Changes at the game’s most important position are common. Year in and year out, teams attempt to find the diamonds in the rough of QBs, and conduct their searches through different means. They may find their guy through a trade, free agency, or the draft. However, the way teams reach the point of needing a QB search is by first getting rid of their old signal-caller. This year, there’s a lot of QBs who’ll most probably say goodbye to their old squads. There’s those who aren’t playing up to their contract, older stars who’s age has caught up to them, and maybe even QBs that simply want a fresh start. Today, we’ll go over the signal-callers who have an air of uncertainty surrounding their future, and try to predict if they’ll stay or go.
Kyler Murray
Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Murray’s time in Arizona was already put into question in the middle of the season. Though injuries were at fault for his initial time on the bench, head coach Jonathan Gannon stated the fact that even if Murray was in tip-top shape, he’d still be relegated to second team duties. While Gannon’s divorce with the Cardinals organization may indicate a shift in attitude, it still feels likely that Murray will pack his bags and leave the desert. There’s simple issues with timing and accuracy that Murray just simply hasn’t improved. Coupled with the decline in his forte, his explosive playmaking ability, Arizona seems content with cutting their losses.
Tua Tagovailoa
Dec 21, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
New GM John-Eric Sullivan emphasized patience when discussing the situation of Tua Tagovailoa. While he displayed respect and a willingness to talk with Tagovailoa, there is still uncertainty shrouding Miami’s quarterback. We’ve debatably seen the best that he has to offer. A good game manager that will struggle once things start to crumble around him. Unfortunately, the system in which we saw Tagovailoa at his best is no longer there. This past year, he failed to justify his lucrative extension. As such, with Jeff Hafley likely to bring in his own staff, Tua will be heading to a new destination.
Daniel Jones
Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) looks to throw downfield against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
What initially seemed like Daniel Jones simply kickstarting his career as a journeyman ended up being a cinderella first half of the season. Note the first half there, as we’re all too familiar with the story of Indianapolis’ collapse. Still, while a hefty deal may be too much to swallow for the Colts, they don’t have much choice. They’re without a first round pick, so they can neither select a QB of the future nor trade for him. Furthermore, bringing in a free agent QB for the similar price of Jones makes no sense considering there’s already a fit with Jones. The Colts are out of options, so expect Indiana Jones to be slinging it with the shoe next year.
Kirk Cousins
Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) passes the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Heading into this year, everyone joked that Kirk Cousins was the most expensive backup QB in the game. It takes two to tango, and Atlanta struggled to find a trade partner who’d take Kirk Cousins. In fact, following his disastrous 2024 campaign, it seemed like Cousins’ time in the NFL was nearing its end. Though he doesn’t have many more years left in the tank, Cousins did show he can captain an offense to a winning result. If a team is looking for an above average bridge-QB, Cousins will be a hot name for them, but the Falcons will still need to take up the bulk of his contract.
Justin Fields
Nov 13, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) throws a pass against the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Many spoke of Justin Fields’ signing with the Jets as his last shot at proving himself as a starting caliber QB. Of course, as we’ve grown to know, judging a signal-caller based on their tenure with the Jets may be disingenuous. Nevertheless, besides a week 1 game where he nearly mounted a victory, Fields had an abysmal showing this year. His issues with seeing the field and completing routine passes persisted, and Tyrod Taylor outperformed him. Maybe another team takes a chance at him and signs him to be a benchwarmer. However, it’s clear that Fields’ days as a Jet, and as a starter, are over for the foreseeable future.
Malik Willis
Dec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
In just a handful of games, Malik Willis put himself back into conversations as a potential starter. While Jordan Love was out, Willis displayed good call command of the offense, and made multiple great throws both in and out of structure. While Green Bay would love to keep his services, the haul they may get for Willis could override that wish to maintain reliable play at backup QB. There will be a lot of callers for Willis, and he’ll set his eyes on leading his new team to success.
Joe Burrow
Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Burrow’s comments of not having fun resembled a certain QB in Indianapolis. Of course, that’s not to say an early retirement may be due for Burrow. Nevertheless, fans have raised concern over their star’s future with the organization. Meanwhile, fans of other QB needy teams have made trade propositions aplenty for Burrow. With all that being said, it’d be foolish of the Bengals to even think about shipping him away. He’s the sole reason why their team has a chance at even getting close to the playoffs, and the sole reason why they have any relevancy at all. Much stranger things have happened, but the bottom line is that the Bengals are likely smart enough to keep their golden goose. If anything is an indicator of Burrow remaining a Bengal, is that owner Mike Brown would probably hate to see the price he paid for his signal-caller go to waste.
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