Top 2025 Free Agent Quarterbacks, Expected Contracts, and Landing Spots

Sam Darnold (MIN)

Sam Darnold led the Minnesota Vikings on a spectacular regular season run, proving himself as a legitimate starting quarterback when given a competent system and supporting cast. Under Kevin O’Connell, Darnold showcased improved decision-making, poise in the pocket, and an ability to push the ball downfield effectively. His performance silenced many doubters who labeled him a bust after his early struggles with the Jets and Panthers. Given his relatively young age and newfound confidence, teams looking for a stable starter with upside will have Darnold high on their list.

2024 Stats: 4,319 yards, 254.1 YPG, 66.2% completion, 35 TDs, 102.5 QB rating

Projected Contract: 3 years, $35 million per season (potential for $40M per year from a desperate team)

Top Landing Spots:

Raiders ($80.8M cap space) – Las Vegas has the cap room to make a splash and may prefer a proven quarterback over a rookie draft pick, especially as they may miss out on the top prospects with the 6th overall pick.
Steelers ($63.6M cap space) – With 2 free agent quarterbacks and a playoff roster, the Steelers may see Darnold as the final piece of the puzzle.
Vikings ($62.8M cap space) – Minnesota could look to retain Darnold after his impressive season hoping to repeat their regular season success while going further in the playoffs.

Dark Horse: Giants

Prediction: Raiders

Russell Wilson (PIT)

Russell Wilson revitalized his career in Pittsburgh, proving he still has gas left in the tank. While he may not be the elite quarterback he once was, Wilson still possesses strong leadership qualities, playoff experience, and the ability to win games. His mobility and deep-ball accuracy remain strengths, making him an intriguing option for teams needing a bridge quarterback or a short-term starter while developing a young signal-caller.

2024 Stats: 2,482 yards, 225.6 YPG, 63.7% completion, 16 TDs, 95.6 QB rating

Projected Contract: 2 years, $30 million per season

Top Landing Spots:

Raiders ($80.8M cap space) – A reunion with Pete Carroll in Las Vegas could make sense if Carroll wants a veteran QB to stabilize the team.
Steelers ($63.6M cap space) – If Pittsburgh wants to run it back with Wilson, they have the cap space to do so.
Jets ($51.3M cap space) – The Jets may want a veteran presence to replace Rodgers if they view themselves as contenders still, and likely develop a mid round rookie quarterback as well.

Dark Horse: Colts

Prediction: Jets

Justin Fields (PIT)

Justin Fields had a strong first season in Pittsburgh and did not deserve to be benched when he did. His dual-threat ability makes him one of the most intriguing free agents on the market. A team looking for a long-term answer at quarterback will see Fields as a potential franchise QB who just needs the right system and coaching staff to fully unlock his potential. If given the opportunity, he could develop into a dangerous leader for an offense.

2024 Stats: 1,106 yards, 110.6 YPG, 65.8% completion, 5 TDs, 93.3 QB rating

Projected Contract: 3 years, $20 million per season

Top Landing Spots:

Steelers ($63.6M cap space) – Pittsburgh could opt to keep Fields and commit to him as their long-term starter.
Jets ($51.3M cap space) – New York may be looking for a young QB to build around and prefer Fields over the rookie class.
Raiders ($80.8M cap space) – Las Vegas has the cap space and time to take a gamble on Fields as they rebuild.
Giants ($45.6M cap space) – If New York doesn’t believe in the rookie class or believes the quarterback they want won’t be available, Fields could be a strong option.
Browns ($12.5M cap space) – Cleveland could add Fields believing he would be an immediate upgrade over Watson that will thrive in their system.

Dark Horse: Titans

Prediction: Steelers

Aaron Rodgers (NYJ)

Rodgers remains one of the biggest names in the sport, but his tenure in New York was a disaster. Teams in need of a veteran quarterback might take a gamble on his ability to return to form, but there are major concerns. He played horrifically with the Jets, struggled with injuries, and carries significant off-field distractions. However, his upside as a former MVP is undeniable, making him a high-risk, high-reward signing.

2024 Stats: 3,897 yards, 229.2 YPG, 63% completion, 28 TDs, 90.5 QB rating

Projected Contract: 2 years, $25 million per season.

Top Landing Spots:

Giants ($45.6M cap space) – Rodgers staying in New York but switching teams could be an interesting storyline if the Giants want a veteran and there are reports that they have strong mutual interest.
Raiders ($80.8M cap space) – Las Vegas may consider Rodgers as a short-term solution while developing a young QB.
Steelers ($63.6M cap space) – Pittsburgh has the resources to take a swing on Rodgers if they view him as the guy that could take their team from playoffs to contenders.

