2025 NFL Free Agents: Quarterbacks
2025 NFL Free Agent Movement: Quarterbacks In fantasy football, there is no offseason. Before the NFL finalizes its year, fantasy football fans are preparing for the next draft season. That is especially true in dynasty football. Part of good preparation is knowing about the upcoming crop of NFL free agents. The draft can dramatically shake rosters. However, free agency begins in March and is the first major event of the “new” season. Therefore, it is important to note which veterans are signing and how that could impact the upcoming NFL draft. Let’s start with the most important position, which kicks off FullTime Fantasy‘s free agent analysis. This is our 2025 NFL Free Agents: Quarterbacks. Player Pos. 2024 Team 2025 Team Type Age 2024 Salary Sam Darnold QB Vikings Seahawks UFA 28 $10,000,000 Zach Wilson QB Broncos Dolphins UFA 26 $8,787,695 Trey Lance QB Cowboys Chargers UFA 25 $8,526,315 Jacoby Brissett QB Patriots Cardinals UFA 33 $8,000,000 Marcus Mariota QB Commanders Commanders UFA 32 $6,000,000 Gardner Minshew QB Raiders Chiefs UFA 29 $5,840,000 Drew Lock QB Giants Seahawks UFA 29 $5,000,000 Jarrett Stidham QB Broncos Broncos UFA 29 $5,000,000 Andy Dalton QB Panthers Panthers UFA 38 $5,000,000 Justin Fields QB Steelers Jets UFA 26 $4,717,988 Joe Flacco QB Colts Browns UFA 40 $4,500,000 Jameis Winston QB Browns Giants UFA 31 $4,000,000 Mac Jones QB Jaguars 49ers UFA 27 $3,896,585 Jimmy Garoppolo QB Rams Rams UFA 34 $3,178,750 Daniel Jones QB Vikings Colts UFA 28 $3,125,000 Mason Rudolph QB Titans Steelers UFA 30 $2,870,000 Easton Stick QB Chargers UFA 30 $2,667,500 Taylor Heinicke QB Chargers Chargers UFA 32 $2,530,000 Cooper Rush QB Cowboys Ravens UFA 32 $2,500,000 Carson Wentz QB Chiefs UFA 33 $2,500,000 Joshua Dobbs QB 49ers Patriots UFA 30 $2,250,000 Brandon Allen QB 49ers Titans UFA 33 $2,020,000 Nick Mullens QB Vikings Jaguars UFA 30 $1,900,000 Kyle Trask QB Buccaneers Buccaneers UFA 27 $1,383,834 Josh Johnson QB Ravens Commanders UFA 39 $1,377,500 C.J. Beathard QB Jaguars UFA 32 $1,310,000 Kyle Allen QB Steelers UFA 29 $1,292,500 Russell Wilson QB Steelers Giants UFA 37 $1,210,000 Teddy Bridgewater QB Lions RETIRED UFA 33 $1,210,000 Jeff Driskel QB Commanders UFA 32 $1,150,000 Tyler Huntley QB Dolphins UFA 27 $1,125,000 Tim Boyle QB Giants Titans UFA 31 $1,125,000 Shane Buechele QB Bills UFA 27 $1,025,000 Feleipe Franks QB Panthers RFA 28 $985,000 Bailey Zappe QB Browns Chiefs SFA 26 $985,000 Desmond Ridder QB Raiders Raiders RFA 26 $985,000 Sam Ehlinger QB Colts RFA 27 $902,676 Tommy DeVito QB Giants Giants UFA 27 $832,500 Jason Bean QB Colts UFA 26 $840,000 Undeniably, Sam Darnold made himself a lot of money in 2024. However, the biggest concern is what teams are willing to make him a long-term offer as a franchise signal-caller. Darnold was on the path to a career journeyman before an injury and Kevin O’Connell put him in a position to succeed. Therefore, the best-case scenario for Darnold would be to re-sign in Minnesota. However, with J.J. McCarthy already in the fold, O’Connell and company may not be willing to spend $150 million to land Darnold for multiple years. Another thing helping Darold’s value is the complete lack of talent available in the remaining crop of 2025 free-agent quarterbacks. Russell Wilson is a declining asset but he can still be an average starter in the right situation. But at 36, his best days are behind him. The QB that Wilson replaced in Pittsburgh, Justin Fields, looks destined to be a backup. In all, the 2025 QB free-agent crop is one of the worst seasons in memory to require a veteran signal-caller. Position Grade: 1/10 The 2025 NFL season is underway but it’s not too late to get access to the best help out there! All FullTime Fantasy members get exclusive access to our 24/7 Chat Room on Discord! All morning on Sunday, Senior Analyst Jody Smith will be standing by to answer all your crucial start/sit and keep you updated with all the latest news and injury updates. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST! GET THE LATEST ARTICLES AND UPDATES Subscribe to our FREE newsletter – Breaking Fantasy news & site updates! Like and share our new Facebook page! Be sure to pay attention to our giveaways for your shot at some sweet prizes!
