January 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) listens during the second half of the AFC Wild Card round game against the Houston Texans at Accrazer Stadium. At least five teams are in desperate need of quarterback upgrades. We are also considering more.
NFL offseason tradition dictates that demand will far outstrip supply in free agency and the 2026 draft.
From the top of the current draft order, the Raiders (1st overall), Jets (2nd), Cardinals (3rd), Browns (6th), and Dolphins (11th) are the teams most in need of correction. Some have veterans who were ineffective under previous coaching regimes.
Keeping them around under the guise of a fresh start may become a reality. Because honestly, what else are they going to do?
Count the Steelers, Vikings, and Saints. No, I’m not calling Tyler Shough a bust just yet. The Falcons are all on shaky turf at the QB spot. They may not be defined as desperate, but they may find themselves knocking on that door.
If not for outfits that truly covet Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields and Geno Smith, where else could they turn? Here are the five best quarterbacks available this offseason.
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza (15) of Indiana talks to the crowd at the podium after a College Football Playoff National Championship college football game Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Barring a pro day disaster or a Godfather trade offer for the top spot from a team with no plans to land a Heisman Trophy winner, Mendoza, the No. 1 pick, could be the second coming of Cousins or an off-brand Joe Burrow.
It wouldn’t even be the worst-case scenario for the Raiders or the Jets, who have had decades of experience swinging and missing at quarterback and have the assets to make a run happen.
Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)
For a player who at 29 years old has yet to prove he’s a franchise-caliber quarterback, we know he’ll be able to secure a spot on the Murray bandwagon until he starts winning consistently.
But if your alternative today is hoping that Michael Penix Jr. avoids another operation in Atlanta or that JJ McCarthy suddenly finds it, it might be time to circle Murray’s name on the QB board. He spoke little about his departure from Arizona. The Cardinals’ new coaching staff would be better off getting out of here and starting fresh. Can Murray pull Sam Darnold out of Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings? Or could replacing Tua lead to a resurgence for the Dolphins?
Ty Simpson (Alabama)
January 1, 2026; Pasadena, California, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images He’s not a classic boom-or-bust quarterback prospect because of his age and decision-making and processing ability. Still, no one can argue that after one season as a starter, Simpson is a proven or complete product. The cost and value debate will rage on for this prospect and others under consideration to be the No. 2 quarterback in the 2026 draft. He doesn’t have a first-round grade for every team, and there would be an argument for a draft prospect with higher upside.
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphin
December 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) leaves the field following the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Image While the Dolphins wonder aloud how the new administration in Miami will adjust the bill they inherited, which calls for a $99.2 cap hit in 2026, there’s no doubt they’re prepared to let him walk.
It’s unlikely the team would want to trade for Tagovailoa, but he would be seen as a QB2 for a team that is insecure at the position. If the Vikings don’t find a better solution, he could compete with McCarthy, get Mike McDaniel’s approval and head to Arizona for Mike LaFleur, or get a Russell Wilson-type audition to be the Falcons’ short-term starter while Penix Jr. heals his ACL tear. HI’s games are designed for domed home fields.
Aaron Rodgers, unrestricted free agent
Another one-year pick that could either return to Pittsburgh or try to reunite Nathaniel Hackett with the Cardinals.
His best play could be in Minnesota if the Vikings want him to. As long as the Vikings draw a line in front of him, Rodgers throwing the ball to Justin Jefferson in a division against the Packers would be a fitting curtain call to his prolific career.
