The 2024 NFL The season is coming to an end as the playoffs approach. And already, the quarterback market for 2025 is starting to take shape. Some veterans continue to raise their stock as pending free agents. Others could see their future determined by what happens in January.
Here’s a first look at what’s in store for the position this offseason, including a look at the top quarterbacks that will be available, as well as early projections of landing spots and contracts:
Best Free Agents
After six years of struggling through mostly dysfunctional rebuilds, the former top-three pick emerged as MVP under Kevin O’Connell, feeding the Vikings’ elite playmakers with relentless anticipation and fearlessness. career precedent. At just 27 years old, he finally looks like a big arm with help by his side.
Projection: Re-signs with Vikings on three-year, $114 million contract
A feared dual-threat starter turned sluggish thanks to his downturn with the Denver Broncos, Wilson has rediscovered some of his Seattle Seahawks flair within the Steelers’ old-school play-action offense, although he was also quite dependent on the big game. At 36 years old, he registers as a simple rental for scrapyards.
Projection: Re-signs with the Steelers on a two-year, $50 million contract
Called up to open the Steelers’ season under center while Wilson was recovering from an injury, the former Chicago Bears first-rounder was equally dynamic and inconsistent when asked to win through the air , even if his debut in Pittsburgh was more effective. He remains somewhat of an unknown with great potential.
Projection: signs with the Raiders on a one-year contract worth $11 million
Main commercial targets
The former longtime backup has won countless fans in Seattle because of his unwavering gun, but he’s also borderline reckless behind an iffy line, hovering barely above .500 (27-24 ) as a starter for the Seahawks. Dealing him at 35 would instantly save the Seahawks $25 million in transition.
Projection: Stays with Seahawks under restructured contract
Most selected candidates
Inked in a $180 million deal as a potential missing piece for a playoff hope, Cousins’ stability in the Vikings era gave way to an immobile streak following an Achilles tear from 2023. With first-rounder Michael Penix Jr. by his side, he’s almost guaranteed to be released for another (final?) tour of free agency.
Projection: signs with Browns on one-year contract worth $2 million
The former MVP’s numbers are deceptive: Although he avoided a series of turnovers during his first healthy year with the Jets, the former Green Bay Packers star was essentially a non-factor for a dismal attack on New York, which is ripe for a total overhaul. At 41, he just looks a lot more his age away from Lambeau.
Projection: signs with the Titans on a one-year contract worth $25 million
After suffering multiple injuries in 2023, the former Raiders veteran succumbed to them in year two with New Orleans, appearing in just 10 games as the Saints made a long-awaited coaching change. At 34 years old, with a long but inconsistent resume, his release would save the team up to $30 million.
Projection: Signs one-year, $15 million contract with Colts
Top draft prospects
Arguably the most enticing package of this year’s prospects, Ward has long wowed with his arm strength and athleticism, but he’s also improved his timing and pocket presence this year. As an off-platform playmaker, his game might better adapt to today’s NFL, where dynamism is key under center.
Projection: Drafted in the first round by the Jets
The son of former NFL great Deion Sanders, he’s not necessarily thought to possess mind-blowing physical tools unlike other quarterbacks, but his comfort, confidence and touch on the field as a pure pocket passer could facilitate a smoother transition to the professional. scene. He was brought up for the moment.
Projection: Drafted in the first round by the Giants
An Alabama native, Milroe is arguably the least refined of the top passers in the 2025 class, functioning more as a pure athlete than a technically sound quarterback. His physical gifts, however, are so great, especially as a rusher, that he could afford an immediate high floor in the NFL.
Projection: Drafted in the first round by the Seahawks
Once considered a favorite to lead the class, Beck’s confidence and ball security have been shaky, but with a prototypical build and rifle arm, his gunslinger potential could warrant an early steal.
Projection: Drafted in the second round by the Rams
More of a scrappy signal-caller than spectacular, Ewers endured ups and downs on a big stage. His under-tension arm and competitiveness could offset concerns about unrefined pocket mechanics.
Projection: Drafted in the third round by the Saints
Wildcards
The 2021 Super Bowl the champion said before this season that he hopes to play several more seasonsbut at 36, he also considered retiring before. Is there a scenario in which he would choose to hang up his cleats depending on how the Rams’ latest playoff bid ends? In this case, Los Angeles would instantly become a spicy destination for veterans looking to team up with Sean McVay, Puka Nacua and Co.
In three years as the 49ers’ initially unlikely starter, Purdy was one of the NFL’s most effective point guards, while also offering some underrated off-script abilities. There’s a good chance he’s locked in the Bay Area, where Kyle Shanahan has never benefited from a better offensive figurehead. The problem is that he is eligible for a rich extension and has struggled to overcome a fractured supporting cast in key spots throughout 2024.
Unlike his NFC West counterpart in Purdy, Murray has already received big money. The problem is that this lofty contract doesn’t change the fact that the former No. 1 overall pick failed to lead the playoffs in five of six seasons. Arizona will almost certainly give him at least another year to work with a revamped supporting cast, but the Cards could also consider a trade to save tens of millions.
Senior Level Veterans
The following quarterbacks are also likely to be available, either as scheduled free agents or logical candidates: Jameis Winston, Gardner Minshew, Carson Wentz, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Rush, Mac Jones, Marcus Mariota, Trey Lance, Mason Rudolph.
