NFL · 2 months ago

ESPN Ranks the Best 23 NFL Free Agent Quarterbacks in 2026

John Canady

Host · Writer

23) Zach Wilson, Miami Dolphins
Tier VI | Free Agent

Projected Average Annual Salary: $1.2-4 Million

Zach Wilson still flashes the arm talent that made him such a high draft pick, but the consistency has never followed. Whether it was circumstance, confidence, or development, his time with the Jets left unanswered questions. He has yet to prove he can consistently process NFL defenses, but at his age, he remains an intriguing name for a team willing to bet on traits.

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Tier Rankings
ESPN’s latest NFL free agent rankings sort this year’s market into clear-cut tiers, ranging from “Franchise Players” to “Backups Likely to Earn Roster Spot.” With free agency around the corner, here’s a breakdown of every quarterback — along with their tier designation, what it signals about their expected role, and the kind of contract they’re projected to command in the months ahead.
- Tier I: Franchise Players
- Tier II: Pro Bowl-Caliber Starters
- Tier III: Capable Starters
- Tier IV: Borderline starters/high-end backups
- Tier V: Backups Likely to Net Guaranteed Money
- Tier VI: Backups Likely to Earn Roster Spot
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1) Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts
Tier III

Contract Terms: 2 years / $88,000,000

Daniel Jones delivered the best football of his career in Indianapolis before a ruptured Achilles cut things short. In Shane Steichen’s system, he finally looked comfortable, decisive, and in control of the offense. The Colts desperately need long-term stability at quarterback, and Jones gave them a glimpse of it. The challenge now is balancing belief in the breakout with the reality of a significant injury.
3) Jimmy Garoppolo, Los Angeles Rams
Tier IV | Free Agent

Projected Average Annual Salary: $8-16 Million

Jimmy Garoppolo once guided San Francisco to a Super Bowl and proved he could operate a contender’s offense. Since then, he has settled into the role of a steady veteran presence rather than a true franchise centerpiece. At this stage, he is viewed league-wide as a high-end backup who can win games in stretches but is unlikely to be a long-term solution.
4) Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
Tier IV | Free Agent

Projected Average Annual Salary: $8-16 Million

Aaron Rodgers showed in Pittsburgh that he can still spin it, even at this stage of his career. With Mike Tomlin gone and potential familiarity in the building if Mike McCarthy enters the picture, there is a path to Rodgers sticking around another year. The question is less about ability and more about how long both sides want to keep this experiment going.
5) Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins
Tier IV

Contract Terms: 3 years / $67,500,000

Malik Willis might be the most intriguing quarterback on the market. The arm talent has always been there, and his time learning behind Jordan Love in Green Bay’s system appeared to slow the game down for him. He looks more composed, more controlled, and more confident than he did early in his career. All it takes is one front office to believe the light has truly come on, and Willis could cash in as a high upside bet to become a starter.
6) Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Tier IV

Contract Terms: 4 years / $180,000,000

Kirk Cousins feels like the classic veteran reset candidate. Atlanta appears ready to turn the page, but when Michael Penix Jr. went down, Cousins reminded everyone he can still operate an offense at a high level. He may have lost the long-term job, yet he showed there is still plenty of quality football left in his arm. For a team that needs stability, he is an appealing bridge with proven production.
7) Justin Fields, Kansas City Chiefs
Tier IV

Contract Terms: 2 years / $40,000,000

Justin Fields was supposed to get a fresh start in New York. Instead, the questions followed him. The physical tools remain obvious every time he steps on the field, but the consistency as a passer has not matched the draft night expectations. Teams will have to decide whether they are betting on what he has been or what he was projected to become, because the window for patience is shrinking.
8) Geno Smith, New York Jets
Tier IV

Contract Terms: 1 year / $3,300,000

Geno Smith went from feel-good comeback story to one of last season’s biggest letdowns. After Las Vegas invested heavily in him following a trade, the production did not match the expectations. With Fernando Mendoza positioned as the future, Smith’s role is now uncertain. He could remain a mentor presence, or he could be seeking another opportunity to reestablish his value.
9) Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals
Tier V | Free Agent

Projected Average Annual Salary: $6-12 Million

Joe Flacco continues to defy the calendar. He is no longer viewed as a full-time starter, but when called upon, he has shown he can steady an offense and keep it functional. There is comfort in experience, and Flacco offers exactly that as one of the safer backup options available.
10) Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders
Tier V

Contract Terms: 1 year / $7,000,000

Marcus Mariota has fully settled into the role of reliable veteran reserve. He is not being signed to take over a franchise, but teams know what they are getting. With mobility, starting experience, and professionalism, Mariota remains a dependable option to step in and manage games if needed.
11) Gardner Minshew, Arizona Cardinals
Tier V

Contract Terms: 1 year / $5,750,000

Gardner Minshew continues to carve out a role as one of the league’s more dependable backups. There are limitations to his game, but he understands how to operate an offense and keep things on schedule when called upon. In short bursts, he can stabilize a team and give it a chance to win.
12) Mitchell Trubisky, Tennessee Titans
Tier V

