The 2026 NFL draft class has limited quarterback talent, with only one clear starter prospect
Seven veteran quarterbacks are expected to be available during the 2026 offseason
Kirk Cousins is a potential trade option from the Falcons, offering experience and versatility
Tua Tagovailoa could be available via free agency or trade if the Dolphins part ways with him
📖 Full Retelling
NFL teams will be actively seeking veteran quarterbacks during the 2026 offseason due to a weak quarterback draft class, with analysts highlighting seven notable veteran QBs who could be available through trades or free agency as alternatives to the limited draft options. The 2026 NFL draft class has been widely criticized for its lack of quarterback talent, with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza standing as the consensus No. 1 overall pick despite not being considered a transcendent talent comparable to previous top selections. The limited depth in this year's quarterback class has placed increased emphasis on veteran options as teams look to secure starting-caliber signal-callers for the upcoming season.
Among the most intriguing veteran options is Kirk Cousins, currently under contract with the Atlanta Falcons. While not considered a franchise-saving quarterback, Cousins brings intelligence, dedication, and a deep understanding of the game, with the physical ability to run any offensive scheme, particularly as he continues to recover from his Achilles injury. His availability would depend on the Falcons' decision under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, who may opt to go with Michael Penix Jr. or pursue a different direction at quarterback. Another notable name is Tua Tagovailoa, who could become available through the Dolphins cutting him or via a salary dump trade. The article suggests that a less lucrative contract than his previous $55 million per year deal could help Tagovailoa find success again, though he requires a strong supporting cast to maximize his potential.
In American football, the starting quarterback is considered to be among the most important positions in sports. They are among the most high-profile athletes in North America and are typically viewed as the team's leader. The success of a National Football League (NFL) franchise often rests on the ...
Kirk Daniel Cousins (born August 19, 1988) is an American professional football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans and was selected by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft....
Tuanigamanuolepola Donny Tagovailoa ( TUNG-oh-vy-LOH-ə; born March 2, 1998) is an American professional football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was named the Offensive MVP of the 2018 College Footb...
It’s time for many NFL teams to start shopping for their next quarterback. When looking for veterans, this offseason will be as interesting as any in recent memory, in large part because the 2026 draft has so little to offer at the position. There’s the consensus pick at No. 1 overall, Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza. But even more than Cam Ward last year (supposedly an underwhelming No. 1 pick), Mendoza isn’t necessarily a transcendent talent. To make matters worse, there appears to be less QB depth in this draft class than last year, too. Mendoza might not be elite, but he’s the only quarterback with clear-cut starter traits. So that places an increased emphasis on veteran NFL quarterbacks who should be available this offseason, one way or another. Let’s take a look at those QBs, in descending order. 7. Kirk Cousins How to get him: Trade with Falcons I’m not saying he’s going to save an organization. But if you need a starting quarterback, that’s what Cousins is. He’s smart. He’s dedicated. He understands the game at a deep level. And he has all the traits to run any offense, especially now that he’s further removed from his Achilles injury. He looks more physically ready to play than he did when he joined the Falcons in 2024. Cousins is still under contract with Atlanta and therefore might not become available. But if new head coach Kevin Stefanski intends to go with Michael Penix Jr. or wants to go in a completely different direction at QB, it could help the team to get Cousins’ contract off the salary cap. 6. Tua Tagovailoa How to get him: Potential free agent if cut by Dolphins or trade target in a salary dump We saw just how many things have to go right for Tagovailoa to succeed, and that’s why it never made sense to pay him $55 million per year. The size of his contract made it very difficult to support him. Which is why a new contract — a less lucrative one – could help him find success again. Tagovailoa must have a strong supporting cast. And so, when teams lo
