Quick Links: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End
The 2026 NFL free-agent class is loaded with big names at the skill positions. Here is a look at the quarterbacks potentially on the move and the dynasty impact of their free-agent status.
Last year, and in general, the biggest names in free agency returned to their incumbent teams. Quarterback is a bit of a different animal than the other skill positions, as notable players rarely see true free agency with the franchise tag as a significant weapon to retain and continue to work a deal with the league's most important position.
Tier 1
Top quarterbacks are rarely true free agents. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are recent examples of being courted and picking their ideal landing spot. Not coincidentally, both won Super Bowls with their hand-selected teams (Broncos, Buccaneers). Daniel Jones is in a Sam Darnold 2024-type situation. The Colts are hot, and Jones is rebuilding his profile on the fly into a strong contractual situation in the offseason. That said, Darnold's season ended with two dud games in the most meaningful moments, and Minnesota ended up going another direction. The Colts are in a different situation as their pedigreed young quarterback (Anthony Richardson Sr.) has devolved from the starting role where as J.J. McCarthy had yet to play for Minnesota. With plenty of data points left for Jones to affix himself as the Colts' quarterback of the future, that would be the assumption at midseason.
Aaron Rodgers has been a perfect fit with Pittsburgh. His turnover-avoidance and patience with short passes have blended well with the Steelers' running back and tight end-centric offense. Like Daniel Jones, Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh in 2026 feels like the most likely outcome pending future data points.
