by The annual cycle of NFL Free Agent QBs hitting the open market is arguably the most dramatic storyline of the offseason. For quarterback-needy teams, acquiring one of the top available NFL Free Agent QBs is the fastest way to inject competitiveness into a franchise. As the league year approaches, we’re breaking down the hierarchy of available signal-callers, separating the short-term starters from the veteran backups who will define the free agency period.
🥇 The Top-Tier Targets: Starter-Worthy NFL Free Agent QBs
This year’s crop of NFL Free Agent QBs features a handful of players who could legitimately start from day one, though the elite “franchise savior” may be rare. The top name commanding attention is Daniel Jones (Colts), assuming the team does not exercise the franchise tag or sign him to a long-term extension. Jones, coming off a potentially career-best season in Indianapolis, is a strong case study of a mid-career resurrection, proving he can thrive under the right offensive system. His combination of mobility, size, and improved decision-making makes him the most attractive young commodity among the available NFL Free Agent QBs.
Another key player, though in a much different stage of his career, is future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers (Steelers). While the 41-year-old’s retirement talks linger, his respectable performance in 2025 demonstrates he can still provide veteran leadership and productive numbers for a contending team. Teams looking for a short-term, high-impact veteran could view Rodgers as the best of the high-end NFL Free Agent QBs available for a final run, offering Super Bowl experience and a winning pedigree that few other NFL Free Agent QBs can match.
🥈 The High-End Bridge Options: Experienced NFL Free Agent QBs
A significant tier of NFL Free Agent QBs offers stability and starting experience, perfectly suiting teams with young rosters or those needing a one-to-two-year “bridge” solution. Sam Darnold (Vikings) falls squarely into this category. After a career-best season where he led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, his stock has soared. He appears to have finally realized some of the potential that made him a former high draft pick, and he will be heavily courted by teams seeking a proven starter who is still under 30.
Another veteran in the mix is Russell Wilson (Giants), whose tenure in New York may be short-lived. Wilson, an accomplished veteran, is a fascinating option among the current list of NFL Free Agent QBs. His high-water mark of play is still among the best, but his fit in a modern, quick-hitting offense remains a question. Meanwhile, Marcus Mariota (Commanders), after solid relief appearances in Washington, has boosted his value from pure backup to a high-end transitional starter. He is now one of the more dependable veteran NFL Free Agent QBs for teams needing a dual-threat presence.
🥉 Valuable Depth: Reliable Backup NFL Free Agent QBs
Every team needs a solid backup, and this year’s class offers several well-known commodities who will provide invaluable depth for any contender. Joe Flacco (Bengals), despite his age, continues to prove he can step in and run a high-level offense, as evidenced by his solid ranking this season. He is a high-floor, reliable veteran presence among the available NFL Free Agent QBs.
Other notable names in this tier include Jimmy Garoppolo (Rams) and Carson Wentz (Vikings). Both are former starters whose paths have led to backup roles, yet they retain the ability to win games in a pinch. They are ideal candidates for teams looking to bolster their depth or provide a veteran presence in the quarterback room. The market for these experienced NFL Free Agent QBs is often just as competitive as the starter market, as they represent insurance for a team’s championship aspirations. The ultimate value of these NFL Free Agent QBs is in their reliability, making them critical signings for the right price.
🔮 Predicting the NFL Free Agent QBs Landing Spots
The upcoming free agency period will be dictated by which teams enter the fray with the most pressing need. Teams like the Jets (still searching for a long-term answer) and the Browns (dealing with a complicated cap situation) are likely to be aggressive in their pursuit of top NFL Free Agent QBs. The Colts’ decision on Daniel Jones will have a ripple effect, likely setting the market price for the top non-veteran NFL Free Agent QBs. Keep a close watch on the franchise tag deadline, as that will drastically change the availability of the best options among the NFL QBs and kick off the free-for-all for the remaining veterans.
