Four seasoned NFL quarterbacks find themselves in limbo as the 2026 season approaches, with Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson all lacking contracts.
Each veteran signal-caller faces distinct possibilities moving forward.
Rodgers, now 42, has the choice to rejoin Pittsburgh under new head coach Mike McCarthy or hang up his cleats for good. Steelers owner Art Rooney II informed media on Sunday that he anticipates the four-time NFL MVP will make his intentions known prior to next month’s NFL draft.
Despite a powerful finish to the previous campaign where he guided Atlanta to four consecutive victories, Cousins couldn’t prevent the Falcons from missing the postseason, ultimately costing coach Raheem Morris his position. The 37-year-old quarterback compiled 876 passing yards during that winning streak, recording seven touchdown passes against two picks while posting a 93.6 passer rating. He went 5-3 as a starter after beginning the year behind Michael Penix Jr.
Atlanta brought in coach Kevin Stefanski, acquired Tua Tagovailoa and cut ties with Cousins, who now faces the probability of accepting a reserve quarterback position unless an injury creates a starting opportunity elsewhere. Pittsburgh could become his destination if Rodgers chooses retirement and the Steelers seek another experienced quarterback following their progression from Wilson in 2024 to Rodgers in 2025.
Stefanski indicated that Tagovailoa and Penix will battle for Atlanta’s starting position. Penix, selected in the first round during 2024, underwent ACL reconstruction surgery this past November, leaving his availability timeline unclear.
“He has had great success in this league when doing a lot of things that we believe in,” Stefanski said of Tagovailoa. “He’s looking for an opportunity and we can provide that.”
Garoppolo could return to Los Angeles for a third campaign serving as backup to NFL MVP Matthew Stafford. Should that arrangement fall through, the Rams and coach Sean McVay might consider Cousins, given their previous collaboration in Washington when McVay served as offensive coordinator.
Wilson started the season with New York but ended up third on the depth chart behind rookie Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston. The 10-time Pro Bowl selection appears to have exhausted his starting opportunities and seems to be generating minimal interest as a backup despite being a supportive teammate to Dart last year.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni stated that “nothing’s changed” concerning receiver A.J. Brown, who has been the subject of trade rumors.
“A.J. is an Eagle,” Sirianni said.
Philadelphia has entertained trade discussions for the veteran while also adding receivers Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Elijah Moore, who were college roommates at Mississippi. Miami’s deal sending Jaylen Waddle to Denver for first, third and fourth-round picks has elevated expectations for A.J. Brown’s trade value.
Detroit coach Dan Campbell announced that three-time All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell is prepared to move to the left side to shield Jared Goff’s blind side.
The Lions must fill the void left by Taylor Decker’s release. Sewell previously played left tackle at Oregon before Detroit drafted him seventh overall in 2021.
Cleveland has pulled back their proposal that would have permitted teams to trade draft selections five years ahead rather than the current three-year limit, according to a source familiar with the matter who requested anonymity since the Browns hadn’t publicly announced their decision.
Team owners will vote on additional proposals from the NFL competition committee and a Steelers proposal regarding player contact during free agency negotiations.
Rule modifications require approval from a minimum of 24 of the 32 franchises.
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen has ditched the protective boot on his right foot following a bone fracture suffered during Week 16. The 2024 NFL MVP underwent surgery after the Bills fell to Denver in overtime during the AFC divisional round.
“His foot, I don’t want to say it’s 100 percent, but he’s good,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane told reporters Monday. “When he gets back in April, we expect him to be full-go.”
