2026 NFL Free Agency: Strategic Plans for 9 Quarterback-Needy Teams

Bassyonni

Published: March 6, 2026 2:53 PM ET

2026 NFL Free Agency: Strategic Plans for 9 Quarterback-Needy Teams

The 2026 NFL offseason poses significant challenges for teams in need of a starting quarterback. With a sparse draft class and limited quality in the free-agent market, many franchises must devise strategic plans to address their quarterback deficiencies. As teams prepare for free agency and the upcoming draft, here are potential strategies for nine quarterback-needy teams.

Strategic Plans for Quarterback-Needy Teams

Atlanta Falcons

Plan A: Sign Joe Flacco as a veteran backup to Michael Penix Jr.
Plan B: Acquire Tua Tagovailoa if he becomes available.

Penix, recovering from a torn ACL, may not be ready for the season. Flacco’s experience could provide necessary mentorship and stability. Tagovailoa represents a potential long-term solution if concerns about Penix’s future persist.

Arizona Cardinals

Plan A: Retain Jacoby Brissett and sign Tua Tagovailoa.
Plan B: Draft Alabama QB Ty Simpson in the second round and sign Jimmy Garoppolo.

The Cardinals face pressure with quarterback decisions. Brissett had solid statistics last season, while Tagovailoa could revitalize his career in Arizona. If Tagovailoa is not available, Garoppolo could serve as a stopgap while Simpson develops.

Cleveland Browns

Plan A: Give full season support to Shedeur Sanders.
Plan B: Pursue Russell Wilson for veteran leadership.

Sanders should be allowed a complete season to evaluate potential. Wilson, despite being near the end of his career, could provide valuable experience in a tumultuous quarterback room.

Indianapolis Colts

Plan A: Stick with Daniel Jones and sign Tyrod Taylor as a backup.
Plan B: Sign Kirk Cousins should Jones not recover as expected.

Jones has a transition tag worth $37.8 million but is recovering from injury. The Colts need a reliable backup in case of setbacks.

Las Vegas Raiders

Plan A: Draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall.
Plan B: Trade the pick for multiple first-round selections.

While Mendoza may not be a traditional blue-chip prospect, securing additional draft capital could be advantageous for a necessary rebuild.

Miami Dolphins

Plan A: Sign Malik Willis as a potential starter.
Plan B: Consider Kyler Murray as a reclamation project.

Willis, at 26, brings youthful potential. If not, Murray could serve as a high-risk, high-reward option to solidify the quarterback position.

Minnesota Vikings

Plan A: Sign Kyler Murray to challenge J.J. McCarthy.
Plan B: Explore options like Geno Smith or Derek Carr.

Murray’s talent could revitalize the Vikings. The concern remains about his health and recent performance history.

New York Jets

Plan A: Trade for Mac Jones if feasible.
Plan B: Sign a veteran quarterback and draft Ty Simpson.

Jones could provide stability, while other veteran quarterbacks might serve as short-term options. The Jets must focus on building depth for the future.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Plan A: Re-sign Aaron Rodgers and draft Ty Simpson.
Plan B: Acquire Kyler Murray if available.

With a focus on the impending draft, the Steelers must balance the need for immediate support with future development.

As the 2026 NFL season approaches, it remains crucial for these teams to implement effective strategies for addressing their quarterback needs. The decisions made during free agency and the draft will significantly impact their future success.