2024 NFL Free Agents: Quarterbacks
2024 NFL Free Agents: Quarterbacks In fantasy football, there is no offseason. Before the NFL finalizes its year, fantasy football fans are preparing for the next draft season. That is especially true in dynasty football. Part of good preparation is knowing about the upcoming crop of NFL free agents. The draft can shake rosters up dramatically. However, free agency begins in March and is the first major event of the “new” season. Therefore, it is important to take note of which veterans are signing and how that could impact the upcoming NFL draft. To kick off FullTime Fantasy‘s free agent analysis, let’s open with the most important position. This is our 2024 NFL Free Agents: Quarterbacks. PLAYER POS TEAM AGE Kirk Cousins QB MIN 36 Baker Mayfield QB TB 29 Joe Flacco QB CLE 38 Gardner Minshew QB IND 28 Ryan Tannehill QB TEN 36 Jameis Winston QB NO 30 Jacoby Brissett QB WAS 31 Sam Darnold QB SF 27 Tyrod Taylor QB NYG 35 Joshua Dobbs QB MIN 29 Carson Wentz QB LAR 31 Marcus Mariota QB PHI 31 Sam Darnold QB SF 27 Drew Lock QB SEA 28 Mason Rudolph QB PIT 29 Trevor Siemian QB NYJ 32 Tyler Huntley QB BAL 27 Matt Barkley QB JAC 33 Kyle Allen QB BUF 28 Brett Rypien QB LAR 28 Blaine Gabbert QB KC 34 P.J. Walker QB CLE 28 Nathan Peterman QB CHI 29 Will Grier QB LAC 28 Jeff Driskel QB CLE 30 A.J. McCarron QB CIN 33 John Wolford QB TB 28 Brandon Allen QB SF 31 Logan Woodside QB ATL 29 Josh Johnson QB TB 37 Easily the top signal-caller available this year is Kirk Cousins. Cousins averaged 4,187 passing yards and 30.6 touchdown passes per season in his first five years with the Vikings. He was having his finest season to date in 2023 before a knee injury ended it after eight games. Cousins is still in his prime and could command something like a 3-year, $120 million deal this spring. This best-case scenario for fantasy would be re-signing with the Vikings. Baker Mayfield signed a modest 1-year $4 million deal with Tampa and delivered his finest NFL campaign. Mayfield threw for a career-high 28 touchdowns and led the Buccaneers to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. He exceeded all expectations and will command 6-7 times that 2023 salary on the open market. The Browns will have an interesting decision with re-signing Joe Flacco. Unfortunately for Cleveland, Deshaun Watson’s exuberant contract is fully guaranteed. Undoubtedly the Browns would like to have Flacco return, but he’ll earn a lot more than the $2.5 million he earned guiding the Browns into Wild Card weekend. Overall, Cousins and Mayfield are the only notable veterans who are fantasy-relevant. The 2024 free agents: quarterbacks class is very weak. Position Grade: 2/10 Sign Up Before the “Big Game” & Double Your Bet Instantly With Edge Boost Offer is up for a limited time only! Special Offer For The FullTime Community: Users who sign up within the next 72 hours will start at $500 in advance limit from EDGE Boost (as opposed to $50). Claim this offer using EdgeBoost now if you sign up before the Texans–Browns game kicks off on Saturday! Click on this link Click “Sign Up Today” & Double Your Bet Instantly! What is EDGE Boost? EDGE Boost is the first Bet Now Pay Later (powered by VISA) provider that enables you to take out a responsible, no-interest advance that you can use to bet on games of your choice at any sportsbook, DFS site, or the FFWC! You are then given four weekly installment payments to repay your advance, and if your wager hits, you double your winnings with no fees. Think of it like Affirm, AfterPay, and other Buy Now Pay Later providers. They want you to win because EDGE makes their money from the VISA fees paid by the sportsbooks. Imagine this: you’re working hard and the paycheck hits just in time for a mini victory dance. But wait, the big leagues – like that playoff FFWC contest or that winning wager on DraftKings – they’re calling your name, and your wallet’s just not in sync. Enter EDGE Boost, your ultimate sidekick! They’ve got your back, matching your deposits akin to those incredible sign-up bonuses from sportsbooks. The best part? It’s a recurring thrill! Keep using it, over and over – it’s