Predicting NFL Quarterback Landing Spots in 2026: Stroud, Tua, Carr, Jones, and More

Key Quarterback Movement Trends

• 💡 The discussion focuses on free agent and potentially traded quarterbacks, predicting their team placements for the upcoming 2026 NFL season.
• 🎯 The hosts emphasize that many teams are in search of a franchise quarterback, leading to a dynamic "QB carousel" every offseason.
• 🧠 Viewers are encouraged to comment with their own predictions and thoughts on the proposed landing spots.

Veteran Quarterbacks: Carr & Jones

• 🏈 Derek Carr is predicted to either retire or join the Las Vegas Raiders to mentor Fernando Mendoza, as no team is considered "one Derek Carr away" from a Super Bowl.
• 📌 Another potential landing spot for Carr is the Indianapolis Colts, given their history of signing older veteran quarterbacks like Joe Flacco and Philip Rivers.
• 📈 Daniel Jones is strongly linked to staying with the Indianapolis Colts, where he had his best career year before injury and fits well within their system.

Tua Tagovailoa's Uncertain Future

• 🐬 The Miami Dolphins are expected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, potentially cutting him despite significant cap implications.
• ✈️ One predicted destination for Tua is the New York Jets, despite concerns about his performance in cold weather and the team's organizational decisions.
• 🌉 A "sneaky" option for Tua is the San Francisco 49ers as a backup, learning under Kyle Shanahan, similar to Brock Purdy's and Jimmy Garoppolo's past roles.

High-Profile QBs: Stroud & Rodgers

• 🚀 Despite reports, CJ Stroud is largely expected to remain with the Houston Texans, as trading him after his rookie performance and regression would be premature.
• 🌟 However, the Cleveland Browns are mentioned as a potential, albeit risky, destination for Stroud, due to their draft capital and need for a long-term quarterback.
• 🧀 Aaron Rodgers is predicted to either play for the Pittsburgh Steelers for one more year or ultimately choose retirement.

Other Quarterback Carousel Moves

• ⚡ Justin Fields is seen as a potential backup quarterback, with Arizona or the New York Jets as possible landing spots.
• 🐅 Joe Flacco is predicted to return to the Cincinnati Bengals as a backup for Joe Burrow or potentially join the Carolina Panthers if Bryce Young struggles.
• 🦅 Kyler Murray is considered to either stay with the Arizona Cardinals under a new coaching staff or move to the New York Jets, though he's not seen as a Super Bowl-winning QB.
• 💰 Kirk Cousins could land with the Las Vegas Raiders as a mentor, the Cleveland Browns, or the Atlanta Falcons despite his contract situation.
• 🔄 Mac Jones is argued to be a valuable backup for the San Francisco 49ers, with the Minnesota Vikings also mentioned as a potential, albeit debated, starting spot.