There aren’t many perfect instances to be determined for a franchise quarterback, however the upcoming offseason is shaping as much as be trickier than most in that regard.
The 2025 NFL Draft class is spotty, with a few staff executives not too long ago telling The Athletic there isn’t a quarterback popping out who’d be ranked forward of the six first-rounders from 2024. That would shift the main target towards the veteran market, however that can even be a dicey proposition.
It’s considerably simple to determine which groups will probably be chasing quarterbacks within the coming months. And since most of these groups can solely daydream concerning the postseason, let’s get an early bounce on the 2025 QB carousel.
Probably accessible
Sam Darnold
The No. 3 choose within the 2018 draft has recharged his profession this season with the Minnesota Vikings, exhibiting he’s greater than able to main a well-run system beneath coach Kevin O’Connell’s tutelage. And that’s why Darnold will probably be the prize of free company.
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Nonetheless solely 27, Darnold is simply getting into his prime, and he has expertise with Kyle Shanahan and O’Connell, who has been Sean McVay’s most profitable disciple. The Vikings simply invested a first-round choose in J.J. McCarthy, who’s lacking his rookie season with a torn meniscus, so it could be powerful handy Darnold a long-term contract at this level. Might the franchise tag be on the desk?
There aren’t any apparent suits for Darnold, however that would change if McVay proteges like Zac Robinson (Falcons) or Liam Coen (Buccaneers) land a head teaching job. Or if Rams QB Matthew Stafford decides to step away, Darnold would make a variety of sense with the Rams.
Darnold’s market will probably be fascinating. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him draw a contract someplace between Kirk Cousins’ four-year, $180 million deal and Baker Mayfield’s three-year, $100 million pact.
Aaron Rodgers
Right here we go once more.
The Athletic not too long ago surveyed three potential basic supervisor candidates to see how they’d deal with Rodgers in the event that they took over the New York Jets. All three mentioned they’d launch Rodgers with a post-June 1 designation, assuming the 41-year-old doesn’t present marked enchancment down the stretch.
Rodgers isn’t having a banner 12 months by any means and comes along with his personal set of distractions, however suitors received’t have to stretch to assume they’ll get a greater 12 months — or two? — out of the four-time MVP. He ought to finally be absolutely recovered from his torn Achilles, which has undeniably hampered him this season, and the Jets’ circumstances weren’t conducive to success.
Put Rodgers in a extra secure state of affairs, maybe in Pittsburgh, and he may have the ability to exit on a greater observe.
Russell Wilson
Talking of the Steelers, Wilson has rewritten the narrative this season. Whereas he’s gone his prime, the 36-year-old is producing his finest season since 2020.
It’s a easy recipe with Wilson. Give him a top quality operating recreation, limit the urge to get overly pass-happy, implement a menu of his favourite throws and let him handle the sport. The Steelers, for his or her half, have executed this masterfully.
Wilson’s finest wager could be to stay with the Steelers. If he continues to play nicely into the postseason, he might get a two-year deal value someplace between $50-60 million, considerably corresponding to current offers for Tom Brady and Geno Smith.
Daniel Jones
The No. 6 choose in 2019 joined the Vikings apply squad this season after getting launched by the Giants. There could be a chance for Jones to compete for a beginning job if he joins a staff with a rookie QB, however Jones might make himself extra priceless by remaining in Minnesota for one more season.
Jones can be McCarthy’s backup in that state of affairs, but it surely’s not a foul thought to reset for a season and study from a head coach who clearly is aware of what he’s doing along with his QBs. It labored for Darnold, who obtained a season with 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan earlier than thriving with the Vikings, and Jones ought to take that mannequin to coronary heart. As a result of if Jones joins a staff with an unproven offensive system merely to seek out the clearest path to a beginning gig, the ramifications will lengthen nicely past 2025 if he doesn’t play nicely.
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Justin Fields
The 2021 first-rounder performed nicely sufficient by means of six begins that it was fairly shocking the Steelers benched him for Wilson.
Fields continues to be a plus runner, however he confirmed flashes as a passer this season with improved accuracy. Then once more, the Steelers made the swap as a result of they felt their offense’s potential was restricted with Fields, and Wilson supplied the jolt they’d been looking for. That will work towards him in free company.
Fields’ finest wager could be to hitch a staff with a rookie quarterback and attempt to win the job out of coaching camp. The Raiders or Giants may make some sense, relying on who’s teaching these groups subsequent 12 months.
Kirk Cousins
The 36-year-old was inconsistent within the first half of the season, which was comprehensible coming off the Achilles damage whereas acclimating to a brand new staff. However after a five-game stretch with one win, one landing cross and 9 interceptions, the Falcons benched Cousins for first-round choose Michael Penix Jr.