like having a superhero’s power at your fingertips. Didn’t hit the jackpot this time? No sweat! You’ve got a generous month to pay them back, no interest, no worries. But hey, when luck’s on your side and that bet strikes gold, imagine this: you’ve got the means to reinvest and double down with PlayFFWC! It’s like being on a perpetual winning streak. And here’s the kicker: the more you prove yourself as a reliable user, paying back your advances like clockwork, EDGE Boost unlocks new levels for you, allowing higher advances up to a whopping $2,500! Now that’s what I call leveling up in style! So, gear up, get consistent, and watch your wagering adventures soar to new heights!
2023 Free Agent Rankings: Quarterbacks
As you know, there is no real off-season for fantasy football fanatics. While the NFL playoffs are still in progress, it’s never a bad idea to be prepared for the next season. FullTime Fantasy‘s 2023 Free Agent Rankings: Quarterbacks previews the top veteran signal callers available this spring. Overall, there isn’t a lot of depth available at the NFL’s most important position. This free agent class is top-heavy but the uninspiring incoming rookie class could make for some big-money deals. Starters PLAYER TEAM AGE YDS TD INT Lamar Jackson BAL 26 2242 17 7 Tom Brady TB 46 4694 25 9 Geno Smith SEA 32 4282 30 11 Daniel Jones NYG 26 3205 15 5 Jimmy Garoppolo SF 28 2437 10 8 Lamar Jackson – Jackson is clearly the preeminent free-agent quarterback. Just now entering his prime, Jackson is one of the elite dual-threat options in the NFL. However, the Ravens have unsuccessfully tried to engage Jackson for some time. Were he to hit the open market, Jackson could command north of $40 million annually. However, the most likely outcome is that Baltimore franchise tags their quarterback. This could lead to a holdout situation, but only time will tell. Tom Brady – Even at 46, Brady will attract plenty of suitors. Brady’s touchdown numbers dipped significantly in 2022. However, an offensive line that ranked 28th in DVOA played a large role in that. Most Buccaneers’ teammates got the impression that Brady is unlikely to return to Tampa. Wherever Brady lands will almost certainly have to be a potential Super Bowl contender. Time is running out for the GOAT, but he could still be the difference for a handful of veteran rosters. EDIT: Brady announced his retirement on February 1st. Unless he has another change of heart, the GOAT should be avoided in all drafts. Geno Smith – Timing is everything and Smith parlayed his best-ever campaign into a ton of money. If Brady retires and the Ravens tag Lamar Jackson, Smith could be the most attractive QB on the open market. A reunion with the Seahawks makes the most sense but Smith might command 10 times more than the $3.5 million he pocketed in 2022. Daniel Jones – The Giants declined their fifth-year option, which makes Jones free to test the market. Jones is probably a better fantasy option than a real NFL difference-maker. However, he is a plus athlete who doesn’t throw a lot of interceptions. However, New York’s two playoff games were very indicative of Jones’ week-to-week inconsistencies. Still, Brian Daboll did coach Jones to a solid campaign and a reunion makes the most sense. Other interested teams might include the Jets, Colts, Raiders, and Panthers. Jimmy Garoppolo – 2022 was a whirlwind season for Jimmy G. However, there will not be a reunion in San Francisco. Still just 31, Garoppolo will appeal to many teams. But, the jury is still out on if the nine-year veteran can ever emerge beyond “tweener” status. A reunion with Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas makes sense. However, has Garoppolo proven he is an upgrade over Derek Carr? Speaking of Carr, it should be noted that he will be released or traded this off-season. Were he to hit the open market, Carr would slide in as the third or fourth-best option. Bridge/Backups PLAYER TEAM AGE YDS TD INT Baker Mayfield LAR 28 2163 10 8 Jacoby Brissett CLE 30 2608 12 6 Taylor Heinicke WAS 30 1859 12 6 Gardner Minshew PHI 27 563 3 3 Mike White NYJ 28 1192 3 4 Sam Darnold CAR 26 1143 7 3 Teddy Bridgewater