Top 10 NFL Free Agent QBs Ranked for 2026 Season

Kyler Murray, Malik Willis, and Kirk Cousins lead the class of available signal-callers

Mar. 8, 2026 at 7:41pm

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As the new NFL league year begins on March 11, 2026, several high-profile quarterbacks are set to hit the free agent market. This list ranks the top 10 QBs available, including former Pro Bowlers Kyler Murray and Kirk Cousins, as well as rising star Malik Willis.

Why it matters

Quarterback is the most important position in football, and the ability to land a quality starter in free agency can make or break a team's season. These top free agent QBs will be in high demand, with several QB-needy teams looking to upgrade their rosters through free agency.

The details

Kyler Murray tops the list after a tumultuous end to his tenure with the Arizona Cardinals, but he's still young enough to prove he can be a franchise QB elsewhere. Malik Willis is second, coming off two strong seasons as a backup in Green Bay. Four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins, veteran Aaron Rodgers, and former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco round out the top five.

  • The new NFL league year begins on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 4 p.m. ET.
  • The legal tampering window for free agency opens on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Kyler Murray

A former first-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, Murray is a dynamic dual-threat QB who has made two Pro Bowls in his seven-year career.

Malik Willis

The 26-year-old backup QB has impressed in limited action over the past two seasons with the Packers, and is poised to land a lucrative starting job in free agency.

Kirk Cousins

A four-time Pro Bowler, the 37-year-old Cousins is a veteran QB who can serve as a "bridge" starter for teams in need of quarterback help.

Aaron Rodgers

The 42-year-old Rodgers is expected to return to the Steelers for one more season, but there's a slim chance he could end up elsewhere in free agency.

Joe Flacco

The 41-year-old Flacco is long past his prime, but he can still provide serviceable QB play and veteran leadership for a team in need.

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What they’re saying

“Kyler Murray had a rough end to his Arizona Cardinals tenure, but he's still young enough that he will get another chance to prove he's the guy for another team.”

— Michael Gallagher, Author

“The likelihood of Rodgers playing for any team besides the Steelers next year is pretty remote, but not zero.”

— Michael Gallagher, Author

What’s next

Teams will be able to officially sign free agents starting on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 4 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

This year's NFL free agent QB class is headlined by several high-profile names, including former Pro Bowlers and rising young talents. The ability for teams to land an impact starter through free agency could be the difference between a playoff berth and a losing season.