Free agent QB grades right now
By: Jake Rajala
There has been constant action regarding the quarterback spot in free agency. However, there hasn’t been many QBs that signed with a team where they could start. The former Tennessee Titans QB Malik Willis is the only former free agent QB I believe will start with his new team (regardless if I believe if he deserves to start). With that said, I’m going to hand out grades for the Malik Willis signing and the other notable QB free agent signings.
Malik Willis: D
This has Justin Fields signing with the Jets last season all over it. I don’t love the idea of the Dolphins breaking the bank for a QB (Malik Willis) that started one game last season. He was gifted a contract for $67.5 million dollars over three years. Willis also doesn’t have Tyreek Hill or Darren Waller. There’s even a chance that Jaylen Waddle could switch teams. Willis is young, however. If he gets benched next season, he could still grow to be a starting QB at some point in this league.
Kenny Pickett: B
Kenny Pickett is a fine backup QB at the pro level. He’s going to a team that has a true starting QB (with Bryce Young). Pickett can still step into a game and keep the team competitive. He could be as sharp as fellow backup QBs, Jacoby Brissett and Marcus Mariota were last season. Pickett signed a one year deal worth $7.5 million dollars. I expect him to pursue a heftier contract in 2027.
Marcus Mariota: B+
I really like the effort by Marcus Mariota last season. Sure, he went 2-6. However, let’s not forget that Jayden Daniels went 2-5 last season. Mariota didn’t have a lot of help from his skill players. Terry McLaurin missed several games and Austin Ekeler only played in two games. With the dual threat playing style of Jayden Daniels, he will always be at a higher risk of injury than “pocket passers”. Hence, it will open the door for Mariota. The former Oregon Duck signed a one year deal worth $7 million dollars. I would have preferred to see him sign a three year deal.
Mitchell Trubisky: A-
I love this move by the Tennessee Titans. Cam Ward needs to feel the heat and intense competition all-year round. Trubisky once brought his team to the playoffs. He then learned the way under Josh Allen. Trust me, Trubisky will try and steal Ward’s job. Trubisky is 31 years old, so there’s plenty of time left for him to show he’s a Top-20 QB. Trubisky signed a two year deal with the Titans.
Teddy Bridgewater: C
I love the story of Teddy Bridgewater. As a Saints fan, I loved when he went 5-0 with my team. However, those days are long gone. He came out of retirement last season. I have doubts he’s in superb football shape. I feel he may be half in, half out, as he was recently a coach. He’s also a couple of years older than Trubisky (as he’s 33). He’s returning to the Motor City on a one year deal.
Gardner Minshew: C+
The Chiefs let Minshew Mania leave their team to play with the Arizona Cardinals. He signed a one year deal worth $5.75 million dollars. Let’s be fair: the Cardinals can’t rely on Minshew to be their starting QB moving forward. I’d rather see the Cards put all their cards in on the current starting QB Jacoby Brissett, if they are relying on somewhat old, journeyman QBs.
Case Keenum: B
I honestly like this move by the Bears to retain their backup Case Keenum, otherwise known as Mr. Minneapolis Miracle. He has talent and experience with the Bears. Keenum hasn’t been asked to play yet, as Caleb Williams hasn’t been injured in his young career thus far. Keenum signed a two year deal worth $5.5 million dollars.
Sam Howell: B-
Sam Howell has starting experience. Well, he didn’t exactly show a lot of promise in his QB1 days. He threw 21 interceptions in 2023. He hasn’t quite earned playing time thus far. I believe the system for Howell in Dallas is perfect. Brian Schottenheimer knows how to attack a defense deep down the field. Howell has plenty of arm strength with elite WRs to make deep magical passes happen.
We know there is plenty of free agent QB that are left unsigned. Recently, Kyler Murray was released by the Cardinals. He will be seeking a new team. He still has the potential to start, so I’d expect him to get a significant contract to a team that needs a QB1. Kirk Cousins also needs a new home. Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, and Jimmy G could also start somewhere in 2026.
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