INDIANAPOLIS: The NFL Combine is no longer just about 40-yard dashes and bench reps. It is the unofficial launch point of the league’s offseason, with everyone from agents, scouts, and general managers in town having conversations. Here is what I’m hearing around the league regarding quarterback movement, potential blockbuster trades, and the upcoming NFL draft.
NFL Quarterback Carousel Is About To Spin
Many team executives think the quarterback market could become unpredictable very soon.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings aren’t ready to give J.J. McCarthy full control of the offense, but they’re not giving up on him either. When Minnesota traded up to pick him tenth in the 2024 NFL Draft, they hoped he’d be their franchise quarterback. But McCarthy’s first two years in the NFL have been rough, leading some to wonder if the team might look for a new quarterback in 2026.
If the Indianapolis Colts don’t tag Daniel Jones, some league sources think Minnesota might consider bringing him in as a veteran quarterback. Kirk Cousins is another name that’s come up. People I talked to say Minnesota is a good spot for veteran quarterbacks because of its strong roster, including Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and solid coaching from Kevin O’Connell and Wes Phillips.
In 2025, McCarthy ranked 37th among qualified quarterbacks in PFSN’s NFL QB Impact Metric. He showed some of the talent that made him a first-round pick, but he struggled with consistency. The Vikings finished 9-8, leaving them with little room for mistakes.
Miami Dolphins
Many around the league doubt Tua Tagovailoa will stay with the Miami Dolphins for the long term. This isn’t surprising, and a lot of people expect he won’t be the Dolphins’ quarterback when the season starts in September. Miami has shown some interest in Malik Willis, but his price is a factor. Most believe Willis will get between $20 and $30 million per year, but not more than $30 million.
Willis and new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley worked together last season in Green Bay. Willis played in several games and started at quarterback in Week 17, while Hafley was the Packers’ defensive coordinator.
Meanwhile, Tagovailoa threw a career-high 15 interceptions and finished as the 27th-ranked quarterback in 2025, according to PFSN’s QB Impact metric.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are in a tricky spot with quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce. Many close to the team think Jones will get the franchise tag if they can’t agree on a long-term deal. That’s what several people in the NFL expect.
Even though the Colts struggled in their last four games, they still finished with the fifth-best offense in 2025, according to PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric. Much of that success is thanks to how well Jones played in their system. He’s played his best football in Indianapolis, so it makes sense he’d want to stay.
Having traded their first-round pick to the New York Jets for Sauce Gardner, the Colts wouldn’t have an early draft pick to draft a replacement if Jones leaves. He’s far and away the best quarterback currently slated to hit the open market, too. The best option for both parties involved would be for Jones to sign a contract extension with Indianapolis.
The team wants to avoid using the transition tag, since it would let other teams make offers without giving the Colts any compensation.
Buzz Is Real Surrounding an A.J. Brown Trade
Teams around the league are seriously interested in trading for A.J. Brown. Some think a second-round pick could start talks, but Philadelphia still wants a first-round pick and more, though that could change.
The New England Patriots are interested in Brown, but only if the Philadelphia Eagles lower their price. There’s a way the Patriots could pair Stefon Diggs and Brown, but many in the NFL say it’s “unlikely” and would take major financial adjustments.
Brown would definitely boost the Patriots’ offense, which already ranked second in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric with a score of 86.6.
Brown is currently on a huge contract. He signed a four-year, $100 million deal in April 2022, and then a three-year, $96 million extension in April 2024 that keeps him under contract through 2029.
If Brown were traded with a post-June 1 designation, he’d represent $43.48 million in dead money for the Eagles. However, as a post-June 1 designation, it would be more manageable with $16.35 million in dead money and $7 million in cap savings, per Over the Cap.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel coached Brown for three years with the Tennessee Titans. Brown was drafted by the Titans as a second-round pick while Vrabel was there, which could help make a trade between the teams easier.
The Baltimore Ravens Have a Cap Puzzle
Baltimore Ravens
This offseason, the Baltimore Ravens want to sign Lamar Jackson to a contract extension instead of adding more void years to his deal. Owner Steve Bisciotti has said the team’s top priority is a real extension, but if that doesn’t happen, they might add void years to lower his 2026 cap hit. Jackson’s cap hit is set to jump to $73.5 million in 2026, making it a top priority for the team.
Baltimore’s financial situation is also complicated by center Tyler Linderbaum, who is one of the most sought-after free agents. The Ravens have made him a “market-setting” offer, and his next contract is expected to be worth over $20 million per year, which would set a new standard for the position.
If Linderbaum doesn’t sign before the new league year, Baltimore will have to compete with teams that have more cap space. The Banner reports there’s doubt inside the team about matching outside offers, especially with Jackson’s contract still up in the air. Linderbaum could get upwards of $20 million a year. Both sides want to stay together, but Baltimore is worried about the cost.
Running Back Market Reset
Javonte Williams’ three-year, $24 million extension with the Dallas Cowboys, signed before the legal tampering window opened, set the minimum for productive running backs this year. Williams got the deal after his best season to date, recording 252 carries, 1,201 yards, and 11 touchdowns. However, at $8 million per year, it’s a team-friendly contract that other teams will use as a benchmark.
The top free agent running backs are already in short supply. The Jets are likely to franchise tag Breece Hall if they can’t agree on a long-term deal.
That makes Kenneth Walker III, the current Super Bowl MVP, the top available player, though Seattle hasn’t committed to keeping him. Travis Etienne Jr. is another unrestricted option after scoring 13 touchdowns and posting his third 1,000-yard season in four years with Jacksonville.
On the demand side, Kansas City needs help after finishing 6-11 and having no proven running backs besides free agents Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. Houston is also expected to be aggressive, especially since Joe Mixon will likely be released, and the Texans have been linked to Walker. The Giants and several other teams are expected to look at the market too, which should push prices above the Williams contract for the best available backs.
