5 most impactful quarterback signings in NFL free agency

The first major of NFL free agency passed with several impactful signings. However, a good quarterback signing has more impact on a team than any other position.

In this free agency cycle, some teams found their starting quarterback, while some tried to go for experienced journeymen to either be a bridge for their quarterback of the future or add extra competition in the room. This quarterback free agency class was top-heavy, but these five signings could make the most impact for their teams.

5. Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders brought in Cousins to be a steady veteran presence, and he fits in perfectly. The 15-year NFL veteran has experience under head coach Klint Kubiak’s offensive system. When Kubiak was the quarterbacks coach (2019-20) and offensive coordinator (2021), he helped Cousins to two Pro Bowls (2019, 2021).

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With the Raiders expected to draft Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, Kubiak is bringing in Cousins to mentor Mendoza while also showing his familiarity with the system. According to Tom Pelissero, Kubiak said that ideally, a rookie like Mendoza “could sit behind a mature adult” rather than start from Day 1, and Cousins is that mature adult.

4. Tua Tagovailoa, Atlanta Falcons

Tagovailoa was brought in on the veteran minimum, but he’s more than a veteran presence for the Falcons. He could serve as competition for third-year starter Michael Penix. Cunningham has all but said that Penix’s starting position isn’t guaranteed, and Tagovailoa could take over.

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Since Tagovailoa is left-handed, the Falcons don’t have to change their blocking scheme at all. It’s hard to tell how Tagovailoa will produce in Atlanta, but at the very least, he will be another low-end starter for the Falcons and ignite Michael Penix’s competitive fire.

3. Geno Smith, New York Jets

Time can be a flat circle sometimes. With Smith’s trade to the New York Jets, he joins the team that drafted him 12 years ago, and he should be their starter barring any unforeseen developments in the draft.

Smith has had quite the journey since his first stint with the Jets. He revitalized his career with the Seattle Seahawks, making two Pro Bowl appearances in three years as the starter (2022-24). However, he bombed in a Raiders uniform in 2025, throwing a league-leading 17 interceptions.

It’s fair to ask what kind of Geno Smith the Jets are getting next season, but at the very least, he’s a bridge for the next quarterback the Jets draft in 2027.

2. Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins

Willis is the first quarterback on this list who should start at least an entire year. The Dolphins signed him to a three-year, $67.5 million contract with this idea in mind.

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He has little starting experience, with just six starts under his belt, but Willis showed flashes of a better quarterback for the Green Bay Packers in the last two seasons. He threw for 972 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions, with a blistering 134.6 passer rating during his time with the Packers, so Willis has done enough to earn the starting job.

1. Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings

Murray not only should have the starting job, but he can be an above-average starter right away. He was signed to a one-year, $1.3 million deal the first day he was available after his release by the Arizona Cardinals.

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He’s shown average to above-average quarterback play since the Cardinals drafted him first overall in 2019. The flashes he’s shown of being an elite quarteback have teased fans into thinking he would reach that in Arizona, but he never maintained it for an entire season.

He has a chance to find that elite form in Minnesota again. Justin Jefferson is one of the best receivers in the league, and Jordan Addison is a great No. 2.

Plus, Murray has tight end T.J. Hockenson to throw to, as well as Kevin O’Connell calling plays for him instead of the uninspiring Drew Petzig. Murray has the highest ceiling and floor of any quarterback signed in this free agency class, and Minnesota immediately earns an upgrade and a legitimate starter with this move.

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