MIA 30 683 4 4 Andy Dalton NO 35 2871 18 9 Joe Flacco NYJ 38 902 9 5 Drew Lock SEA 26 Cooper Rush DAL 29 1051 5 3 This second tier of free-agent QBs is unlikely to attract attention as potential starters. While some can fill in as bridge options, most are destined for clipboard duties. Baker Mayfield – Last season was a wild ride for Baker Mayfield. First, he opened the season as Carolina’s starter. Secondly, Mayfield was relegated to the bench and unceremoniously released. Finally, was the improbable Thursday night win as the Rams’ starter. Regardless, it has become aware that Mayfield isn’t a long-term option. However, he can find a role if he is willing to guide a rookie. Jacoby Brissett – Brissett did an admirable job replacing Mayfield and holding down the fort for Deshaun Watson. As a result, he might attract teams as a bridge option or in a mentor capacity. Taylor Heinicke – Although he was able to usurp Carson Wentz, Heinicke is unlikely to be viewed as a viable starter. Heinicke is capable of playing well in small stretches. Therefore, he’ll attract interest as a dependable veteran backup. Gardner Minshew – It has been two full seasons since Minshew was a starter. Most likely, Philadelphia is the ideal fit for a player like Minshew because the Eagles have a locked-in starter who takes a lot of punishment as a runner. It’s unlikely that Minshew will find a starting gig. Above all, a reunion with the Eagles or a similar role with another team is the most likely outcome. Mike White – White could be a dark horse option to earn a starting gig. However, that would only happen if he re-signs with the Jets. It seems painfully obvious that the Jets missed on Zach Wilson, which would open the door for White to win the job in camp. However, this outcome is rather unlikely as the Jets would be better served to start fresh. Other Veteran Options PLAYER TEAM AGE YDS TD INT Mason Rudolph PIT 28 Kyle Allen HOU 27 416 2 4 Jeff Driskel HOU 30 95 1 0 C.J. Beathard JAC 29 35 0 1 Blaine Gabbert TB 33 29 Case Keenum BUF 35 The 2022 NFL season is underway but it’s not too late to get access to the best help out there! All FullTime Fantasy members get exclusive access to our 24/7 Chat Room on Discord!
2022 Free Agent Rankings: Quarterback
Just because we’ve moved on to the NFL playoffs doesn’t mean the fantasy football season is over. In fact, there are all kinds of action still taking place in a hobby that has truly become a 24/7, 365-day lifestyle for many. For those still clamoring for football action now, the Mike Tagliere Memorial Playoff Challenge is a fun and free way to give to a great cause. There is also the FFWC Playoff Draft World Championship and the Maui Madness Pick ‘Em league to keep football fanatics invested in the NFL postseason. For season-long and dynasty players, preparing for the next season is always an integral part of being proactive, and previewing the upcoming free-agent class can be quite beneficial. In Part One of our 2022 NFL free agent rankings, we will look at the most important position, the quarterbacks. PLAYER POS TEAM AGE GAME YDS TD INT Jameis Winston QB NO 28 7 1170 14 3 Teddy Bridgewater QB DEN 29 14 3052 18 7 Ryan Fitzpatrick QB WAS 39 0 0 0 0 Cam Newton QB CAR 32 8 684 4 5 Tyrod Taylor QB HOU 32 6 966 5 5 Ben Roethlisberger QB PIT 39 16 3740 22 10 Jacoby Brissett QB MIA 29 11 1283 5 4 Andy Dalton QB CHI 34 8 1515 8 9 Marcus Mariota QB LV 28 9 4 0 0 Mitchell Trubisky QB BUF 27 6 43 0 1 Jameis Winston – Winston was easily the best quarterback the Saints were able to utilize in a frustrating season but was limited to just seven games. Overall, Winston had a nifty 14-to-3 TD-to-INT ratio and ranked 16th in average fantasy points per game. He certainly played well enough to attract plenty of offers to be an NFL starter but the biggest problem for a return to New Orleans is the Saints’ dire cap situation. The club is currently projected to be over $70 million over the cap and is on the hook for Taysom Hill‘s albatross contract. Teddy Bridgewater – True to form, Bridgewater played fine in Denver but was not a true difference-making signal-caller. Bridgewater ranked 12th with a 76.4% adjusted