Off Season Potential Trade QBs & the teams that need QBs

Floridacardguy · 01-06-2026, 07:57 AM

Off Season Potential Trade QBs & the teams that need them

Kyler Murray (clearly they are done with him)

Lamar Jackson (Ravens may want a reset, he has hit ceiling)

Mac Jones (people will be interested but SF would be nuts to not keep him)

Tanner McKee (in last yr of contract and Philly has history of flipping backup QBs in trades as opposed to letting them walk)

Kirk Cousins (Falcons may want to unload his $ but who would take it? Plus he may still be better than Penix)

Tua- (who would want him as a starter?)

Joe Burrow- just adding him because he hinted he's not happy and maybe gets to a point that he pulls a Carson Palmer and threatens to retire forcing a trade. No way Bengals would like to trade him but would get a ton for him.

Teams that need QBs:

Raiders
Jets
Dolphins
Maybe Browns (if not happy w/ Sanders)
Maybe Saints but I think Shough has shown good progress
Maybe Steelers if Rodgers is gone (I hope he is)
Maybe Vikings lots of reports that they are not happy with JJ
Maybe Rams (if Stafford hangs it up)
Maybe Ravens (If they moved on from Jackson)
Maybe Colts (if they are worried about Jones injury, and he was going downhill after a hot start)

That's potentially 3 teams that absolutely need a QB and another 7 that may need one. With all of that and a bad QB draft class incoming, it seems that Free agency or trades are going to be leaned on to fix QB situations

SethMurphy · 01-06-2026, 08:42 AM

Raiders are picking a QB at one, will have a veteran as well but not one of these guys. They won't want a QB competition.

Jets should pick a QB at 2 as well, so they are probably out on these guys. But the Jets are also idiots and I could see them trying to go after a Kyler Murray type instead of a QB at 2, further setting the franchise back.

Scottish Punk · 01-06-2026, 08:44 AM

I do expect some vet QB movement this off season. Should be interesting.

Raiders and Jets are getting their QBs in the draft.
The initial plan with Cousins was to cut him this off season and save 25 million cap space. Penix injury will likely force Cousins one more year with them. Cut him after next season and Falcons only pay 12.5 of the 57.5 salary.
Kyler and Tua both have a healthy cap hit this year (Tua is much worse). After next season would be the ideal time to cut them. I can see both getting traded. Dolphins will have to eat a lot of cap (99 million) if that happens. The new team could use those guys as a bridge QB and get out of contract before he balloons up.
Rodgers is retiring. He looked like he has wanted to retire for the past two seasons. He is a free agent and I don't see any team jumping to get him. Do the Colts really want to add to the string of over the hill QBS - Ryan, Rivers, etc. They will need a body if they have no confidence in Richardson. Jones isn't a long term answer.
Vikings are bringing in a vet - Mac Jones would be a good fit. They will claim a QB competition, but it is a replacement. JJ is a bust.
Saints,Browns will be looking for a long term QB but maybe ok waiting this season out and drafting their guy next year.
I see Lamar staying put. If Rams get to Super Bowl, Stafford may retire.

bojesphob · 01-06-2026, 08:45 AM

I had a discussion with a good friend of mine that's a Browns fan, and we came to the conclusion that the Browns are going to stick with Sanders in the short term, with a possible 5th or lower pick used for a QB in the draft. I feel that they aren't going to go after anyone big, either in the draft or trade/FA pickup, until Watson is off of their payroll. Another thing that seems to lend itself to that thought is that this year's QB class seems to be a bit thin, but next year's should be better, so they would actually be better off long run if they hold off. My thought was they would hold Sanders and a low draft pick this year until next year, and draft a guy high first round next year and then pick up a mid to low cost veteran to play in the interim, with Sanders as second backup (if they keep him at that point). I don't think they are in any hurry to do anything splashy with QB until they have the Watson situation in the past.

