The best quarterbacks rarely ever finish out the final years of their contracts when in their prime. As such, the signal callers who do sign with a new team as free agents are always a mixed bag. Last year’s class was headlined by Kirk Cousins, who signed a ludicrous 180 million dollar deal. While he looks to be the most expensive backup QB in the NFL after just one year, his downfall should not make other teams shy away from giving free agent QBs a shot. Most recently, Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield revived their careers following a free agency signing, becoming some of the biggest success stories in the game. This year has contenders for potential starters, so why don’t we go ahead and rank who’s got the best chance at making a real impact.
5. Daniel Jones To The Colts
It would not be unfair to argue that Daniel Jones’ signing with Indianapolis isn’t necessarily a major move. Many would say that this is the first of many stops to come for Jones, who will kickstart his career as a journeyman backup with the Colts. However, this signing is akin to a last chance for the former Giant to prove he is a starting caliber QB in the NFL. Jones turned down an opportunity with the Vikings in order to join Shane Steichen’s squad. The main appeal of his new destination was the wide open starting spot at signal caller. Additionally, even if he started the season as a backup, given the uncertainty surrounding Anthony Richardson’s health, it’s likely he’d see the field sooner rather than later.
The biggest change for Jones will be the improved offensive line compared to his time in the Big Apple. While Indianapolis does not have Andrew Thomas, Bernhard Raimann is a very effective blindside blocker. Furthermore, unlike New York, the rest of the line is also up to scratch. Quentin Nelson, fellow vet Braden Smith along with second year players Matt Goncalves and Tanor Bortolini complete one of the best unit of protectors in the NFL.
Jones also brings value in the running game. In 2022, his best year as starter, he scrambled for over 700 yards, emerging as an unexpected dual threat. His new head coach and playcaller Shane Steichen is familiar with how to utilize such a skillset. Other than Anthony Richardson, he also helped Jalen Hurts with refining his skills as a runner. Injury concerns are always a factor when it comes to QBs running with the rock, but Jones is at his best when making use of his legs.
Overall, the Colts organization is hoping that their fourth overall pick from 2023 will finally reach his potential. Nevertheless, Richardson is yet to have a season where he’s been fully healthy. As such, Danny Dimes will most certainly get a shot at proving his worth. Whether he’ll save his career or join previous first round busts as a backup will become clear during the season.
4. Russel Wilson To The Giants
Brian Daboll told reporters that Russel Wilson will be the starting man under center for the G-men entering week 1. Of course, there’s no guarantee that he’ll have that same title by the end of the season. Wilson signed a one year deal worth 10.5 million after a pro bowl year in Pittsburgh. That pro bowl selection is not necessarily a reflection of how he did with the Steelers. He won the camp battle against Justin Fields, and returned from injury in week seven. In his first seven matches, he went 6-1 and looked primed to win the AFC North. However, the last four games did not go as planned, and Pittsburgh lost four in a row before being blown out by Baltimore in the playoffs.
Russel Wilson no longer has the elite playmaking ability that was once synonymous with his name. Instead, he’s turned into a steady Eddie option who mostly won’t lose you games. He threw just five interceptions all of last year, but didn’t pass the 3000 yard mark in 11 contests. He won’t do much to elevate a roster, but compared to what New York had before, this is preferable. One thing that Wilson does do better than everyone else is connecting on moonballs outside the numbers. With Malik Nabers in the building, Wilson is sure to establish a relationship with the second year wideout.
The biggest concern with Russ is his tendency to hold onto the ball for far too long. With the offensive line woes the Giants have, this issue could get amplified. He spent the past two seasons with Pittsburgh and Denver. While their lines are not flawless, they are among the top half of the league. Now, Wilson will have to deal with a bottom 5 offensive line which would plummet into being the worst if Andrew Thomas were to be injured.
Out of the quarterbacks that already secured their spot as week 1 starters, Wilson is the one most likely to lose it. Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen’s seats are as hot as they can be, and if Jaxon Dart gives them even a glimmer of hope, they will not hesitate to move Wilson to the bench.
3. Justin Fields To The Jets
A true wild card. After three years in Chicago, Justin Fields provided his services to Pittsburgh while Russel Wilson was down. Now, after the parting of ways between Aaron Rodgers and the Jets, he will fill the vacancy at QB for New York. The word used to describe Fields has stayed the same for most of his pro career, potential. Everyone sees the flashy plays with his legs, gashing opposing defenses with the magic he makes on the ground. However, his issues arise when damage needs to be done through the air.
