Top 5 NFL Free Agent Quarterbacks for 2026

The best QB options available this offseason as the quarterback carousel continues to spin

Feb. 23, 2026 at 1:47am

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The top five quarterbacks set to hit free agency in the 2026 NFL offseason are highlighted, including veteran Joe Flacco, dual-threat Marcus Mariota, promising young talent Malik Willis, four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, and Daniel Jones coming off a career year with the Colts before a late-season injury.

Why it matters

With a weak quarterback draft class on the horizon, this year's free agent QB market will be crucial for teams in need of a new signal-caller. Several of these veteran options could provide immediate stability, while younger players like Willis present intriguing upside.

The details

The list is headlined by Daniel Jones, who was having a resurgent season with the Colts before tearing his Achilles late in the year. The 28-year-old is expected to be the top QB target on the market. Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP, is also available after a one-year stint with the Steelers. Malik Willis, with just six career starts, has the most long-term potential but the least experience. Marcus Mariota and Joe Flacco provide veteran backup options for teams in need.

  • The 2026 NFL free agency period begins on March 15, 2026.

The players

Daniel Jones

The 28-year-old quarterback is coming off a career year with the Colts before suffering a late-season Achilles injury, and is expected to be the top QB target on the 2026 free agent market.

Aaron Rodgers

The four-time NFL MVP is a free agent after a one-year stint with the Steelers, and could return to Pittsburgh or seek a new opportunity elsewhere.

Malik Willis

The young quarterback has just six career starts but presents the most long-term potential of the free agent QB class, with a weak draft class making him an intriguing target.

Marcus Mariota

The dual-threat QB has proven to be a solid backup option for the Commanders over the last two seasons, and could draw interest as a replacement-level starter.

Joe Flacco

The veteran Flacco proved he can still be an effective backup option, throwing for 2,479 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2025 with the Browns and Bengals.

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What’s next

Teams in need of a quarterback will closely monitor the free agent market and potential trades or releases of other signal-callers in the coming weeks, as the 2026 quarterback carousel continues to take shape.

The takeaway

This year's free agent QB class, while lacking in elite top-end talent, provides several intriguing options for teams in need of a new starter or reliable backup. The lack of a strong draft class at the position makes these veteran free agents all the more valuable.