Contract Terms: 2 years / $10,500,000

Mitchell Trubisky has long since seen his opportunity to be a full-time starter fade after underwhelming runs in Chicago and Pittsburgh. Still, he brings experience and familiarity with multiple systems, which carries value in a quarterback room. He is what he is at this stage, a serviceable veteran backup who can step in without the moment overwhelming him.
13) Kyle Allen, Buffalo Bills
Tier VI

Contract Terms: 2 years / $4,100,000

Kyle Allen profiles strictly as a depth piece. He has starting experience, but at this point in his career, he is viewed as a steady veteran option to round out a quarterback room. Teams know they are signing for experience rather than upside.
14) Teddy Bridgewater, Detroit Lions
Tier VI

Contract Terms: N/A

Teddy Bridgewater came out of retirement to provide leadership and depth, and that is likely where his value remains. The peak years are behind him, yet he still offers poise, professionalism, and an understanding of how to manage a game. For a young quarterback room, that presence matters.
15) Sam Howell, Dallas Cowboys
Tier VI

Contract Terms: 1 year / $2,500,000

Sam Howell is one of the more interesting names in this tier simply because of his age. He has shown enough arm talent and competitiveness to suggest there could be more to him with the right development. As a backup, he offers a bit more upside than most.
16) Tyler Huntley, Baltimore Ravens
Tier VI

Contract Terms: 2 years / $5,000,000

Tyler Huntley has built a reputation as a reliable fill-in, particularly within Baltimore’s system. He seems to play his best football under John Harbaugh, and a reunion somewhere down the line would not be surprising. Around the league, he is viewed as a capable spot starter who understands his role.
17) Trey Lance, Los Angeles Chargers
Tier VI

Contract Terms: 1 year / $6,750,000

Trey Lance remains one of the ultimate what-if stories. A former top-three pick whose career was sidetracked by injuries, Lance still has the raw tools that once made him so coveted. If a team believes in its development staff, this is a low-risk move that could deliver real upside.
18) Kenny Pickett, Carolina Panthers
Tier VI

Contract Terms: 1 year / $4,000,000

Kenny Pickett has settled into the reality of being a backup at this stage of his career. He is still young enough to develop, but the league now views him more as depth than a future starter. For a team needing a steady No. 2 with some starting experience, Pickett checks the box.
19) Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets
Tier VI | Free Agent

Projected Average Annual Salary: $1.2-4 Million

Tyrod Taylor continues to hang around because he can still throw it. The veteran has built a reputation as a reliable backup who can step in and manage an offense without things unraveling. He may not be a long-term solution anywhere, but as insurance, he remains one of the better options available.
20) Skylar Thompson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Tier VI | Free Agent

Projected Average Annual Salary: $1.2-4 Million

Skylar Thompson profiles as a lower-end backup, though his age gives him a bit of developmental intrigue. He has yet to command an offense consistently, but teams value inexpensive depth with room to grow. That is where Thompson fits.
21) Carson Wentz, Minnesota Vikings
Tier VI | Free Agent

Projected Average Annual Salary: $1.2-4 Million

Carson Wentz looks far removed from the quarterback who once flirted with MVP conversations. If Kevin O'Connell could not help him rediscover that form, it is fair to wonder who can. At this point, Wentz is viewed as experienced depth rather than a reclamation project with real upside.
22) Russell Wilson, New York Giants
Tier VI | Free Agent

Projected Average Annual Salary: $1.2-4 Million

Russell Wilson is no longer the dynamic playmaker who once carried a franchise. The mobility has faded, and the production has followed. What he offers now is experience, leadership, and perspective. To stick around, he will likely need to embrace a mentor role rather than chase another starting opportunity.
23) Zach Wilson, Miami Dolphins
Tier VI | Free Agent

Projected Average Annual Salary: $1.2-4 Million

Zach Wilson still flashes the arm talent that made him such a high draft pick, but the consistency has never followed. Whether it was circumstance, confidence, or development, his time with the Jets left unanswered questions. He has yet to prove he can consistently process NFL defenses, but at his age, he remains an intriguing name for a team willing to bet on traits.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Tier Rankings
ESPN’s latest NFL free agent rankings sort this year’s market into clear-cut tiers, ranging from “Franchise Players” to “Backups Likely to Earn Roster Spot.” With free agency around the corner, here’s a breakdown of every quarterback — along with their tier designation, what it signals about their expected role, and the kind of contract they’re projected to command in the months ahead.
- Tier I: Franchise Players
- Tier II: Pro Bowl-Caliber Starters
- Tier III: Capable Starters
- Tier IV: Borderline starters/high-end backups
- Tier V: Backups Likely to Net Guaranteed Money
- Tier VI: Backups Likely to Earn Roster Spot
Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

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ESPN Ranks the Best 23 NFL Free Agent Quarterbacks in 2026

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