I definitely think the first 3 are solid thoughts, although the Raiders will probably go QB with the first pick this year. If Rodgers is gone, I don't know what the Steelers are going to do. They don't exactly have someone waiting in the wings to take over, they may be desperate enough to try to grab someone in trade. Vikings can't be happy with their situation, and they're not in a good position to get someone in the first round worth the pick where they'll be drafting, so that's a good thought. Can't see the Ravens moving on from Lamar, but I guess anything can happen there. Colts, definitely a possibility to trade for someone, I'm sure Rivers won't want to play again later this year.

Floridacardguy · 01-06-2026, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SethMurphy

Raiders are picking a QB at one, will have a veteran as well but not one of these guys. They won't want a QB competition.

Jets should pick a QB at 2 as well, so they are probably out on these guys. But the Jets are also idiots and I could see them trying to go after a Kyler Murray type instead of a QB at 2, further setting the franchise back.

Can you imagine moving on from Fields just to get Murray???

With Jets, Raiders, Browns- count on them to do dumb stuff- that's why they are always bad

Floridacardguy · 01-06-2026, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottish Punk

I do expect some vet QB movement this off season. Should be interesting.

Raiders and Jets are getting their QBs in the draft.
The initial plan with Cousins was to cut him this off season and save 25 million cap space. Penix injury will likely force Cousins one more year with them. Cut him after next season and Falcons only pay 12.5 of the 57.5 salary.
Kyler and Tua both have a healthy cap hit this year (Tua is much worse). After next season would be the ideal time to cut them. I can see both getting traded. Dolphins will have to eat a lot of cap (99 million) if that happens. The new team could use those guys as a bridge QB and get out of contract before he balloons up.
Rodgers is retiring. He looked like he has wanted to retire for the past two seasons. He is a free agent and I don't see any team jumping to get him. Do the Colts really want to add to the string of over the hill QBS - Ryan, Rivers, etc. They will need a body if they have no confidence in Richardson. Jones isn't a long term answer.
Vikings are bringing in a vet - Mac Jones would be a good fit. They will claim a QB competition, but it is a replacement. JJ is a bust.
Saints,Browns will be looking for a long term QB but maybe ok waiting this season out and drafting their guy next year.
I see Lamar staying put. If Rams get to Super Bowl, Stafford may retire.

Ryan being hired as President of Falcons Football operations. Rivers said he is done for good and a few teams have interest in him as a coaching candidate

Floridacardguy · 01-06-2026, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bojesphob

I had a discussion with a good friend of mine that's a Browns fan, and we came to the conclusion that the Browns are going to stick with Sanders in the short term, with a possible 5th or lower pick used for a QB in the draft. I feel that they aren't going to go after anyone big, either in the draft or trade/FA pickup, until Watson is off of their payroll. Another thing that seems to lend itself to that thought is that this year's QB class seems to be a bit thin, but next year's should be better, so they would actually be better off long run if they hold off. My thought was they would hold Sanders and a low draft pick this year until next year, and draft a guy high first round next year and then pick up a mid to low cost veteran to play in the interim, with Sanders as second backup (if they keep him at that point). I don't think they are in any hurry to do anything splashy with QB until they have the Watson situation in the past.

I definitely think the first 3 are solid thoughts, although the Raiders will probably go QB with the first pick this year. If Rodgers is gone, I don't know what the Steelers are going to do. They don't exactly have someone waiting in the wings to take over, they may be desperate enough to try to grab someone in trade. Vikings can't be happy with their situation, and they're not in a good position to get someone in the first round worth the pick where they'll be drafting, so that's a good thought. Can't see the Ravens moving on from Lamar, but I guess anything can happen there. Colts, definitely a possibility to trade for someone, I'm sure Rivers won't want to play again later this year.

I think Vikings are a good Tanner McKee destination. His trade value went from like a 2nd rd pick to a 3-4th rd pick(barring playoff action where he shines) It would bring in QB competition for JJ since they arent sold on him and if nothing else they get a great backup QB which they need anyway

sethc1020 · 01-06-2026, 10:49 AM

Lamar is not going anywhere so we can take that off the table. Tua and the Dophins both want out but with his contract its going to be difficult unless they eat most of his salary. Same with Kyler.

