injuries remain concerns.
6. Marcus Mariota: Experienced Backup with Starting Potential
Mariota’s experience places him among top free agents, with a projected $15 million one-year contract. Last season in Washington, he stepped up as Jayden Daniels’ replacement in eight starts, producing moderate statistics that suggest he remains a viable starter for teams needing an experienced quarterback to fill temporary or transitional roles despite below-average deep passing efficiency.
5. Joe Flacco: Veteran Gunslinger Facing Age-Related Challenges
Flacco, at 41 years old, is projected to sign a $5.6 million one-year contract. Although no longer in his prime, Flacco has shown flashes of his old form recently, notably after a midseason trade to Cincinnati where he recorded a career-high 470 passing yards in a single game. His style reflects a classic risk-taking quarterback, raising questions about his ability to consistently deliver performances at a high level moving forward.
4. Aaron Rodgers: A Seasoned Quarterback Adapting at 42
Rodgers’ projected one-year deal of $15 million comes after a Steelers season marked by noticeable signs of aging. His stats reveal how he adjusted his game to fit Pittsburgh’s West Coast offense, posting quick release times but limited deep passing yardage, demonstrating both his adaptability and the challenges posed by advancing age on his performance style.
3. Russell Wilson: Veteran Still Capable but Hampered by Injuries
Wilson, aged 37, is expected to command around $6.5 million for one year amid lingering concerns over injuries. Since leaving Seattle in 2022, Wilson’s tenure with Denver and Pittsburgh has been uneven, though he maintained solid passing metrics, including a 63.7% completion rate and 16 touchdowns during his Pittsburgh season. His 2025 season with the Giants was notable for a standout 450-yard, three-touchdown performance despite playing through a Grade 2 hamstring tear, raising considerations about his durability moving forward.
2. Malik Willis: Young Talent Growing into His Role
Willis is projected to sign a two-year, $20 million deal, despite only six career starts. After limited play with Tennessee and a trade to Green Bay, where he significantly improved his completion rate and decision-making, Willis appears poised for a larger role. His notable 2025 season game against Baltimore, where he accounted for all of Green Bay’s touchdowns, underscored his emerging potential as a starting quarterback.
1. Daniel Jones: Rising to the Top Despite Recent Injury
Jones, at 28, leads the free-agent quarterbacks with a projected three-year, $33.67 million contract. After a difficult exit from the Giants and a brief stint on Minnesota’s practice squad, Jones’ resurgence with Indianapolis has made him the most sought-after QB this offseason. Despite rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon, his efficiency — highlighted by a quick release and top-tier deep passing stats — contributed to Indianapolis ranking second in scoring before his injury. Jones’ performance keeps the Colts’ AFC South ambitions alive and positions him as a valuable asset moving forward.
Free Agency’s Implications for Teams and Quarterbacks
This offseason’s quarterback free agency class presents NFL teams with both opportunities and risks. Players like Russell Wilson and Joe Flacco bring veteran experience that could stabilize offenses, while younger quarterbacks like Malik Willis and Daniel Jones offer potential long-term upside. The mixed performances and injury histories of these players highlight the challenging decisions ahead for franchises seeking to balance immediate needs with future ambitions. What unfolds in this free agency period could reshape team trajectories and redefine several quarterbacks’ careers.
