From aging stars chasing one last shot at a Super Bowl to rising prospects looking for a reboot, these QB shakeups come with massive stakes. In this article, we break down and grade six of the most impactful quarterback changes of the offseason, evaluating each move’s fit, potential, and long-term implications. And there is a lot to breakdown from this offseason so without further ado – let’s begin!
Justin Fields to the Jets: B+
The Jets are betting on Justin Fields’ rare dual-threat potential, hoping to unlock what he’s shown flashes of for years. Fields struggled with reading the field during his time with the Bears before showing some improvement last year, but inconsistencies persist. New OC Tanner Engstrand’s aggressive, run-heavy scheme perfectly suits Fields’ strengths, while recent additions to the offensive line help address protection concerns. The Jets’ roster still needs help at receiver and tight end, but the commitment to a ground-and-explode offense should fit Fields’ style of play well. If Fields can improve his decision-making and passing efficiency, this pairing could unlock a dynamic Jets offense. It’s a high risk, high reward, move. B+.
Sam Darnold to the Seahawks: C+
Sam Darnold arrives in Seattle fresh off a career-best 2024 season with the Vikings, where he earned PFWA’s Most Improved Player honors. He posted career highs in completion rate (66.2%), yards (4,319), touchdowns (35), and PFF grade (82.7), ranking among the NFL’s top QBs. But betting on one season alone is risky. The Seahawks’ cautious approach shows in Darnold’s contract, which includes easy outs and a low dead cap hit, signaling they’re not fully committed long-term. The recent drafting of Jalen Milroe further suggests they view Darnold as a short-term solution. My biggest concern for Darnold is that he will have to play behind a less than ideal offensive line, not a great spot to be in for a pocket passing QB which is why I gave this move a C+.
Russell Wilson to the Giants: A-
After a disastrous 3-14 season cycling through four different QBs, Wilson gives New York a proven veteran presence with over 5,500 yards, 42 touchdowns, and a 97.0 passer rating across the last two seasons. More importantly, the Giants are finally building a quarterback pipeline. Wilson is the bridge starter, Jameis Winston is the veteran backup, and rookie Jaxson Dart is the long-term project. It’s a layered plan designed to create stability now while developing the future which is what makes this move so good. A-.
Geno Smith to the Raiders: B
The Raiders traded for Geno Smith and quickly extended him on a two-year, $85.5 million deal, banking on his late-career resurgence. Smith is coming off a strong 2024 season with the Seahawks, ranking 4th in passing yards with 4,320 yards and earning an 82.5 PFF grade. However, his 15 interceptions (including a league-high four in the red zone) highlight his biggest concern: turnovers under pressure. The Raiders are betting they can fix that. Their offensive line is a major upgrade from Seattle’s, ranking 13th in pass-blocking. Smith reunites with Pete Carroll and joins new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, creating a run-heavy system designed to simplify reads and limit mistakes. Rookie RB Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick, is expected to be a focal point of that ground game. The biggest concern for this move is that it takes place in a brutal AFC West Division with the Broncos, Chiefs, and Chargers, 3 teams that all made the playoffs last year. That alone is what stops this move from being an A, instead having it as a B.
Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers: B-
The Steelers are once again postponing a true rebuild, clinging to veteran talent in hopes of making one last run, this time with 41 year old Aaron Rodgers under center. Rodgers bounced back from his 2023 Achilles tear to play 17 games in 2024, throwing for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a 90.5 passer rating. Pittsburgh’s front office is signaling a clear message: “We’re not rebuilding.” Instead, they’re doubling down on a veteran-heavy, win-now roster. The Steelers added DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, and Jonnu Smith, pushing the average age of their offseason acquisitions to over 32. The problem is the Steelers are stuck in NFL purgatory: constantly chasing “just good enough” instead of committing to a real rebuild. B-.
Daniel Jones to the Colts: F
Jones is coming off two injury-riddled seasons, with a combined 10 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and 59 sacks in just 16 games. His lone bright spot, a 2022 playoff run, looks more like an outlier than proof of long-term potential. But the bigger issue is what this says about the Colts. They already have Richardson, a former top pick, who’s battled shoulder injuries but flashed immense potential. Instead of building around him, Indy doubled down on uncertainty, adding another injury-prone, inconsistent quarterback and creating a crowded, expensive QB room with no clear long-term plan. This move isn’t just financially reckless, it actively stalls Richardson’s growth and sends the locker room a message: We don’t believe in our guy and for that reason, this move is an F.
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