The Browns I believe hold off until next years draft as others have mentioned. The Steelers are going to be the one team that will be desperate for a QB if Rodgers does indeed retire. They won't have a high enough pick to get a legitimate QB in the draft. I could see Cousins as an option here but not sure that ATL is sold on Penix especially when they played better after he got hurt.

Mac Jones looked really good filling in for Purdy but most QBs look really good in that offense. Not sure he is the answer for a full time starting QB in Pittsburg but then again maybe he has developed enough similar to what we saw with Darnold & DJ. I still think it would take a lot for SF to let him walk but a team like Pittsburg that may be QB desperate could be that team to overpay.

I don't see Stafford hanging it up this year especially after the season he's had and the team they have around him but who knows.

I think the Vikings give JJ one more year before making any big moves but by then their window could be closing. Should be an interesting offseason.

BostonNut · 01-06-2026, 11:01 AM

Denver would be smart to upgrade while that defense is still elite.

oldgoldy97 · 01-06-2026, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BostonNut

Denver would be smart to upgrade while that defense is still elite.

You don’t like a check down Charlie? Isn’t that how Mahomes got most of his TDs?

Viking6 · 01-06-2026, 11:32 AM

Minnesota is definitely going to pick up at least a capable veteran starter. That could mean a number of guys but with JJ's injury history... They will need somebody who can step in and play.

Team is currently 30 million over the cap for next year. That will surely limit who they are capable of picking up.

blackandgold · 01-06-2026, 11:41 AM

Saints are not looking for QB They will build around Shough in the draft and free agency

majestik101 · 01-06-2026, 11:48 AM

Me imagining the Bucs brass parting ways with Todd Bowles, sending Baker Mayfield on his way, and bringing in Jon Gruden as new HC, along with Former Bucs Assistant Coach Mike Tomlin as their new DC, who together, along with special consultant to the team, Bruce Arians broker a deal to bring Lamar Jackson to Tampa.

blackandgold · 01-06-2026, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majestik101

Me imagining the Bucs brass parting ways with Todd Bowles, sending Baker Mayfield on his way, and bringing in Jon Gruden along with Former Bucs Assistant Coach Mike Tomlin as their new DC, who together, along with special consultant to the team, Bruce Arians broker a deal to bring Lamar Jackson to Tampa.

Thats a hellava lot of hopium lol

BostonNut · 01-06-2026, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majestik101

Me imagining the Bucs brass parting ways with Todd Bowles, sending Baker Mayfield on his way, and bringing in Jon Gruden as new HC, along with Former Bucs Assistant Coach Mike Tomlin as their new DC, who together, along with special consultant to the team, Bruce Arians broker a deal to bring Lamar Jackson to Tampa.

And then you woke up dazed and confused in The Compound's basement.

majestik101 · 01-06-2026, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BostonNut

And then you woke up dazed and confused in The Compound's basement.

Boo · 01-06-2026, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BostonNut

And then you woke up dazed and confused in The Compound's basement.

No, then he wakes up and has Tanner McKee as his starting QB

BostonNut · 01-06-2026, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boo

No, then he wakes up and has Tanner McKee as his starting QB

I'm not sure which one of those two nincompoops would hate that more...

2010GBPackers · 01-06-2026, 12:09 PM

There are only 2 teams of consequence where the QB will matter going into 2026 - the Vikings and Steelers.

I think Rodgers will retire after winning the AFC North and getting into the playoffs, while LJack, Burrow, and Mahomes did not. Could he return? Yeah, but I think it's 75/25. The problem is the roster is aging, and they may have just one year left before the wheels fall off - Ramsey, TJ, Hayward, and numerous plug-in players are all approaching the age cliff. If I'm the Steelers, and Rodgers retires, I'd sign Malik Willis to a 2 year/$30M deal and see what he can do while planning on a long-term solution via FA or the draft. Or he's the answer, and we'll roll with Willis.

