Introduction

As the dust settles after the 2025 NFL regular season, all eyes are now on the 2026 offseason. With the coaching carousel actively spinning and free agency set to kick off in less than two months, teams are gearing up for significant roster moves. The quarterback position remains a primary focus, with numerous head coaching changes leading the league to search for viable options to boost their rosters. This article evaluates the best and worst potential landing spots for various quarterbacks as teams navigate a critical offseason.

Current State of the Quarterback Market

As it stands, only Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Alabama's Ty Simpson rank among the top 50 prospects, raising questions for teams requiring quarterback help. With ten franchises already opting for new head coaches this offseason, teams with upcoming free agents and trade targets are strategizing how to secure their future at quarterback effectively.

Best and Worst Destination for Notable Quarterbacks

Let’s explore various quarterbacks likely to be available this spring and assess their best and worst landing spots based on team needs, support systems, and coaching fits.

Kirk Cousins

Best Landing Spot: Minnesota Vikings

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to part ways with Kirk Cousins following a decent four-game winning streak to close out the 2025 season. The Minnesota Vikings might be a prime landing spot for Cousins, especially if they remain unconvinced about starting J.J. McCarthy again. Minnesota's talented receiving corps and Cousins' past success with head coach Kevin O'Connell make this reunion appealing.

Worst Landing Spot: New York Jets

Cousins should stay away from the New York Jets. Despite having Justin Fields under contract, the team struggled in 2025 and would not provide the adequate support Cousins needs. The Jets lack the offensive firepower to compete in the AFC East, making them a less-than-ideal landing spot.

Justin Fields

Best Landing Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers

After a tumultuous tenure with the Chicago Bears, Fields could find a second chance with the Steelers, who previously showed interest in him. Pittsburgh's coaching changes could also provide Fields a familiar setting while he looks to revive his status as a starter in the league.

Worst Landing Spot: New York Jets

The Jets have already given Fields one chance, and after benching him during the previous season, a second chance is unlikely to yield different results. Fields should aim for a fresh start elsewhere.

Joe Flacco

Best Landing Spot: Atlanta Falcons

At 41, Flacco still exhibited his command of the game. If the Falcons do not retain Cousins, they should consider Flacco as a worthy alternative. With head coach Kevin Stefanski at the helm, Flacco can find success in Atlanta’s offensive scheme.

Worst Landing Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers

Flacco joining the Steelers poses potential problems. They have struggled offensively, and without a solid offensive line and dependable options at receiver, Flacco risks tarnishing his late-career reputation.

Daniel Jones

Best Landing Spot: Indianapolis Colts

If the Colts support Jones through his recovery from injury, they could reap the benefits of a player who flourished in their system before injury. Their patience would allow him to regain confidence as a starter.

Worst Landing Spot: Cleveland Browns

Jones should evade the Browns, where he would face high expectations amid multiple quarterback controversies and a supporting cast that has noticeably underachieved.

Kyler Murray

Best Landing Spot: Los Angeles Rams

Should the Cardinals choose to move on from Murray, the Rams offer an enticing opportunity for him to reset his career under head coach Sean McVay and work behind Matthew Stafford.

Worst Landing Spot: Minnesota Vikings

Murray might find himself struggling to assimilate into a system that favors traditional pocket passers. Minnesota would not provide the necessary environment for him to thrive.

Aaron Rodgers

Best Landing Spot: Minnesota Vikings

If Rodgers decides to play, Minnesota provides familiarity and a strong supporting cast. The Vikings with O'Connell at the helm could present a final chapter in Rodgers' career with a playoff run returning to the forefront.

Worst Landing Spot: Any Team Other Than Minnesota or Pittsburgh

Rodgers should prioritize Minnesota or Pittsburgh for a chance at success, as other destinations might not extend a similar opportunity to return to form in his twilight years.

Tua Tagovailoa

Best Landing Spot: Miami Dolphins

Depending on how the Dolphins approach the refrain of Tagovailoa, he could remain in Miami to rebuild after injury. The infrastructure currently in place can support a bounce-back season.

Worst Landing Spot: New York Jets

The Jets represent a challenging landscape for Tagovailoa, where the pressure to perform would likely derail any chance he has at reviving his career, mirroring the struggles he faced in Miami.

Malik Willis

Best Landing Spot: Kansas City Chiefs

In a post-Patrick Mahomes era, the Chiefs could provide an ideal setting for Willis to prove himself as a reliable backup and possible future starter.

Worst Landing Spot: Cleveland Browns

Cleveland's turmoil at the quarterback position does not favor Willis in his pursuit of a starting gig, especially given the significant support required to thrive.

Conclusion

As the NFL prepares for another offseason filled with transactions, the quarterback market offers a myriad of possibilities and challenges. Teams will seek to optimize their situations while players strive for new opportunities. The decisions made in the next couple of months will undoubtedly shape the character of the 2026 NFL season.