The 2025 NFL Season is over. Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks on winning Super Bowl LX. They got that title, in part, thanks to some shrewd moves in free agency last offseason. Free Agency is a chance for teams to make moves, improve their teams, and pursue a title. It’s the kick start to the off-season, and it begins in roughly a month. Over the next few pieces, I’ll be looking at five impact free agents at each of the key fantasy positions, as well as a few honorable mentions, to get you primed for the start of a wild off-season. Today, it’s the quarterbacks.
Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts
About: Jones was on many free agent lists last off-season, too. But he came with questions about whether he could hold up as a starter. He did that and more. He led the Colts to an 8-5 record and had them in a prime playoff position before getting injured. In fact, the Colts fell apart without him and missed the playoffs. In the first 13 weeks, he sat as QB7 in fantasy, too. Jones in Indianapolis was a great marriage of player, opportunity, and system.
But he tore his Achilles tendon. That’s no simple procedure to return from, especially for a player who uses his mobility. The Colts have said they want Jones back, and that feels like the ideal match for fantasy players. But it’s best to have a backup plan, as it’s possible that Jones won’t be ready Week 1, no matter where he signs.
Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
About: How long will Rodgers keep playing? That’s a question fantasy players have been asking for a couple of seasons. And yet, when Rodgers plays, he’s an asset as a QB2 or QB3. That was true in 2025, too, when he finished as QB18 playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The season didn’t end as Rodgers would have hoped, and now at 42-years-old it’s not a lock he can come back or would make it through the season.
There’s also a question of where he would play. The Steelers have expressed interest in having him back, and hiring his former Packers’ coach, Mike McCarthy, could be an enticement. Rodgers will either sign or retire, giving him no real trade value. As a fantasy player, if you roster Rodgers, I would hold him for now and hope he signs in a favorable spot for at least one more run. If he does, he’s the ideal QB3 for a roster.
Russell Wilson, New York Giants
About: Wilson was once an elite quarterback in the NFL and for fantasy. But that time has long since passed. He’s worn out his welcome quickly with four teams. The Seahawks traded him to the Broncos. After two uninspiring seasons there, he was benched for Jarrett Stidham. He was then released and signed with the Steelers.
Wilson had a solid half-season in Pittsburgh, guiding the Steelers to the playoffs. But his one-and-done performance in the playoffs didn’t inspire Pittsburgh. They made no attempt to re-sign him, so he signed with the Giants. Wilson earned the starting role but lasted just a few games before being benched. He not only lost the starting spot, but he was also dropped to QB3 on the team.
Now, Wilson is a free agent again. He isn’t a name that likely excites a fanbase or even a front office. But there are plenty of teams with a need at quarterback and not many to go around. If you’re still holding Wilson, free agency is where hope springs eternal. If he finds a seat, I’d still view him as no better than a QB4. But if he lands in a prime spot, it might boost his trade value enough to find a taker.
Malik Willis, Green Bay Packers
About: Many people, including me, questioned when the Packers traded for Willis two seasons ago. But he turned out to be an excellent spot starter. He went 2-1, throwing for 972 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions for the Packers. He looked like one of the best backups in the league. Now, he’s a free agent.
While he’ll likely get an offer from the Packers, Willis seems poised to follow a tradition of backup quarterbacks that get a shot. We’ve even heard one coach—Jeff Hafley of the Miami Dolphins—reference him. Hafley saw him up close in Green Bay and will likely have a need at quarterback. I expect Willis to garner interest on the free agent market. He makes for a great stash.
Jimmy Garoppolo, Los Angeles Rams
About: We haven’t heard from Jimmy G. in a few years. But as a starter for the San Francisco 49ers, he went 38-17 and led the team to the playoffs and even the Super Bowl. He had an unsuccessful stint with the Raiders but spent the past two years as the Los Angeles Rams’ primary backup. He hasn’t had to do much with the Rams, and now he’s a free agent. It’s possible at this point he’s happy to be a backup, but he makes for an intriguing name this off-season target. He’s a name worth stashing as we head into free agency, especially with so many teams needing a quarterback.
Honorable Mentions
Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
About: I’m lumping these three together. As you can tell from the above, it’s not a great free agent quarterback group. So, why aren’t these three higher? Well, technically, all three of these players are under contract. Reports are that all three will be either traded or released. I suspect that’s the case, but for now, they aren’t free agents. Still, where these three land—or if they don’t get moved—will play a huge role in this process.
I’m most interested to see where Cousins ends up. He finished 2025 strong and is now two years removed from his Achilles injury. With Murray, I’m skeptical he’ll ever capitalize on the upside many thought possible when he was drafted. If he moves to a new spot, I’m moving him when I find the right owner who is optimistic. Tua, meanwhile, is a complete mystery. He melted down in Miami and has a serious health history. I’m skeptical he’ll thrive even in a new landing spot. I would look to move him if I found an optimistic buyer.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
