NFL Quarterback Signings 2026: Big Moves, New Teams, & Betting Impact

The 2026 NFL offseason has been defined by uncertainty at the quarterback position, with several of the league’s most recognizable veterans still searching for clarity.

While some teams have locked in their starters, a group of accomplished quarterbacks—including Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, and Jimmy Garoppolo—have dominated headlines as they weigh their next moves.

The biggest storyline centers on Aaron Rodgers, who is coming off a season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and is now deciding whether to return for another year or retire. The four-time MVP has been linked to a potential return to Pittsburgh under new head coach Mike McCarthy, but no decision has been finalized.

The Steelers remain in a holding pattern, awaiting clarity before the NFL Draft as they consider their long-term options at quarterback.

Kirk Cousins was another key figure in the offseason shuffle. After finishing the 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons—where he went 5-3 as a starter and played well down the stretch—Cousins was released and signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday.

Atlanta has since moved forward with a new direction at quarterback, signing former Miami Dolphin Tua Tagovailoa while also keeping former first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. in the mix.

After previous stops with the Denver Broncos and New York Giants, Russell Wilson has struggled to generate significant interest on the open market, according to reports. Once considered an elite franchise quarterback, the veteran now appears more likely to compete for a backup or mentor role.

Jimmy Garoppolo also remains part of the quarterback carousel. After spending time with the Los Angeles Rams as a backup to Matthew Stafford, Garoppolo could return to a similar role or explore opportunities elsewhere. Teams like the Rams have shown interest in adding experienced depth at the position, particularly given the importance of having a reliable veteran behind an established starter.

Younger Movement and Secondary Signings

While veteran quarterbacks have dominated headlines, several lower-profile signings have also taken place. Quarterbacks like Zach Wilson, who previously played for the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, signed with the New Orleans Saints, offering a fresh opportunity to revive his career.

Meanwhile, journeyman Josh Johnson joined the Cincinnati Bengals, continuing his role as a reliable depth option.

Impact on the 2026 Season and Betting

The uncertainty surrounding several veteran quarterbacks has created ripple effects across the league, influencing roster decisions, NFL Draft strategies, and early expectations for the 2026–27 season. Teams waiting on decisions from players like Rodgers or Cousins may delay other moves, while others have already pivoted to alternative plans.

From an NFL betting perspective, this quarterback uncertainty is one of the biggest drivers of offseason line movement. Sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings adjust win totals, division odds, and Super Bowl futures based heavily on quarterback stability.

A confirmed return by Rodgers in Pittsburgh, for example, could significantly improve the Steelers’ odds, while continued uncertainty—or retirement—would likely push those numbers in the opposite direction.

As training camps approach, bettors will closely monitor where these quarterbacks land and how depth charts take shape. In a league where the quarterback position remains the most influential factor in determining success, the resolution of this offseason carousel will play a major role in shaping both the standings—and the betting markets—heading into 2026.