Once again, it appears like the coming NFL offseason is going to be a wild one. And once again, the quarterback position is expected to see a ton of change. In today's NFL, we're honestly seeing teams botch this position big-time.
Whether it's NFL Draft whiffs or signing mid-tier veterans who simply aren't good enough, it feels like there are a plethora of teams always searching for an upgrade at the position. The right way to go about the most important position in sports, obviously, is to find one in the NFL Draft, but that is clearly much easier said than done.
With the 'legal tampering period' approaching, let's dive into our quarterback carousel predictions for the 2026 NFL Offseason.
Quarterback carousel predictions as 2026 NFL Free Agency approaches
Kyler Murray is cut and signs a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings
The first one might not be all that shocking, as it seems like Kyler Murray and the Minnesota Vikings could have mutual interest in each other. Murray is still just 28 years old, but between an injury and the Arizona Cardinals bottoming out this past season, a fresh start appears to be coming for both sides.
The former first overall pick really never cemented himself as a top-tier quarterback in the NFL, but he does have his moments an is a dual-threat player. Across his career, Murray has racked up 153 total touchdowns, just under 3,200 rushing yards, 20,460 passing yards, and a solid 92.2 passer rating.
This could be another 'reclamation project' quarterback for a team like the Vikings. Minnesota has to find an upgrade, as JJ McCarthy just appears to be not good enough at the moment, and based on what we've seen with quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold in recent years, the Vikings surely (and fairly) probably think that they could turn Murray into the next quarterback on this specific career path.
Malik Willis signs a two-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals
I'm not really sure the Cardinals would be making a solid decision to cut Murray and then sign Malik Willis on a free agent contract, but it feels like that's where things are heading. Willis has filled in nicely for the Green Bay Packers as Jordan Love's backup, and has actually played abnormally well.
With fewer than 200 passing attempts in his NFL career, Willis is going to be a massive gamble, but the Cardinals are clearly desperate for some sort of stability at the position, and this signing would not remove them from snagging a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Kirk Cousins signs a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins
There is a connection with Kirk Cousins and the Miami Dolphins, even if it's small. Both Cousins and now offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik were on the roster and staff in Washington, overlapping for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
Sure, that is a very small connection, but the Dolphins will need a quarterback and could use a cheap one, as they appear very likely to cut Tua Tagovailoa and absorb a dead cap hit of nearly $100 million, which would be an NFL record.
Cousins still probably has a solid year or two left in the tank. He went 5-3 in eight starts for the Atlanta Falcons in 2025, playing in a total of 10 games and tossing 10 touchdown passes. The Dolphins are clearly in the beginning stages of a massive rebuild, so you get the sense that there are some long leashes inside that building.
Cousins would at least give them some competency at the position while the front office devises a more long-term plan to fix the position. Plus, Cousins is nearing the end of his career and might enjoy playing for a warm weather NFL team.
Joe Flacco signs a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons
Joe Flacco could reunite with Kevin Stefanski and sign a deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Ideally, the Falcons would surely want Michael Penix Jr to return to the lineup healthy and cement himself as a franchise quarterback. Penix is probably the leader in the clubhouse to start for Atlanta in 2026, but Flacco being there could still be some form of competition to at least push Penix harder.
Flacco isn't an every-week starter at this point, but he's seen just about everything a quarterback can in the NFL and would be a fine backup solution for a year.
Aaron Rodgers signs a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers
With Mike McCarthy now in as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, the team might be able to pry Aaron Rodgers back to the team for one more season. Rodgers was modestly efficient in the 2025 NFL Season, and the Steelers did win the AFC North and host a playoff game.
Pittsburgh wouldn't be anything close to a contender in 2026, but the franchise likely wants Rodgers back for one more season, as that does at least give them a runway to find a long-term solution.
Daniel Jones is back with the Indianapolis Colts
It really doesn't make much sense for the Indianapolis Colts to not start Daniel Jones for 2026, at least. Given the 7-1 start and how efficient Jones was, running it back is the most logical solution here, but the Colts might be a bit hesitant to fork over a long-term deal given Jones is recovering from a major injury.
Tua Tagovailoa is cut and signs a one-year deal with the New York Jets
With virtually nowhere else left to turn, the New York Jets, who are a mess to put it kindly, sign Tua Tagovailoa on a one-year deal. Tagovailoa is likely getting cut by the Dolphins, which does give him the chance to sign with any team that offers him a deal.