Top NFL QB Free Agents for 2025, Rumors, & Potential Landing Spots

2025 NFL free agency is shaping up to be a wild one, especially when it comes to the quarterback market. With several big names set to hit free agency, teams in need of a signal-caller will be lining up to make their pitch to the QBs hitting the market. 

Whether it’s a veteran looking for one last shot at a Super Bowl or a young talent seeking the perfect fit, the landing spots for these quarterbacks could shake up the entire league. Meanwhile, teams may also add their franchise QB via the NFL Draft, from Cam Ward to Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart.

Below, we’ll be breaking down the top free agent quarterbacks including Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Aaron Rodgers, and where they could end up when free agency starts on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET.

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Top NFL QB Free Agents for 2025

Below is a list of the top NFL Free Agent QBs for the 2025 offseason, and the team they played on in the 2024 season. 

• Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
• Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Justin Fields, Cleveland Browns
• Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
• Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns
• Daniel Jones, New York Giants
• Gardner Minshew, Las Vegas Raiders

Rams QB Matthew Stafford could also be available via a trade, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Stafford has one year left on his contract in Los Angeles, so he’s not a free agent, but none of his money is guaranteed, opening the door to move him. The Rams and Stafford will go through negotiations prior to the free agency window opening, which could shuffle up the potential landing spots for QBs. Schefter mentioned that Rodgers would be a fit with the Rams if they move Stafford.

Additionally, it’s possible that the Falcons could look to trade or release QB Kirk Cousins, as they have moved onto QB Michael Penix Jr. as their starter of the future.

Here are more available QBs that aren’t as coveted in the free agent market as they’ll be QB2 or QB3 on their new teams.

• Mac Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Jimmy Garoppolo, Los Angeles Rams
• Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts
• Zach Wilson, Denver Broncos
• Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers
• Drew Lock, New York Giants
• Trey Lance, Dallas Cowboys
• Cooper Rush, Dallas Cowboys

Sam Darnold

The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly prepared to let Sam Darnold walk unless he agrees to a team-friendly deal — something that doesn’t seem likely. Darnold had a resurgence in Minnesota this year after first-round QB J.J. McCarthy went down for the season in the preseason.

Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders and part-owner Tom Brady are on the hunt for a proven quarterback to help reshape the franchise’s culture.

With former Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly now in Vegas after winning the National Championship, Darnold would be a great fit in his system. Coming off a strong season where he threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record, Darnold provides the kind of "win-now" presence the Raiders have been missing for years.

Schefter said that Las Vegas is the most likely spot for Darnold in free agency, and the Vikings are not likely to use their franchise tag on Darnold. 

Potential Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders

Russell Wilson

Through the first six weeks of the season, the Steelers stumbled to a 2-4 record under QB Justin Fields. However, after a big win over the Cincinnati Bengals and back-to-back victories, Steelers fans rallied behind Fields, believing he could turn things around.

Despite the support, Mike Tomlin made the bold decision to bench Fields in favor of Russell Wilson, sparking controversy. However, Tomlin’s trust in Wilson — both as a leader and a player — proved justified. Wilson went on to guide Pittsburgh to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth, validating the move in the end.

Despite many believing that Wilson will move on from Pittsburgh, Schefter reported that Wilson believes there’s a “realistic chance” that he will return to Pittsburgh for 2025. 

Potential Landing Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers

Justin Fields

The Steelers will likely let Justin Fields walk because he never convinced Mike Tomlin he was the long-term answer at quarterback. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns find themselves in a difficult spot under center. 

Deshaun Watson struggled mightily before tearing his Achilles in Week 7, and reports surfaced a month ago that he reinjured his Achilles, further complicating the situation and putting his status for the 2025 season into question.

With the Browns rotating between Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson last season, stability at quarterback remains a major concern. Given their financial constraints due to Watson’s massive contract, Fields could be one of the most affordable and intriguing options in free agency.

Fields would be a great quarterback to pair with a rookie the Browns could take with the 2nd overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Potential Landing Spot: Cleveland Browns

Aaron Rodgers

It’s common knowledge that Aaron Rodgers is moving on from the Jets. But could Rodgers end up back in New York? Haven’t we seen this before? Regardless of how you feel about Rodgers, he’s shown he can mentor young quarterbacks, as he did with Jordan Love in Green Bay.

The Giants are locked in on drafting a quarterback, currently sitting at the third overall pick, but likely looking to move up for one of the top two prospects — Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward. If they can’t land a QB in the first round, they’ll almost certainly take a swing in the second or third.

Rodgers could serve as the ideal bridge quarterback to bring some short-term success in 2025. However, for the Giants to truly turn things around, they’ll need more than just a veteran under center — they need an organizational overhaul, much like the Washington Commanders recently underwent.

Potential Landing Spot: New York Giants

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2025 NFL Free Agent QBs: Backups or Starters?

Outside of the top QBs available on the market, there are a few more QBs that could compete for starting jobs in the right spot, or be relegated to backup positions. Here’s a few more of the top NFL QB free agents for 2025. 

Jameis Winston — Starter

Will Jameis Winston be a starter in the NFL in 2025? Absolutely. With so many QB needy teams, Jameis showed enough in his 2024 campaign to prove he still belongs on the field. 

In his nine games, he racked up 2,121 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. However, the 12 interceptions he threw have been a lingering issue throughout his career, and the main reason he’s been moved to backup roles since 2019, when he threw for 5,109 yards in Tampa Bay.

Despite that, his potential makes him a worthwhile gamble as an affordable quarterback option. Plus, he could serve as a mentor for whichever rookie the team selects in this year’s draft.

Potential Landing Spot: New York Jets (Starter)

Daniel Jones — Backup

There’s not much excitement surrounding Daniel Jones, aside from the fact that he’ll likely be Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ biggest offseason acquisition. In six seasons, he’s managed just one playoff win, failing to prove he’s a long-term answer. 

After starting 2-8 and suffering an overtime loss to the Panthers in Week 10, the Giants finally decided to move on, ending his long extended opportunity to establish himself as a starting quarterback in the league. 

Both of the Cowboys backup QBs are entering free agency, leaving the door open for Jones to fill-in behind Dak Prescott, who has only played in 16 games twice over the last five seasons.

Potential Landing Spot: Dallas Cowboys (Backup)

Gardner Minshew — Backup

Gardner Minshew is a journeyman quarterback who could land in Minnesota as an affordable option. The Vikings have dealt with their fair share of injuries in recent years, from Kirk Cousins' Achilles tear in 2023 to rookie J.J. McCarthy’s torn meniscus last season.

Despite the revolving door at quarterback, 2024 NFL Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell has managed to get solid production from his signal-callers. Minshew has the talent to contribute, and under O’Connell’s guidance, he’d be an ideal fit as a reliable backup in Minnesota as the Vikings seek to make another impressive run in the NFL regular season and into the playoffs.

Potential Landing Spot: Minnesota Vikings (Backup)

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Create Your 2025 NFLSZN Lineup on PrizePicks

Alright, that wraps up our look at the top landing spots for the 2025 NFL QB free agent class. It's shaping up to be a wild offseason, and these potential moves could reshape the league for years to come, including the potential move of Stafford, Rodgers, and Darnold, who surprised the league this season.

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For deeper dives and further NFL analysis, including more free agency breakdowns for 2025, be sure to explore more on The Playbook.