Daniel Jones, Russell Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers lead the veteran value in NFL quarterback free agency ahead of the 2026 season, with several franchises on the lookout
13:01 ET, 15 Feb 2026
Daniel Jones will be a free agent this offseason despite showing early promise with the Colts
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Daniel Jones will be a free agent this offseason despite showing early promise with the Colts(Image: Getty)
Several NFL teams will be shopping for a quarterback or two this offseason, and there's a lot of veteran value on the free agent market.
The 2026 NFL Draft class outside of Indiana's Heisman Trophy-winning Fernando Mendoza isn't as strong as previous years, with Alabama's Ty Simpson regarded as the No. 2 behind the national championship winner. Mendoza is expected to be picked first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, who need a new starter following a failed Pete Carroll-Geno Smith experience last season.
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The New York Jets and the Arizona Cardinals are two other NFL franchises in need of a new quarterback, with the latter deciding whether to move on from dual-threat Kyler Murray before the 2026 season begins. The free-agent market will offer good value for NFL franchises this year, with Daniel Jones, Russell Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers all expected to be available. Franchises could also look to breathe a new lease of life into former top NFL Draft picks, Kenny Pickett and Zach Wilson, who have struggled since turning pro. Mirror Sport U.S. looks at the top-five free agent quarterbacks this offseason.
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No. 1 — Daniel Jones
Jones' stocks were low after departing the New York Giants last year. He spent time on the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad before landing in free agency with the Indianapolis Colts for the 2025 campaign.
In Indy, he delivered some of the most efficient and dynamic play of his career, combining improved decision-making with better ball security and leadership that helped the Colts remain competitive through much of the season and looked likely to reach the playoffs.
However, that momentum came to an abrupt halt when Jones suffered a significant Achilles injury, sidelining him and casting doubt on both his future and the team's trajectory.
No. 2 — Malik Willis
The former Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers quarterback could command the highest value in the quarterback free agency market. Malik Willis is just 26 years old and showed promise with the Packers in Jordan Love's absence.
Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass prior to an NFL wild card playoff game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
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Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass prior to an NFL wild card playoff game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 10, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. (Image: Getty)
The Packers would like Willis to stay in Green Bay as backup, but he's likely to explore the chance of being an NFL starter elsewhere.
The Arizona Cardinals could be a potential landing spot should Murray move on. The Cardinals have the likes of Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. on offense, and command substantial NFL Draft capital in April, holding the No. 3 pick.
No. 3 — Marcus Mariota
The former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback played more last season than expected, with the Washington Commanders franchise superstar Jayden Daniels suffering from injuries. Marcus Mariota threw for just shy of 1,700 yards for 10 passing touchdowns.
Still just 32, an NFL franchise could get a good couple of years out of Mariota yet. And if he can tap into the potential that landed him second overall to the Titans in 2015, it could be good value for money.
Russell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants warms up before kickoff against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game at AT&T Field on September 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
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Russell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants warms up before kickoff against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game at AT&T Field on September 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Image: Getty)
No. 4 — Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson was part of a revamped New York Giants quarterback room last season. He was the Giants' starter in the early weeks before being dropped for 2025 first-rounder Jaxson Dart.
The 37-year-old feels he's still able to provide value in the NFL and could provide short-term stability.
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No. 5 — Aaron Rodgers
The four-time NFL MVP opted against retirement and moved to the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason to join Mike Tomlin following two unsuccessful campaigns with the New York Jets. The Steelers made the playoffs, but were KO'd by the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round, spelling the end of Tomlin's near two-decade reign.
Now 42, it's unclear what Rodgers will do. He enjoyed a massive off-field career development, tying the knot to his mystery wife, Brittani, last year. However, Rodgers showed flashes of his old self last season and may want one last dance. A rock-solid O-Line would be a big necessity, though.