In all fairness to the former Buckeye, he hasn’t been dealt an advantageous hand. He saw a complete change in his coaching staff after his rookie year. Following that, Luke Getsy was his offensive coordinator, who won just 10 games out of 34 with Chicago. Furthermore, his offensive line consistently let him down, and was largely the same unit that allowed Caleb Williams to be the highest sacked QB last year. In Fields’ limited time starting during 2024, he proved himself as a very capable game manager. While his stats were nothing to marvel at, he rarely put his team in harm’s way. He was picked off just once in the six games he started, and even that interception was an unlucky result of a tipped ball.
Additionally, the situation now with the Jets does have pieces in place for him to succeed. While his blockers won’t be top ten, with Alijah Vera-Tucker’s breakout and the addition of Armand Membou, they could be a one of the better units in the league. Moreover, New York’s fresh coaching staff can get the most out of Fields. His new QB coach Charles London helped Geno Smith reach career highs in passing yards (4,320) and completion percentage (70.4), good for the fourth most and fifth best in the league respectively.
Fields has always shown flashes of who he can be if he realizes his full potential. With Garret Wilson, Breece Hall, and a tough defense to rely on, he has a realistic shot at becoming the franchise guy for New York.
2. Aaron Rodgers To The Steelers
Another offseason, another Aaron Rodgers storyline. The will they won’t they narrative spun by the media surrounding Rodgers came to an end after the four time MVP joined Pittsburgh after OTAs. Rodgers’ tenure with the Jets was nothing short of disappointing. Expectations were high for him and the squad in New York, but after a torn Achilles in 2023 and an underwhelming 5-12 campaign in 2024, the Jets closed that chapter and moved on. Now, he looks to right the ship with the black and gold, hoping to change Pittsburgh’s fortunes and make one last playoff run.
One thing is clear, Rodgers is the best quarterback the Steelers have had since Ben Roethlisberger retired. However, that does not move the needle for Yinzer nation. He rebounded from his injury with 3,897 yards passing and 28 touchdowns last year. Despite that, he struggled to elevate the cast around him like he once did in Green Bay, making the decision to release him trivial for New York. Regardless, Rodgers will bring stability at signal caller. He’s already been working out with receiver DK Metcalf, who will be key to his success in his new location.
The Rodgers signing sends out a message from the Steelers front office, they believe they’re contenders. Additions of aging vets have been common throughout the offseason. Rodgers, Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey are all former elite players past their prime. You don’t make those deals unless you think making it all the way isn’t realistic.
Overall, the 20 year vet will make every effort to finish his illustrious career swinging. DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith are more than capable of helping him put some numbers up. And with what is shaping up to be a good running game, Rodgers’ swan song will be a memorable sendoff for his career.
1. Sam Darnold To The Seahawks
Minnesota’s biggest question heading into the offseason was clear, what to do with Sam Darnold? Darnold had a resurgent year with Kevin O’Connell. His name was among the top ten in nearly every QB metric, and was most notably fifth in both yards and passing touchdowns. Ultimately, the Vikings decided to give the reigns to their first round pick from last year, JJ McCarthy. It did not take long for Darnold to find a new home, signing with Seattle in the beginning of the free agency period. In order to complete new OC Klint Kubiak’s vision, the Seahawks completely overhauled their offensive identity. That overhaul included sending Geno Smith to Las Vegas for a third round selection, signifying Darnold’s potential fit with the new look Seattle offense.
A positive for Darnold is the scheme fit with his new OC. Both Kubiak and O’Connell originate from the Shannahan tree, and share many of the same principles. However, one thing Seattle’s new signal caller will have to adjust to is the supporting cast, more specifically, the weapons. It’s not to say that the Hawks are bereft of talent. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a pro bowl year and is blossoming into a top tier wideout. The addition of Cooper Kupp brings reliability at the number two spot at receiver. Furthermore, you could argue that Kenneth Walker is a better back than Aaron Jones at this stage in their respective careers. The fact of the matter is, those pieces likely won’t replicate the production provided by Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson, who combined for 2863 yards last year.
Ultimately, what will be the determining factor of Darnold’s success in 2025 will be the blocking up front. The turnstiles who suited up for the Seahawks in 2024 allowed the second-highest pressure rate among all offensive lines (34.5%). While the former Trojan’s passer rating under pressure improved compared to previous years, games like the Rams playoff match illustrate how crucial it is that the o-line will have improved.
Sam Darnold’s 2024 season was a statistical outlier in his career. A return to the mean feels inevitable. Regardless of that, the Seahawks don’t need him to replicate those numbers. So long as he doesn’t put the ball in harms way and wins them games, the Hawks will be more than satisfied with their acquisition. With his new team appearing to be tailor-made for him to succeed, it feels likely that Darnold will deliver.
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