NFL Quarterback Carousel: Who's Moving This Offseason? (2026)

The NFL quarterback landscape is about to get shaken up, and it's a wild ride!

Imagine a dozen veteran quarterbacks, each with their own unique story, vying for just a handful of starting jobs. It's a battle of talent, contracts, and strategic maneuvering.

The Atlanta Falcons: Are They Really Committed to Michael Penix Jr.?

And what about the Minnesota Vikings and J.J. McCarthy, or the Cleveland Browns and Shedeur Sanders? These teams are in the spotlight, but will they make the moves that fans are hoping for?

The Desperate Five: Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Arizona, Miami, and the New York Jets

These teams are in dire need of an upgrade at the quarterback position. Will they be willing to take risks to find their franchise QB?

The NFL Combine, starting in two weeks, sets the stage for this drama. It's not just about the draft prospects; it's about free agency and the veteran quarterbacks who are looking for new homes.

The QB Carousel: A Month of Maneuvering

For the next month, agents will be working overtime to find the best deals for their clients. Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa, benched in Arizona and Miami last season, are in the spotlight. Their agents will be working hard to find them new teams, but it's not an easy task.

The Contract Conundrum: Murray vs. Tagovailoa

Murray has no guaranteed money left, but a hefty roster bonus due soon. Arizona needs to act fast to find a trade partner. On the other hand, Tagovailoa has a massive guaranteed salary in 2026, which could make him a tough sell.

Other QBs on the Move

Geno Smith, with a large chunk of his salary guaranteed, might be leaving Las Vegas. Kirk Cousins, with a similar situation, could force his way out of Atlanta. Baker Mayfield, with a high salary in 2026, might strong-arm a trade if an extension isn't on the table.

And let's not forget Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers, and Malik Willis, all set to hit free agency. There are also rumors about Will Levis, Anthony Richardson, and even Derek Carr potentially finding new teams.

Deshaun Watson's Comeback?

Deshaun Watson, after a tumultuous time in Cleveland, is reportedly healthy and looking for a new team willing to take on his fully guaranteed salary.

The Mac Jones Trade Scenario

The San Francisco 49ers might be looking to trade Mac Jones, who stepped up admirably as an injury fill-in. The Miami Dolphins, in need of a QB upgrade, could be a potential suitor.

The Tua Tagovailoa Dilemma

After all these moves, the Dolphins might finally find a taker for Tagovailoa, whose contract is a major headache. The focus is on getting rid of that contract, and the team that takes him on will likely demand some serious compensation.

The Dolphins' Tough Decision

Miami is in a tricky situation. They can keep Tagovailoa and hope he regains his form, or they can release him and deal with the massive cap hit and restrictions. It's a tough call, and one that will have a significant impact on the team's future.

So, what do you think? Will the Dolphins find a way out of this quarterback conundrum? And which team will ultimately land Tua Tagovailoa? The NFL offseason is full of surprises, and this year is shaping up to be a doozy!

And this is the part most people miss... the impact of these moves on the upcoming season. How will these quarterback changes affect the dynamics of the league? Will certain teams rise to the top, or will there be unexpected struggles?

What are your predictions? Let's discuss in the comments!

NFL Quarterback Carousel: Who's Moving This Offseason? (2026)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Otha Schamberger

Last Updated:

Views: 5807

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Otha Schamberger

Birthday: 1999-08-15

Address: Suite 490 606 Hammes Ferry, Carterhaven, IL 62290

Phone: +8557035444877

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: Fishing, Flying, Jewelry making, Digital arts, Sand art, Parkour, tabletop games

Introduction: My name is Otha Schamberger, I am a vast, good, healthy, cheerful, energetic, gorgeous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.