Dark Horse: Vikings

Prediction: Giants

Daniel Jones (NYG)

Jones is a serviceable quarterback who can function as a high-end backup or a short-term bridge option for a team in transition. While he hasn’t lived up to the contract the Giants gave him, Jones still has starting experience, mobility, and the ability to operate within a structured offense. He’s best suited for a team with a strong supporting cast where he won’t have to carry the load but can step in when needed.

Projected Contract: 2 years, $8 million per season

Top Landing Spots:

Vikings ($62.8M cap space) – If Minnesota moves on from Sam Darnold, Jones could be a capable bridge quarterback for JJ McCarthy.
Titans ($50.6M cap space) – Tennessee may look for a veteran option to act as the veteran bridge for a rookie quarterback.
Steelers ($63.6M cap space) – Pittsburgh could add Jones as an experienced backup or competition for their starting role.
Cowboys ($54.0M cap space) – Dallas could add Jones as insurance behind Dak Prescott who has heavily struggled to stay healthy.

Dark Horse: Patriots

Prediction: Vikings

Mac Jones (JAX)

Mac Jones had moments with the Patriots, but ultimately failed. In the right system though he could still develop into a capable quarterback. He’s best suited as a high-end backup who can be productive in a structured, quick-passing offense. With better coaching and stability, he may still have untapped potential. A team looking for a young backup to develop behind an established starter should take a chance on him.

Projected Contract: 3 years, $6 million per season

Top Landing Spots:

Rams ($51.7M cap space) – Sean McVay could be the perfect coach to help Jones rebuild his confidence as he sits behind Stafford in his final years.
Cowboys ($54.0M cap space) – Dallas could add him as a developmental and high upside backup behind Prescott.
Raiders ($80.8M cap space) – Las Vegas may take a flier on Jones to compete for a starting opportunity as they enter rebuild mode, especially with Tom Brady in the building.
Jaguars ($48.9M cap space) – Jacksonville could look to retain Jones as a backup for Trevor Lawrence.

Dark Horse: 49ers

Prediction: Rams

Jameis Winston (CLE)

Winston has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career but remains inconsistent. He’s an ideal high-end backup or short-term bridge quarterback for a team needing experience at the position. Winston has a big arm and the ability to make plays downfield, though his decision-making continues to hold him back from being a quality starter.

Projected Contract: 2 years, $7 million per season

Top Landing Spots:

Steelers ($63.6M cap space) – Pittsburgh could add Winston as competition or a backup option if they miss out on other options.
Jets ($51.3M cap space) – If the Jets decide to look towards the draft for a young quarterback Winston would be an excellent bridge signal caller.
Patriots ($125.1M cap space) – With Jacoby Brissett leaving in free agency the Patriots could look for a high level backup and mentor for Drake Maye.
Browns ($12.5M cap space) – Cleveland could always retain Jameis wanting to keep his leadership in the locker room.

Dark Horse: Browns

Prediction: Patriots

Zach Wilson (DEN)

Wilson is a former 2nd overall pick who never got a fair shot in New York. While he has struggled mightily, some teams may believe he still has untapped potential. He’ll likely land in a situation where he can develop behind an established starter while competing for a future role.

Projected Contract: 2 years, $4.5 million per season

Top Landing Spots:

Cowboys ($54.0M cap space) – Dallas could give him a chance to develop behind Prescott and serve as a high upside backup incase of a much anticipated injury.
Rams ($51.7M cap space) – Zach Wilson may be a high upside signal caller that McVay would love to develop behind Stafford.
Giants ($45.6M cap space) – New York could bring Wilson in as a potential starter and bridge quarterback.
Colts ($40.3M cap space) – Indianapolis could sign Zach to put pressure on Anthony Richardson to develop.
Vikings ($62.8M cap space) – Minnesota could go with Zach Wilson as a solid bridge and backup with upside for JJ McCarthy.

Dark Horse: Dolphins

Prediction: Cowboys

Trey Lance (SF)

Lance remains an intriguing prospect despite his lack of playing time. His combination of athleticism, arm strength, and potential upside makes him a valuable project for teams looking to develop a low risk signal caller. He’ll likely seek a competitive franchise where he can develop under a strong coaching staff while waiting for an opportunity.

Projected Contract: 1 year, $4 million

Top Landing Spots:

Saints ($-39.5M cap space) – New Orleans could go out on a limb and spend some of their limited space on Lance grabbing at straws to hit it big.
Dolphins ($12.1M cap space) – Miami could see Lance as an insurance policy for Tua Tagovailoa that could potentially turn heads under McDaniels.
Rams ($51.7M cap space) – Sean McVay may love the prospect Lance was and think he can finally tap into what made Lance the 3rd overall pick.

Dark Horse: Commanders

Prediction: Dolphins

Photo Credits: NBC Sports, DAZN, Athlon Sports, The New York Times, Fan Sided, Sports Illustrated, KELOLAND, The Seattle Times, The Florida Times-Union