On to the Vikings. How their GM is still employed considering their disastrous QB situation is beyond me. Going with a totally unproven (and oft-injured) rookie(ish) QB after a 14-3 record the year prior, then watching your former QB (Darnold) walk and go on to secure the #1 seed in the conference, all while having the most expensive roster in the NFL, is a fireable offense. Is Tua an acceptable replacement there? Perhaps. They'll also be interested in a bridge starter, if only to give JJ some competition.

majestik101 · 01-06-2026, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boo

No, then he wakes up and has Tanner McKee as his starting QB

Quote:

Originally Posted by BostonNut

I'm not sure which one of those two nincompoops would hate that more...

I now officially want this to happen. Tanner McKee in a Bucs uniform! (As a back-up, of course. Only a doofus thinks he's a quality starting QB)

YESSSSS

Grid · 01-06-2026, 12:22 PM

This thread seems like a sneaky way to bring up Tanner McKee again and again for a certain someone.

Bosoxfan5990 · 01-06-2026, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grid

This thread seems like a sneaky way to bring up Tanner McKee again and again for a certain someone.

FCG is to Tanner McKee as Nomad was to Neismith.

Tea10 · 01-06-2026, 12:32 PM

Let's cut to the chase of what this thread is really about:

Tanner McKee could potentially go to the - Jets, Dolphins, Vikings, Falcons, Browns, stay w/Eagles, Steelers, Colts, Cardinals.

I think the Falcons are a sneaky good spot for the potential all-pro QB, I think Shough "showed" enough and was a 2nd round pick for NO to not be interested. I think the most likely spots are Jets, Dolphins, Falcons, Steelers

Now with all this said, do NFL teams actually value McKee or is this just a huge inside job from Blowout?

Bosoxfan5990 · 01-06-2026, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tea10

Let's cut to the chase of what this thread is really about:

Tanner McKee could potentially go to the - Jets, Dolphins, Vikings, Falcons, Browns, stay w/Eagles, Steelers, Colts, Cardinals.

I think the Falcons are a sneaky good spot for the potential all-pro QB, I think Shough "showed" enough and was a 2nd round pick for NO to not be interested. I think the most likely spots are Jets, Dolphins, Falcons, Steelers

Now with all this said, do NFL teams actually value McKee or is this just a huge inside job from Blowout?

It's a huge Blowj...wait. Nevermind.

Floridacardguy · 01-06-2026, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grid

This thread seems like a sneaky way to bring up Tanner McKee again and again for a certain someone.

Are you obsessed with McKee? Why do you keep mentioning him?

01-06-2026, 08:42 AM	#2
SethMurphy Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Centerville/Erie, PA Posts: 19,498 smurf_8 sethmurphy	Raiders are picking a QB at one, will have a veteran as well but not one of these guys. They won't want a QB competition. Jets should pick a QB at 2 as well, so they are probably out on these guys. But the Jets are also idiots and I could see them trying to go after a Kyler Murray type instead of a QB at 2, further setting the franchise back. __________________ Twitter - @seth_murphy8 PCs - Ryan Callahan, Reggie Lewis, Funko Pops (a little), a few other things that catch my eye

01-06-2026, 10:49 AM	#8
sethc1020 Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Indiana Posts: 5,694 sethc_1020	Lamar is not going anywhere so we can take that off the table. Tua and the Dophins both want out but with his contract its going to be difficult unless they eat most of his salary. Same with Kyler. The Browns I believe hold off until next years draft as others have mentioned. The Steelers are going to be the one team that will be desperate for a QB if Rodgers does indeed retire. They won't have a high enough pick to get a legitimate QB in the draft. I could see Cousins as an option here but not sure that ATL is sold on Penix especially when they played better after he got hurt. Mac Jones looked really good filling in for Purdy but most QBs look really good in that offense. Not sure he is the answer for a full time starting QB in Pittsburg but then again maybe he has developed enough similar to what we saw with Darnold & DJ. I still think it would take a lot for SF to let him walk but a team like Pittsburg that may be QB desperate could be that team to overpay. I don't see Stafford hanging it up this year especially after the season he's had and the team they have around him but who knows. I think the Vikings give JJ one more year before making any big moves but by then their window could be closing. Should be an interesting offseason. __________________ https://www.flickr.com/gp/151086784@N06/28H47r

