Let’s play musical QB, because this offseason is lining up to be one of the loudest and most consequential quarterback markets we have seen in years. Teams like the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings all find themselves either unsatisfied or unstable at the position, and the league-wide conversation has already shifted toward veteran solutions and bold resets. At the same time, the available quarterback pool is unusually stacked, featuring recognizable names like Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Derek Carr, Malik Willis, Deshaun Watson, Geno Smith, Justin Fields, and Aaron Rodgers. When desperation meets availability, movement is inevitable.
For the Raiders, the answer is a full reset. Las Vegas uses the first pick in the NFL Draft on Fernando Mendoza, and there is real belief around the league that if Tom Brady has anything to say about it, Mendoza will not only be the selection but the Day 1 starter. This is a clean slate, a rookie contract, and a quarterback that Klint Kubiak can build around immediately. For a franchise that has been cycling through short-term answers, this represents a philosophical shift toward long-term stability.
The Jets turn to familiarity, pairing with Tua Tagovailoa. New York has faced Tua for years and understands both his strengths and limitations better than most teams in the league. That familiarity allows the Jets to envision a clear offensive identity built on timing, accuracy, and rhythm, rather than projection. In a division that punishes hesitation at quarterback, Tua gives the Jets a defined plan and a chance to stabilize the position without reinventing the wheel.
Pittsburgh once again proves it can land top-end quarterback talent by securing Kyler Murray. The Steelers have a long track record of maximizing quarterbacks, and the thinking here is simple. If Aaron Rodgers was able to get them into the playoffs, then Murray’s explosiveness, creativity, and mobility could take them even further. This is a ceiling play for a franchise that rarely swings and misses when it comes to leadership under center.
Minnesota makes one of the more fascinating moves of the offseason by targeting Derek Carr. Carr’s retirement from New Orleans had far more to do with fan sentiment than injury severity, and his recent podcast appearances alongside his brother have made it clear that a return has always been on the table. On Super Bowl Sunday, Ian Rapoport reported that the Vikings may have interest, and that interest makes sense. Carr’s rights still belong to the New Orleans Saints, but a fourth or fifth-round pick could get the deal done. With Justin Jefferson publicly frustrated with quarterback play and J.J. McCarthy coming close to losing his job, Minnesota’s desire for a veteran is obvious. They were rumored to be in the Cousins market, but Carr at 34 fits the same experienced profile while being younger than Cousins at 37. After missing on re-signing Sam Darnold and watching him go on to win a Super Bowl, the Vikings are firmly back in the veteran quarterback business.
Miami quietly makes one of the smartest moves of the offseason by pairing with Malik Willis. The Dolphins’ new head coach previously served as defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers and saw Willis firsthand when he stepped in for Jordan Love. Willis consistently played well in those opportunities, including an 18-of-21 performance for 288 yards and a touchdown in his final outing, and he finished his last two starts with passer ratings of 142.8 and 134.6. For a team looking for a solid and athletic option at quarterback, this is a calculated move that balances upside with reliability.
The Arizona Cardinals explored multiple quarterback options toward the end of last season, including turning to Jacoby Brissett, and they could very easily go that route again. However, the best and most logical option for Arizona would be Kirk Cousins. By the end of last season, Cousins clearly showed that he was fully healed and capable of leading a team at a high level. After suffering a lopsided 37–9 loss to Seattle, Cousins responded by guiding the Falcons to a 4–0 stretch, highlighted by a statement performance against Tampa Bay in which he completed 30 of 44 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns. Cousins has a proven track record of thriving with big, physical wide receivers, and his success unlocking players like Justin Jefferson and Drake London suggests he could do the same with Marvin Harrison Jr. in Arizona. For a Cardinals team looking to stabilize the position while maximizing elite perimeter talent, Cousins represents the clearest path to immediate competitiveness.
That still leaves several quarterbacks without immediate starting pairings. Aaron Rodgers ultimately retires, ending the familiar offseason waiting game as no teams remain willing to delay their plans for his decision. Justin Fields signs with the Baltimore Ravens, where his elite rushing ability makes him an ideal stylistic complement behind Lamar Jackson, and a quarterback who can grow within a system tailored to his strengths. Geno Smith heads to the Kansas City Chiefs, giving them a proven veteran safety net after learning firsthand how fragile life can be without Patrick Mahomes. Deshaun Watson would prefer to stay in Cleveland and chase redemption, but if the Cleveland Browns truly believe in Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, they will work to move Watson out of the building. Once released, Watson lands with the Indianapolis Colts, another franchise still searching for long-term clarity at quarterback.
All of this sets the stage for a wild offseason defined by movement and opportunity. Even the draft adds intrigue, with developmental quarterbacks like Ty Simpson, Carson Beck, and Trinidad Chambliss waiting in the wings. While none are expected to start immediately, their presence could influence timelines and contingency plans across the league. The music is playing, the chairs are moving, and when it finally stops, the NFL quarterback landscape will look very different than it does today.
