Quarterback Shuffle Expected as NFL Teams Eye Cousins, Tagovailoa in Thin Market

Several NFL quarterbacks including Kirk Cousins, Tua Tagovailoa, and Kyler Murray could be changing teams this offseason. With a weak draft class for quarterbacks, teams seeking upgrades will likely turn to the free agent and trade markets for solutions.

Several established NFL quarterbacks may be switching uniforms this offseason, as teams face a challenging market with limited options at the position.

Kirk Cousins is expected to become a free agent within two weeks when Atlanta releases him. Meanwhile, Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa and Arizona’s Kyler Murray could also be on the move as their respective franchises evaluate their futures.

The quarterback position has always been crucial in professional football, but teams are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve long-term stability at the spot. Even after investing heavily in a franchise signal-caller, organizations often reconsider their commitment due to financial constraints, injury concerns, or underwhelming performance.

Teams looking to make changes this offseason face challenging circumstances. Beyond Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who captured both the national championship and Heisman Trophy and is projected as Las Vegas’s top draft selection, the incoming rookie class lacks depth.

The free agent market offers limited bargain alternatives. Green Bay’s backup Malik Willis will draw interest despite having just six career starts under his belt. However, teams willing to invest significantly in salary cap space or trade assets should find some worthwhile options.

Minnesota exemplifies the quarterback uncertainty plaguing many franchises, entering this period with questions following J.J. McCarthy’s inconsistent and injury-plagued first season.

Despite coach Kevin O’Connell’s continued support for McCarthy’s abilities and character, the organization plans to add a veteran for both depth and competition heading into 2026.

“We’re going to explore every opportunity, and I don’t think there’s anything specifically we’re looking for,” explained executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski, who serves as interim general manager after Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s departure. “We can’t manufacture anything that’s not there. What are the options? Is it reciprocal? Is it financially doable? There are a lot of things that go into it.”

Cousins represents the most reliable choice when Atlanta releases him next month, allowing the Falcons to fully commit to 2024 first-round selection Michael Penix Jr., who lost his starting role due to a knee injury. The 38-year-old quarterback’s history with O’Connell and positive relationship with Minnesota could facilitate a return, potentially serving as a transitional starter while McCarthy continues developing.

Tagovailoa’s status in Miami remains uncertain under new leadership, despite signing an extension less than two years ago. His approximately $56 million salary cap impact, combined with fresh faces in management and coaching, puts his future in question. After six seasons marked by injuries and inconsistency, including a career-high 15 interceptions in 2025, the 27-year-old former fifth-overall pick from 2020 could attract interest from other clubs.

“Everything’s on the table, including the potential of a trade,” stated general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. “We don’t know which way that’s going to go. There’s a lot of different factors in play, a lot of conversations being had.”

Murray’s situation in Arizona appears equally uncertain after a foot injury limited him to five games during the Cardinals’ disappointing 3-14 campaign. The former top overall pick from 2019 carries a roughly $52 million cap hit for a franchise also implementing new coaching leadership. General manager Monti Ossenfort echoed familiar language at this week’s NFL combine: “All options are on the table.”

Throughout his career, Murray has never achieved more than nine victories in a single season and has yet to win a playoff game.

“When you had the kind of year that we had, there’s a lot of room for improvement,” Ossenfort acknowledged. “We’ve got to find a way to do that.”

Daniel Jones appeared poised for success with Indianapolis after signing a prove-it deal last season, mirroring Sam Darnold’s breakout performance with Seattle. However, a December Achilles injury derailed those plans and reduced league-wide interest. General manager Chris Ballard has expressed interest in re-signing the former sixth-overall pick from 2019, who continues rehabilitating from the injury.

At 42, Aaron Rodgers seems unlikely to change teams again, as reuniting with coach Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh offers an appealing alternative to retirement.

While Lamar Jackson and Baltimore have experienced some challenges recently, the two-time MVP appears headed toward a new contract. His involvement in the coaching search suggests the Ravens aren’t considering a trade. “I have spoken to Lamar about a lot of different things over the last month,” said general manager Eric DeCosta. “He’s been very engaged.”

Any speculation about Houston’s commitment to C.J. Stroud following three consecutive divisional playoff losses was quickly dismissed by general manager Nick Caserio during combine interviews.

“He’s our quarterback,” Caserio declared about the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. “He isn’t going anywhere. We have a lot of confidence, a lot of belief.”