01-06-2026, 11:01 AM	#9
BostonNut Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 62,145	Denver would be smart to upgrade while that defense is still elite. __________________ "It's true that whenever rectal issues come to mind thoughts of you aren't far behind" - HairySas September 4, 2025 "GD it. I am a doofus." - majestik101 October 16, 2025 “This is the baseball section, NN ” - Bosoxfan5990 November 25, 2025

01-06-2026, 11:48 AM	#13
majestik101 Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Socially Distanced Posts: 45,526 majestik101	Me imagining the Bucs brass parting ways with Todd Bowles, sending Baker Mayfield on his way, and bringing in Jon Gruden as new HC, along with Former Bucs Assistant Coach Mike Tomlin as their new DC, who together, along with special consultant to the team, Bruce Arians broker a deal to bring Lamar Jackson to Tampa. Last edited by majestik101; 01-06-2026 at 11:51 AM.

01-06-2026, 12:09 PM	#19
2010GBPackers Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 4,426	There are only 2 teams of consequence where the QB will matter going into 2026 - the Vikings and Steelers. I think Rodgers will retire after winning the AFC North and getting into the playoffs, while LJack, Burrow, and Mahomes did not. Could he return? Yeah, but I think it's 75/25. The problem is the roster is aging, and they may have just one year left before the wheels fall off - Ramsey, TJ, Hayward, and numerous plug-in players are all approaching the age cliff. If I'm the Steelers, and Rodgers retires, I'd sign Malik Willis to a 2 year/$30M deal and see what he can do while planning on a long-term solution via FA or the draft. Or he's the answer, and we'll roll with Willis. On to the Vikings. How their GM is still employed considering their disastrous QB situation is beyond me. Going with a totally unproven (and oft-injured) rookie(ish) QB after a 14-3 record the year prior, then watching your former QB (Darnold) walk and go on to secure the #1 seed in the conference, all while having the most expensive roster in the NFL, is a fireable offense. Is Tua an acceptable replacement there? Perhaps. They'll also be interested in a bridge starter, if only to give JJ some competition. __________________ "And more and more and more and more And more of less than ever before It's just too much more for your mind to absorb" - Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) Instagram: 2010gbpackers

01-06-2026, 07:57 AM	#1
Floridacardguy Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Posts: 10,697	Off Season Potential Trade QBs & the teams that need QBs Off Season Potential Trade QBs & the teams that need them Kyler Murray (clearly they are done with him) Lamar Jackson (Ravens may want a reset, he has hit ceiling) Mac Jones (people will be interested but SF would be nuts to not keep him) Tanner McKee (in last yr of contract and Philly has history of flipping backup QBs in trades as opposed to letting them walk) Kirk Cousins (Falcons may want to unload his $ but who would take it? Plus he may still be better than Penix) Tua- (who would want him as a starter?) Joe Burrow- just adding him because he hinted he's not happy and maybe gets to a point that he pulls a Carson Palmer and threatens to retire forcing a trade. No way Bengals would like to trade him but would get a ton for him. Teams that need QBs: Raiders Jets Dolphins Maybe Browns (if not happy w/ Sanders) Maybe Saints but I think Shough has shown good progress Maybe Steelers if Rodgers is gone (I hope he is) Maybe Vikings lots of reports that they are not happy with JJ Maybe Rams (if Stafford hangs it up) Maybe Ravens (If they moved on from Jackson) Maybe Colts (if they are worried about Jones injury, and he was going downhill after a hot start) That's potentially 3 teams that absolutely need a QB and another 7 that may need one. With all of that and a bad QB draft class incoming, it seems that Free agency or trades are going to be leaned on to fix QB situations

