Every year, the training carousel spins first. Then, the quarterback carousel spins.
It’s coming soon. Veteran quarterbacks will be cut, traded, signed. Teams will restructure their depth charts with changes at the team’s most important position.
In a recent article about potential contract opportunities of the Packers’ (currently) backup Malik Willis, some of the veteran options were listed. Here are the different teams that will have decisions to make regarding the veteran players on the current roster, or additions when the new league year begins.
Dolphins: They have a decision to make on Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins owe him $54 million in 2026. For two years (or one year, if they choose to rip off the Band-Aid in one move) the death toll to cut Tua would be $99.2 million. They need to decide what to do with Tua, and whether to bring in a veteran – like Willis. They would certainly like to find a way to trade Tua, even if it means trading some cash to another team for attaching a draft pick to Tua’s contract. And since they owe him every penny of his 2026 salary, they may choose to keep him around. (That would fully guarantee another $3 million in 2027, though.)
Jets: Justin Fields will likely be cut. A portion of his $20 million salary for 2026 is fully guaranteed. They will likely look to a veteran, possibly on a temporary basis, to run the offense for new producer Frank Reich.
Steelers: They are willing to wait for Aaron Rodgers, which will take the veteran out of the game in the early days of free agency. Willis or Cousins could be interesting options, if they find out before March 11 that Rodgers won’t be back.
Browns: Who knows what they’ll do? Deshaun Watson is under contract for another year, at $46 million. Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, too. Will the new era led by coach Todd Monken look for a veteran from the outside?
Ravens: In the unlikely event that the Ravens trade Lamar Jackson, they will need a new quarterback — possibly one with first-time experience.
Colts: Daniel Jones, who is recovering from a torn Achilles, is likely to return. Anthony Richardson is one year into his rookie deal; he has a 2026 contract with a guaranteed salary of $5.385 million. If Jones leaves, the Colts will need another veteran.
Raiders: Owe Geno Smith $18.5 million in 2026. Another $8 million will be fully guaranteed on March 13. Can someone trade him for $26.5 million? They may be cut off. The Raiders could also keep him as a bridge to Fernando Mendoza, if they make him the first pick.
Vikings: Looking for a veteran to compete with JJ McCarthy. That can make it difficult to attract a veteran who will want to commit to being a QB1. Based on McCarthy’s performance and durability in 2025, however, many veteran quarterbacks with reasonable confidence don’t believe they can win a fair and square competition. If they believe the competition will be fair and square.
Falcons: Committed to Michael Penix Jr. to be the Week One starter, and for good reason. Penix is recovering from his recent ACL tear. Cousins could not, in theory, return after release. That seems unlikely. Another veteran is possible with a new football operation led by Matt Ryan, Ian Cunningham and Kevin Stefanski.
Cardinals: When Kyler Murray was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury that was said to be on the mend, the message was clear – it’s over for Murray in Arizona. The Cardinals owe him $36.8 million in 2026, with another $22.55 million in 2026 and a 2027 salary hitting the books at the start of the 2026 league year. If it is not sold, it will be cut. Willis could be an option for the Cardinals. Rodges could be a target, too.
With the Scouting Combine starting soon, the carousel will start moving. Coaches and general managers who will enter the platform on Tuesday or Wednesday will be asked specific questions. Agents will meet with groups.
