NFL free agency gets started on Monday, as teams will be able to agree with free agents on new contracts. Players will be able to sign those contracts on Wednesday.
Last year, Minnesota Vikings free agent quarterback Sam Darnold signed a deal with the Seattle Seahawks that helped win a Super Bowl in Mike Macdonald’s second season as head coach.
The NFL is a copycat league. That means teams are going to be tripping over themselves to find the next Darnold. It’ll create opportunities for quarterbacks to find second or third chances in the NFL after being given up on by their former teams.
Let’s lay out a few predictions of where the top free agent quarterbacks of this class will land.
Malik Willis- Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins released Tyreek Hill and restructured plenty of contracts. They’re determined to not be handcuffed by Tua Tagovailoa’s salary going into next season.
Willis and new Dolphins head coach Jeff Haffley were both on the Green Bay Packers together. It feels like a no-brainer for the Dolphins to bring in their quarterback of the future via free agency.
Playing down south could be appealing to Willis, who grew up in the Atlanta area. Not to mention, living in Florida means no state income tax on the massive contract that he’ll sign.
Kyler Murray- Cleveland Browns
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) leaves the field after defeating the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images A surprise!
Everyone and their brother are linking Murray to the Minnesota Vikings. But why?
Sure, Kevin O’Connell is the guy that gets credited for reviving Darnold’s career. But really, could that have been Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski? He departed the organization and the offense regressed while Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence had a career-best season.
In Cleveland, Murray would have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of fellow Oklahoma Sooners Heisman quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was on the doorstep of being a franchise legend when he beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Playoffs.
Murray’s still a talented quarterback that will throw for double the amount of touchdowns compared to interceptions while rushing for a bunch of yards and scores as well. He’d instantly assume the QB1 role from Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. In Minnesota, there’s a threat that they might still try to develop McCarthy, who was a first-round selection.
New Browns coach Todd Monken helped Lamar Jackson win an MVP in their first season together. Could be a fun fit.
Geno Smith- Minnesota Vikings
Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Vikings could bring in Smith to compete with McCarthy.
Smith’s tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders was a massive flop, leading to his release. But the Raiders also didn’t have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The Vikings do.
At 35, Smith could be a veteran bridge to the future for the Vikings, whether McCarthy is part of that equation or not is to be determined.
Russell Wilson- Atlanta Falcons
Last offseason, former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski met with Wilson about quarterbacking in Cleveland. Now in Atlanta, Wilson could provide Stefanski some veteran insurance if Michael Penix Jr. can’t stay healthy or just isn’t any good.
Kirk Cousins- New York Jets
File this one under, “why the hell not!”
The Jets need a quarterback. But they probably won’t draft their franchise quarterback until 2027. New York gives Cousins one last chance to start in the NFL while keeping Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson happy enough in the interim.
Aaron Rodgers- Pittsburgh Steelers
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) audibles during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images It really felt like a small reason why the Steelers even hired Mike McCarthy as their head coach was to entice Rodgers back.
The 42-year-old quarterback claims that he hasn’t made a decision, but it would be a surprise if he retired and went quietly into the shadows. The Steelers and Rodgers are a match made in hell as they’re both two egotistical parties too prideful to embrace the reality that their glory days are over.
