Quarterback-needy NFL teams have plenty of options this offseason. After evaluating a draft class that boasts many talented quarterbacks, teams can now turn their attention to the list of available veteran quarterbacks. The upcoming free agent negotiating period has teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos considering whether to pursue a free agent addition or wait for the draft.
One of the biggest names among the available quarterbacks is Kirk Cousins. If the Minnesota Vikings don’t re-sign him, Cousins might become the headliner of unrestricted free agency. Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed the team’s interest in working out a new deal with Cousins, acknowledging his status as a great leader and a quarterback capable of winning championships.
Cousins, who will be 36 in August, was playing exceptionally well before suffering a torn Achilles’ tendon in his right leg. Despite the injury, he has proven to be a four-time Pro Bowl selection and someone who maximizes his market value. If a team is looking for an immediate upgrade, Cousins might secure yet another highly lucrative contract.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos recently informed Russell Wilson of their intention to release him. Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl winner with the Seattle Seahawks, had a challenging two-season stint in Denver. However, he still performed well, finishing last season as the NFL’s eighth-rated passer. The Broncos owe him $39 million for next season, but any new team acquiring Wilson may not have to offer an excessively expensive deal, at least for the first year.
Replacing Wilson won’t be easy for the Broncos, considering his impact and the $85 million salary cap hit from his release. Although the cap will increase significantly to $255.4 million per team, the Broncos will still feel the squeeze and must carefully consider their options.
For the Chicago Bears, who hold the top pick in the upcoming draft, selecting Caleb Williams from Southern Cal may be a possibility. If that happens, they might potentially trade Justin Fields, who has shown promise but hasn’t yet proven himself as a franchise quarterback in his three NFL seasons.
Other teams looking for quarterbacks include the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, and Minnesota Vikings. The draft also offers additional promising quarterbacks like Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix, and Bo Nix.
While free agency and trades provide immediate solutions, the draft often presents long-term options for teams in need of a starting quarterback. The quarterback carousel in the NFL is constantly spinning, as teams look to improve their rosters and find the missing piece to achieve success.
Looking ahead, it’s essential for teams to make well-informed decisions regarding their quarterback situation. As Denver Broncos GM George Paton emphasizes, the quarterback position is the most important in sports, and the team’s decision carries significant weight. With so many variables at play, teams must carefully analyze the