If Penix proves to be wherever adequate to start out in 2025, the Falcons will look to maneuver Cousins, who has a no-trade clause. Cousins solely has $27.5 million assured in 2025, so the contract is manageable sufficient to deal away.
Cousins’ market can be fascinating. Will groups view this season as an outlier due to the Achilles restoration and purchase low? Or will they keep away as a result of this could possibly be a sign of an irreversible regression as a result of his age?
If there are at the very least a few groups that imagine Cousins is salvageable with a couple of good seasons within the tank, he could possibly be essentially the most sought-after QB available on the market. Once more.
Derek Carr
It’s in all probability a protracted shot to assume the Saints would half with Carr. With so many unsure choices at QB this offseason, it’d be brazen to surrender on a identified commodity, even when the Carr-Saints mixture hasn’t gone to plan over the previous two seasons.
However there may be one hypothetical state of affairs that is sensible. The Saints might select to chop Carr, who solely has $10 million assured on his 2025 wage (plus one other $30 million assured tab coming in March), as a part of a mission to rid the books of veteran offers.
And why would they do this? Partially as a result of New Orleans native Arch Manning is taken into account an early frontrunner to be a high choose within the 2026 NFL Draft.
Jameis Winston
The No. 1 choose in 2015 gave the Cleveland Browns a desperately wanted jolt of positivity throughout one other misplaced season with Deshaun Watson, though Winston’s standing is extra tenuous after getting benched for Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
It will appear to be value attempting to retain Winston for one more season, however the identical was mentioned about Joe Flacco this time final 12 months. If the Browns are once more dedicated to being all in on Watson, who has two absolutely assured years remaining, they may shed one other high quality backup.
Winston is nice for any locker room. He’d be a strong signing for anybody searching for camp competitors for a rookie.
Stopgap choices
For groups seeking to bolster their depth or to discover a extra reasonably priced backup choice than these listed above, they may flip towards Flacco, Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, Andy Dalton, Mac Jones or Jarrett Stidham.
If somebody is seeking to catch lightning in a bottle, Trey Lance and Zach Wilson additionally will probably be free brokers. It’s unrealistic to assume both would have a straightforward path to start out, however a fortuitous mixture of the correct coach and system, sufficient expertise round them and an damage to a starter might theoretically unlock their bodily talents.
Draft prospects
Miami’s Cam Ward has the early lead on the race for the draft’s QB1, whereas Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders can have his supporters amongst groups. Sanders might want to nail the interview course of to solidify himself within the high two, based on a few NFL personnel evaluators.
From there, it might go in any variety of instructions. Georgia’s Carson Beck, Texas’ Quinn Ewers, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart are among the many subsequent wave within the class. They’ve gotten numerous levels of buzz, however most appear to be they may fall to Days 2 and three of the draft. The wonder is within the eye of the beholder with this group, as there’s not a lot consensus but on the place they need to be ranked.
One factor that’s come up a couple of instances with groups: There may not be anybody on this class graded larger than the six first-round QBs from 2024. That doesn’t imply there received’t be any top-10 picks or that they’ll’t develop in good conditions, however the class is shaping as much as be even much less of a positive factor than regular.
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Groups in want of a long-term match
New York Jets
Previous to Rodgers this season, the Jets’ final 5 passing leaders have been Geno Smith (2013-14), Ryan Fitzpatrick (2015-16), Josh McCown (2017), Darnold (2018-20) and Zach Wilson (2021-23). Smith and Darnold each beat the Jets this season, whereas McCown (Vikings QB coach) and Wilson (Broncos backup) have been additionally victorious towards their former staff. (Fitzpatrick, for his half, was current for 2 of the Jets’ three wins this season whereas working the Thursday night time broadcast.)
So yeah, the Jets have been understandably determined to pursue Rodgers in 2023. As they search for Rodgers’ alternative, both for subsequent season or shortly thereafter, they need to attempt to discover somebody who will win video games for them fairly than towards them.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
After giving up on first-rounder Kenny Pickett, the Steelers dealt with the stopgap choice to perfection with Fields and Russell Wilson, however they’ve nonetheless obtained to discover a resolution past this season. Each are free brokers, although Wilson has confirmed himself to be a priceless asset in Arthur Smith’s offense and ought to be their offseason precedence.
