Multiple prominent quarterbacks could find new homes this offseason. It’s uncommon for several established starters to switch teams but the anomaly could occur this spring. Some are pending free agents, others could be traded, and some may be cut. This article will detail the possible landing spots that available quarterbacks could end up.
The Six Quarterbacks That Could Switch Jerseys This Offseason
Kirk Cousins
The Minnesota Vikings can field a potent offense if a healthy Kirk Cousins returns as the starter. Cousins with a Brian Flores-led defense – with a few added pieces – could have Minnesota contending for the playoffs. This could entice management into re-signing Kirk Cousins this offseason. The Vikings may desire to stay competitive in a suddenly stacked NFC North division. Re-signing Cousins would accomplish that. However, it may take a lucrative deal to do so. Cousins will be 36 years old next season and is coming off a serious Achilles injury. This could be a deterrent.
The Atlanta Falcons should pursue Cousins if he and the Vikings divorce. The Falcons have underachieved offensively because of subpar quarterback play and questionable playcalling. Cousins could thrive with these young athletic playmakers. The Falcons are an effective quarterback away from winning a weak NFC South. Signing Kirk Cousins on a short-term deal will allow the Falcons to compete while their young offensive talent are still on their rookie deals. The Falcons could then find their long-term solution during the duration of Cousins’s deal.
The Steelers are another team that should consider signing Cousins. Head Coach Mike Tomlin can get a winning season with anyone behind center, so it’s fascinating to imagine what the Steelers could do with Kirk. Similar to Atlanta, Pittsburgh has weapons that have been underutilized. Kirk Cousins could keep Pittsburgh competitive in a difficult AFC North division by maximizing the Steelers’ playmakers’ abilities.
Deshaun Watson
The Browns should seriously consider trading Deshaun Watson this offseason. Watson has a leviathan of a contract that is fully guaranteed. Watson has only played a handful of quality games for the Browns, something that is unacceptable for someone on such a gargantuan deal. The Browns are in a precarious position because it is possible that Watson is still knocking the dust off and that he could regain his old form.
However, Watson’s trade value could plummet if they wait too long for him to return to an elite level of play. The Browns should trade Watson immediately if there is trepidation on whether Watson can play at an all-pro level again. A potential trade partner that makes sense is the Atlanta Falcons. As already mentioned, the Falcons are a quarterback away from playoff contention. Watson is much younger than Kirk Cousins and would fit in Atlanta’s long-term plans. He is also from Georgia, so there is a hometown connection as well.
Justin Fields
All signs point to Chicago trading Justin Fields and drafting Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. Fields being traded to the Falcons is far likelier than Deshaun Watson ending up in Atlanta this offseason. Justin Fields is young with immense raw physical talent. A trio of Fields, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts would be a matchup nightmare with their speed, athleticism, and shiftiness. The potential is too alluring to pass up
Denver is likely moving on from Russell Wilson and rebuilding. They should be in the mix to trade for Fields. Fields is young and mobile and can be a great piece to build around. The Steelers, however, are a team that is a much better fit. Justin Fields has a ton of potential but has been inconsistent. Tomlin could be the coach Fields needs to capitalize on his physical abilities.
Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson will almost certainly be cut from the Broncos at some point this offseason, ending an expensive failed experiment. Wilson had the worst season of his career in 2022. He bounced back to being a productive player in 2023 but was far from the all-pro player he previously was. Russell Wilson is no longer an elite quarterback who can carry an offense, but he is competent and can be productive.
Daniel Jones will have a cap hit of $47 million if he is still on the Giants next season and if his contract isn’t restructured. The Giants will have a dead-cap hit of $22.2 million if he is traded or cut. It’s sensible to move on from Jones and rebuild the entire offense. The Giants should sign Wilson if they cut ties with Jones. Wilson could be an affordable stop-gap solution while they rebuild the team. The Patriots are another rebuilding team who should pursue signing him as well.
Joe Flacco
It’s uncertain if Joe Flacco can recreate the magic that he cast in 2023. The Browns would have to consider what they have left on the roster if they do trade Deshaun Watson. Flacco is creeping on 40, so he is not a long-term solution. The Browns and Flacco inexplicably became a dynamic vertical offense with him under center. It could be a tough ask of Flacco to recreate those moments, The Browns – however – are a talented team with a scheme conducive to helping him. The Browns can get away with bringing Flacco back as the starter if they use the capital from a Deshaun Watson trade to find his long-term replacement.
The quarterback-needy teams – New England Patriots, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos – could sign Flacco this offseason as a veteran to compete for the starting role. One team that hasn’t been mentioned is the Indianapolis Colts. Anthony Richardson is their future, but he is coming off a shoulder injury and the team may want insurance if Gardner Minshew leaves.
Baker Mayfield
Re-signing with Tampa Bay makes sense for both sides. Baker has found a team that believes in him, subsequently getting his mojo back. He appears to be a quarterback who thrives when his organization is all in on him and he has found that in Tampa. The Bucs are coming off a surprise divisional title win. There is no quarterback available this offseason that will push the Buccaneers into championship contention. Moving on from Baker in the hopes of swinging the fences on one of the quarterbacks above would be a risk not worth the reward. Baker is still a young player who could reach pro-bowl level. It would be wise for Tampa to stand with who they have.
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