01-06-2026, 08:44 AM	#3
Scottish Punk Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 10,008 scottishpunk	I do expect some vet QB movement this off season. Should be interesting. Raiders and Jets are getting their QBs in the draft. The initial plan with Cousins was to cut him this off season and save 25 million cap space. Penix injury will likely force Cousins one more year with them. Cut him after next season and Falcons only pay 12.5 of the 57.5 salary. Kyler and Tua both have a healthy cap hit this year (Tua is much worse). After next season would be the ideal time to cut them. I can see both getting traded. Dolphins will have to eat a lot of cap (99 million) if that happens. The new team could use those guys as a bridge QB and get out of contract before he balloons up. Rodgers is retiring. He looked like he has wanted to retire for the past two seasons. He is a free agent and I don't see any team jumping to get him. Do the Colts really want to add to the string of over the hill QBS - Ryan, Rivers, etc. They will need a body if they have no confidence in Richardson. Jones isn't a long term answer. Vikings are bringing in a vet - Mac Jones would be a good fit. They will claim a QB competition, but it is a replacement. JJ is a bust. Saints,Browns will be looking for a long term QB but maybe ok waiting this season out and drafting their guy next year. I see Lamar staying put. If Rams get to Super Bowl, Stafford may retire.

01-06-2026, 08:45 AM	#4
bojesphob Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 3,761 bojesphob	I had a discussion with a good friend of mine that's a Browns fan, and we came to the conclusion that the Browns are going to stick with Sanders in the short term, with a possible 5th or lower pick used for a QB in the draft. I feel that they aren't going to go after anyone big, either in the draft or trade/FA pickup, until Watson is off of their payroll. Another thing that seems to lend itself to that thought is that this year's QB class seems to be a bit thin, but next year's should be better, so they would actually be better off long run if they hold off. My thought was they would hold Sanders and a low draft pick this year until next year, and draft a guy high first round next year and then pick up a mid to low cost veteran to play in the interim, with Sanders as second backup (if they keep him at that point). I don't think they are in any hurry to do anything splashy with QB until they have the Watson situation in the past. I definitely think the first 3 are solid thoughts, although the Raiders will probably go QB with the first pick this year. If Rodgers is gone, I don't know what the Steelers are going to do. They don't exactly have someone waiting in the wings to take over, they may be desperate enough to try to grab someone in trade. Vikings can't be happy with their situation, and they're not in a good position to get someone in the first round worth the pick where they'll be drafting, so that's a good thought. Can't see the Ravens moving on from Lamar, but I guess anything can happen there. Colts, definitely a possibility to trade for someone, I'm sure Rivers won't want to play again later this year.

01-06-2026, 11:32 AM	#11
Viking6 Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: South Florida Posts: 2,338	Minnesota is definitely going to pick up at least a capable veteran starter. That could mean a number of guys but with JJ's injury history... They will need somebody who can step in and play. Team is currently 30 million over the cap for next year. That will surely limit who they are capable of picking up.

01-06-2026, 11:41 AM	#12
blackandgold Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lockport La Posts: 9,181 guidry2732	Saints are not looking for QB They will build around Shough in the draft and free agency

01-06-2026, 12:22 PM	#21
Grid Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 13,232 Gridiron-Gladiators	This thread seems like a sneaky way to bring up Tanner McKee again and again for a certain someone.

01-06-2026, 12:32 PM	#23
Tea10 Member Join Date: Jul 2025 Posts: 401	Let's cut to the chase of what this thread is really about: Tanner McKee could potentially go to the - Jets, Dolphins, Vikings, Falcons, Browns, stay w/Eagles, Steelers, Colts, Cardinals. I think the Falcons are a sneaky good spot for the potential all-pro QB, I think Shough "showed" enough and was a 2nd round pick for NO to not be interested. I think the most likely spots are Jets, Dolphins, Falcons, Steelers Now with all this said, do NFL teams actually value McKee or is this just a huge inside job from Blowout?