The Steelers might nonetheless go the draft route if somebody they like continues to be on the board, whether or not it’s later within the first spherical or with a Friday choice. However that ought to be with extra of a long-term imaginative and prescient. They’ve once more proven this season their roster is able to contending with the correct quarterback in place, and the Steelers will probably be essentially the most enticing staff to the veterans available on the market.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns might lower Watson and tackle a large monetary hit, however that might signify a drastic philosophical shift. They may additionally attempt to preserve Winston, however like Flacco a 12 months earlier, the fan base’s approval score would favor the backup in a landslide, subsequently making life troublesome on Watson and the teaching employees alike.
They need to take a swing within the draft both approach. Thompson-Robinson hasn’t been in a position to stick in restricted alternatives, so that they’ve obtained to make sure a youthful QB is able to take over as soon as they transfer on from Watson.
Tennessee Titans
Will Levis had proven some enchancment earlier than his Sunday benching, however he hasn’t accomplished sufficient for the Titans to imagine he ought to be the starter in 2025. Brian Callahan is an offensive-minded head coach, so the Titans have to seek out him a succesful starter to evaluate whether or not Callahan can also be the correct man for the job.
The Titans can have greater than sufficient cap house to compete for any veteran available on the market in the event that they don’t have a premium draft choose. They need to be aggressive throughout an offseason that will probably be essential for each their future at quarterback and with the regime in place. A mistake at QB might result in even greater adjustments a 12 months from now.
Las Vegas Raiders
Aidan O’Connell has performed decently sufficient at instances, however the accidents are a priority. The Raiders seem like a lock to go the draft route on the place, though they’ve been aggressive sufficient that the fan base ought to be involved a few win down the stretch that would knock them out of a top-two choose. Their subsequent two video games towards the Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints might form the path of the franchise for years to return.
New York Giants
Since 2019, when the Giants transitioned from Eli Manning to Daniel Jones, the Giants are second to final to the Chicago Bears in passing yards — and greater than 1,000 yards behind 27 groups.
They struck out on QBs within the 2024 draft however have a terrific alternative in April to land Ward or Sanders in the event that they like both one. In any other case, if the Giants make a shakeup at head coach, it wouldn’t be a foul thought to pair Darnold with a top quality offensive-minded strategist.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints will determine by free company whether or not Carr is the starter in 2025. Once more, it in all probability makes essentially the most sense to maintain him as a result of it’ll be powerful to promote an incoming head coach on a TBD plan at QB.
Spencer Rattler might need accomplished sufficient Sunday in aid to earn an extended look down the stretch whereas Carr recovers from a damaged left hand. Regardless, the Saints received’t wager the long-term way forward for the place on a month’s value of labor.
The Saints would want divine intervention to get a top-two choose, so they won’t be in a spot to make use of a first-rounder on a QB. Due to their cap constraints, it’d be powerful to modify from Carr to a different veteran, so they need to use a comparatively early choose on a quarterback earlier than reassessing the plan in 2026.
Seattle Seahawks
Even with Geno Smith enjoying nicely, the Seahawks have been diligent with their draft prep in recent times, looking for a long-term successor. They only haven’t been in a spot to seek out the correct man within the first spherical as a result of they’ve been selecting too late. Nevertheless, it’s a testomony to the entrance workplace that they haven’t pressured something within the draft.
Smith, 34, is beneath contract for yet another season, so the Seahawks are arising on an essential time on the place. He’s solely set to earn $15 million in 2025, which is an incredible discount for the staff however a quantity Smith will in all probability push to extend, contemplating he’s been close to the highest of the league in passing yards all season.
Los Angeles Rams
Stafford turns 37 in February, so the Rams must be diligent about discovering his successor as a result of retirement is all the time on the desk for a participant of that age.
If Stafford retires this offseason, the Rams ought to become involved within the veteran market, whether or not they try and commerce for Cousins or signal Darnold. However they’ll’t ignore the draft, both.
League panorama
Large-money quarterbacks beneath contract
• Buffalo Payments: Josh Allen
• Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa
• New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers
• Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson
• Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow
• Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson
• Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence
• Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
• Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert
• Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts
• Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott
• Detroit Lions: Jared Goff
• Inexperienced Bay Packers: Jordan Love
• Atlanta Falcons: Kirk Cousins
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield
• New Orleans Saints: Derek Carr
• Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith
• Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray
• Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford
Potential franchise QBs on rookie contracts
• New England Patriots: Drake Maye
• Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud
• Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson
• Tennessee Titans: Will Levis
• Denver Broncos: Bo Nix
• Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels
• Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy
• Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams
• Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr.
• Carolina Panthers: Bryce Younger
• San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy
(Photograph illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; images: of Shedeur Sanders, Sam Darnold and Aaron Rodgers: Aaron M. Sprecher, Stephen Maturen and Megan Briggs / Getty Photos)