NFL free agency: Ranking best available QBs in 2026
NFL free agency: Ranking best available QBs in 2026
Nick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAYWed, February 25, 2026 at 11:09 AM UTC
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Quality quarterbacks are almost out of stock.
It's the latest shortage sweeping the nation, meaning this is not the year for your favorite NFL team to need a starting quarterback. Options are limited in free agency and the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, leaving plenty of teams without a seat at the table when the dust settles.
A classic case of supply and demand, expect values and contract numbers to explode this offseason with Daniel Jones and Malik Willis headlining the group of free agents with just weeks to go before the opening bell.
Other names, like Kirk Cousins, will join this group down the line and some might be removed before free agency even starts. As it stands, only four quarterbacks were able to sneak into the top 100 list of NFL free agents this year, according to USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis.
The music is about to start and we'll eventually see where everyone lands when it stops. Here's a look at the free agent quarterback rankings in 2026.
1 / 0NFL mock draft: First-round projection with order set after Super Bowl1. New York Jets - Fernando Mendoza, QB, IndianaNFL free agency: Ranking best available QBs1. Daniel Jones (2025 team: Indianapolis Colts)
Jones revived his career with the Colts in 2025, which was later cut short after suffering a torn Achilles in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The quarterback did enough to warrant a new lease on NFL life, which seems likely to result in a return to the Colts.
If he hits the open market, he is clearly the best available with a better track record and potential for long-term success than the other available options in free agency. Someone will want to see if Jones is the next Sam Darnold, who proved his doubters wrong by leading the Seattle Seahawks to a victory in Super Bowl 60.
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2. Malik Willis (2025 team: Green Bay Packers)
Teams will always be willing to take a flier on potential. It's an easy sell, especially in a year where proven commodities simply don't exist. Willis filled in nicely for Jordan Love when needed over the last two seasons, completing 78.7% of his passes while throwing six touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also displayed plenty of rushing upside, posting 261 rushing yards and three touchdowns as a runner.
While his experience as a starter is limited, someone will invest and hope to find the next breakout star. The tools are certainly there.
3. Aaron Rodgers (2025 team: Pittsburgh Steelers)
Rodgers took fans on a wild ride during the 2025 offseason before eventually settling on a one-year deal with the Steelers. Retirement rumors swirled last year and they will inevitably swirl again this year. If the 42-year-old elects to keep playing, sticking around in Pittsburgh to reunite with his former Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy, makes plenty of sense.
If ring-chasing is the goal for the four-time NFL MVP, perhaps the Minnesota Vikings come calling. As always, anything can happen with Rodgers.
4. Russell Wilson (2025 team: New York Giants)
The Giants benched Wilson after just three games as a starter, paving the way for Jaxson Dart to take over. It was a case of the noise getting too loud for the Giants to ignore, especially after Wilson led the team to a 0-3 record and completed a career-worst 58% of passes.
Given the lack of options this offseason, perhaps there is a chance for him to compete for a starting job next season. Otherwise, he seems best fit for a backup gig.
When does NFL free agency start in 2026?
NFL free agency in 2026 starts on March 9 at Noon ET when the legal tampering period opens. Players can officially begin signing contracts when the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking best available NFL free agent QBs in 2026
Source: “AOL Sports”
