NFL QB Matchmaker: Where 8 Veteran Quarterbacks Could Land

Several veteran QBs will likely be on the move this offseason amid an underwhelming draft class.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The NFL Combine is a time when agents, coaches, and general managers discuss free agency and potential trades, especially around the quarterback position. This article projects where eight veteran quarterbacks could end up, ranking them based on how well they are expected to perform in 2026.

Why it matters

With an underwhelming quarterback draft class, several veteran QBs will be on the move this offseason as teams look to fill their quarterback needs. This article provides insight into potential landing spots for these veteran players and how they may fare with their new teams.

The details

The article covers eight veteran quarterbacks and their potential new homes: Geno Smith to the Miami Dolphins, Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings, Daniel Jones and Tua Tagovailoa to the Indianapolis Colts, Mac Jones to the Atlanta Falcons, Kyler Murray to the New York Jets, Aaron Rodgers to the Arizona Cardinals, and Malik Willis to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The author provides analysis on why each pairing makes sense and how the quarterbacks may perform.

  • The NFL Combine is happening this week in Indianapolis.

The players

Geno Smith

A veteran quarterback who had a messy tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders but previously led the league in passing yards for the Seattle Seahawks.

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback who showed signs of renewed life and could be a good fit in the Minnesota Vikings' system under coach Kevin O'Connell.

Daniel Jones

A free agent quarterback who is expected to sign a long-term deal with the Indianapolis Colts, though he is recovering from an Achilles injury.

Tua Tagovailoa

A quarterback the Miami Dolphins are likely to part ways with, and the Indianapolis Colts could be a unique opportunity for him to showcase his skills.

Mac Jones

A quarterback who could benefit from joining the Atlanta Falcons and working with coach Kevin Stefanski.

Kyler Murray

A quarterback who finished the season on injured reserve and is not expected to remain with the Arizona Cardinals under their new regime.

Aaron Rodgers

A veteran quarterback who may end up with the Arizona Cardinals, where he could reunite with coach Mike LaFleur, the brother of his former coach in Green Bay.

Malik Willis

A quarterback who the author believes is the best fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who need to invest in their roster to support a dual-threat quarterback like Willis.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This article provides insight into how the quarterback landscape could shift this offseason, with several veteran players potentially finding new homes amid an underwhelming draft class. The matchmaking of these quarterbacks to new teams is not always clean or attractive, but the analysis highlights the unique opportunities and challenges each player may face in their next chapter.