completion rate and 11th with an 8.4 ADOT but was just 24th in fantasy points per game and topped 250 passing yards just once after Week 6. A better NFL quarterback than fantasy option, Bridgewater didn’t elevate an intriguing Denver receiving corps and doesn’t run enough to be anything more than a middling fantasy QB2. He will, however, likely attract offers from NFL clubs as a ‘bridge’ quarterback, especially considering the lack of perceived big-name rookie signal-callers entering the 2022 NFL Draft. Ryan Fitzpatrick – Speaking of bridge quarterbacks, the Ryan Fitzpatrick NFL Reality Bus Tour will undoubtedly attract another stop in 2022. Fitzpatrick injured his hip in the opener and never returned, ending his tenure in Washington after only six attempts. A crafty and seasoned veteran capable of being a solid mentor and providing a spark as a change-of-pace option, Fitzmagic could sign with a number of clubs trying to develop a young quarterback but is unlikely to attract many offers as a starter. Cam Newton – Newton’s triumphant return to Carolina was mostly a flop as Newton posted the third-lowest passer grade from PFF, beating out only Jake Fromm and Mike Glennon. He can still be an effective red-zone threat due to his running ability but it’s doubtful that Newton will garner interest as a potential starter and he won’t command anywhere near the $6 million he pocketed in 2021. Tyrod Taylor – Taylor’s journeyman career will probably continue outside of Houston, as he lost the starting job to third-round rookie Davis Mills. 2021 started promising for Taylor but he just wasn’t the same after returning from a concussion. Expect Taylor to attract attention as a dependable backup to an entrenched starter, but his chances of competing for a starting gig are not good. Ben Roethlisberger – 40 when the 2022 season opens, Big Ben is expected to retire and it looks like the right time for the future Hall-of-Famer to do just that. Roethlisberger’s numbers declined across the board, including his second-lowest showings in over 12 seasons in adjusted yards per completion, TD rate, passing yards per game, and QB Rating. He also was sacked 38 times despite getting rid of the ball extremely quickly. If Roethlisberger were to change his mind and return, the only landing spot that makes sense is back with the Steelers, but we question if the franchise would be better off turning the page. Jacoby Brissett – In six games with double-digit pass attempts, Brissett threw just five touchdowns and surpassed 250 passing yards once. He also accumulated double-digit rushing yards only one time in 10 games. Brissett can no longer be viewed as an above-average backup and certainly won’t attract any offers as a starter. Andy Dalton – 35 in October, Dalton’s days as a starter are over but he could find himself as a quality veteran backup ala Joe Flacco. It would make sense for teams breaking in a first-year starter to covet Dalton in a mentor’s role. Marcus Mariota – Mariota was one of my favorite quarterback prospects over the last 7-8 seasons, so I’m disappointed that things have not worked out. The Raiders didn’t let Mariota throw much but did use him on a lot of Wildcat snaps. If he lands in the right spot with a play-caller willing to cater to his strengths, there’s still a chance Mairota can develop into a quality fantasy option, but that seems like wishful thinking. Mitchell Trubisky – Another failed former Chicago passer, Trubisky wasn’t able to contribute much in Buffalo as Josh Allen stayed healthy. For the former first-rounder to become anything more than an adequate backup, he would need to land with a QB coach with a proven track record for reconciliation projects. Best of the Rest PLAYER POS TEAM AGE GAME YDS TD INT Trevor Siemian QB NO 30 6 1154 11 3 Joe Flacco QB NYJ 37 2 366 3
2018 Dynasty Football: Quarterback Draft History
The NFL is still a league centered around the quarterback. While QBs aren’t nearly as important in the Fantasy Football world, every owner still needs a decent signal caller if he / she wants to win a Fantasy title. Stay ahead of the trends with this complete list of quarterback draft history!