The NFL Scouting Combine is a great opportunity for teams to feel things out—between one another, with agents—regarding potential player transactions during the offseason. One unexpected move can throw a wrench in things, but this is how I predict the 2025 quarterback market shakes out.
Giants: Matthew Stafford
We’ll start with the domino that could potentially set the quarterback musical chairs in motion. The Rams have given quarterback Matthew Stafford permission to talk to other teams. That ultimately might just be to help Los Angeles determine how much they need to pay Stafford, but the Rams are a crafty organization that might like the idea of getting a premium draft pick for a 37-year-old quarterback who reportedly wants over $50 million per year on a new deal. The Giants and Raiders sound like the teams that’ll be most aggressive for Stafford. It’s easy to envision New York—the regime on the hot seat after surprisingly getting another year at the helm—wanting to add both Stafford and a rookie. General manager Joe Schoen already basically said the ball is in the Rams’ court regarding Stafford, so it sounds like they’re interested—and perhaps desperate to give more than Vegas.
Rams: Jimmy Garoppolo
Many believe the Rams will pivot to Aaron Rodgers if they trade Stafford, but I wouldn’t count out Jimmy Garoppolo being the guy there. Jimmy G had a year in Sean McVay’s offense and played well in a Week 18 start—and he had an 8-1 record (8-0 in the regular season) against the Rams during his time with the 49ers. Multiple reports have already said how much McVay likes Garoppolo, who is 33 years old and can be the answer for a few years until LA finds a long-term answer at the game’s most important position. And Garoppolo has shown enough throughout his career to get another shot as a starter.
Steelers: Aaron Rodgers
There’s talk of Pittsburgh having interest in Stafford, but it’s difficult to envision them outbidding a team like the Giants for him. If the Steelers can get Aaron Rogers for virtually nothing in terms of salary like they did with Russell Wilson last season, you’d think this has at least been a conversation for Mike Tomlin and the front office. Steelers safety DeShon Elliott previously indicated Rodgers should retire and not join the squad, but he recently changed his tune by posing for a photo with Rodgers at a training facility. Adding Rodgers to the veteran squad is a fit.
Raiders: Marcus Mariota
Stafford, Sam Darnold, and Russell Wilson have all been connected to the Raiders this offseason, but I think Marcus Mariota makes the most sense if they want to go the veteran route. He’ll be the cheapest of the bunch, he has starting experience, he played under Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly (who thinks extremely highly of him) at Oregon, and no one talks about how phenomenal the former Heisman Trophy winner was when on the field for the Commanders in 2024. Plus, Mariota previously played for the Raiders and was fantastic in one extended relief appearance in 2020, throwing for 226 yards and a passing touchdown along with 88 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, so there might be some comfort re-joining the franchise.
Vikings: Daniel Jones
2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy is waiting in the wings, but he’s coming back from a serious knee injury. I think the Vikings are going to re-sign either Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones—with Jones being a cheaper option who I could see Kevin O’Connell being just as high on as Darnold. From the moment Minnesota added Jones during last season, this was a possibility—and it’s been clear that KOC is a genuine fan of the former first-round pick.
Titans: Sam Darnold
The market for Sam Darnold will be very interesting, and the Titans’ rookie quarterback evaluations could determine if they are in on the 27-year-old. Darnold was coached up well with the Vikings and would be in position to pair with a difference-making No. 1 pick to elevate the Titans in what’s a not-so-imposing AFC South. I’m not saying a quarterback isn’t worth the top pick in the draft, but I’m not sure Tennessee wants to go in that direction.
Colts: Russell Wilson
The Colts have stated plainly that they want to bring in competition for third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, who has dealt with inconsistency and injury through two NFL seasons. Russell Wilson would be a great fit as someone who, for the Steelers last season, sat on the bench for several weeks—while recovering from a calf injury—before taking over and playing at a high level before the team hit a late-season rut. Aside from the possibility of joining Pete Carroll with the Raiders, the options for Wilson to be a starter look very limited—so Indy might be the best fit for both sides.
Other options
2021 NFL Draft quarterbacks Zack Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones appear unlikely to get starting roles, but they should all be watched for prime backup roles. For Wilson, we saw what happened when fellow former Jets top pick Darnold landed in a great situation. Jones played at a high-level as a rookie before the offensive line fell apart in New England. Fields has dynamic ability as a runner to make some plays. And Lance’s progression has unfortunately been derailed by not getting valuable reps after inexperience entering the league, so ideally he’d be able to get on the field somehow.