The NFL offseason is shaping up to be a whirlwind of quarterback movement, with veteran signal-callers potentially changing teams and highly-touted prospects entering the league.
One of the most intriguing storylines involves Derek Carr, the 34-year-old retired quarterback who is expected by the New Orleans Saints to unretire and potentially be traded to the New York Jets.
Want to know what people are really saying? Don’t miss the buzz from Reddit at the end!
Carr’s Comeback and the Jets’ Pursuit
According to reports, the New Orleans Saints anticipate Derek Carr to come out of retirement this offseason, with the intention of trading him to the New York Jets.
However, conflicting rumors suggest that the Minnesota Vikings could also emerge as a potential destination for Carr, who completed 198 of 294 attempts for 2,204 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in his final season.
The Jets, in their quest to solidify their quarterback position, are also rumored to be interested in Kyler Murray and Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 overall draft pick.
Mendoza’s draft stock may be inflated due to a weak quarterback class, and he might not have been the top pick in stronger draft years.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the coveted No. 1 pick, could potentially trade it to the Jets for a haul of draft picks, as they have Geno Smith as a competent starter and other roster needs.
Murray’s Uncertain Future and the Cardinals’ Plans
Kyler Murray, the former first-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, is expected to part ways with the team, either via trade or release.
Potential landing spots for Murray include the Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and Vikings, although his destination remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals are expected to pursue Malik Willis, the Green Bay Packers’ backup quarterback, potentially offering him a $30 million contract.
The Vikings, on the other hand, are not fully convinced by J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback and plan to bring in a veteran to compete with him, with potential candidates including Aaron Rodgers, Malik Willis, Mac Jones, Daniel Jones, Kyler Murray, Geno Smith, Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco, or another older veteran.
Murray’s 2025 campaign was cut short due to injury, as he completed 117 of 169 attempts for 1,058 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, while also rushing for 182 yards and a score.
Tua’s Uncertain Future and the Quarterback Carousel
The Miami Dolphins are expected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, but they plan to keep De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle as cornerstones of their offense.
Interestingly, Joe Flacco is rumored to have more of a market than Tua, with a potential reunion with Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta.
The Indianapolis Colts, on the other hand, are expected to part ways with Anthony Richardson, who could potentially land in Cleveland, where Todd Monken could try to develop his athletic abilities.
Tagovailoa, who struggled with injuries and inconsistency in 2025, completed 269 of 398 attempts for 2,736 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
Running Back Roulette
In the running back department, several notable players could be on the move. Ken Walker is potentially joining the New York Giants, while Breece Hall, who rushed for 1,100 yards and 4 touchdowns while adding 350 receiving yards and a score, is likely to be tagged by the Jets.
The Tennessee Titans are rumored to be a surprise target for Jeremiyah Love, and Travis Etienne, coming off a 1,204-yard, 14-touchdown campaign, could potentially land in New Orleans or Kansas City. Additionally, the Washington Commanders are expected to target a ‘thumper’ running back in free agency.
Wide Receiver Whirlwind
The wide receiver market is also set to be active, with several high-profile players potentially changing teams.
The Philadelphia Eagles are rumored to be considering moving A.J. Brown, who hauled in 81 receptions for 1,028 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2025, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are likely to let Mike Evans leave in free agency.
The Titans are targeting Wan’Dale Robinson or Alec Pierce, the Steelers are focusing on wide receivers, and the Cowboys are expected to franchise George Pickens while re-signing Brandon Aubrey to a record-setting kicker contract.
Pickens is coming off a career year with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and 9 scores.
Defensive Dominoes
On the defensive side of the ball, several notable players could be on the move.
The Cincinnati Bengals have no interest in keeping Trey Hendrickson, while the Minnesota Vikings may move on from Jonathan Allen.
John Franklin-Myers could potentially head to Tennessee.
Additionally, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to pursue Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum to protect their potential No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza. Hendrickson recorded 11 tackles, 4 sacks, and a forced fumble for the Bengals in 2025.
What People Are Saying About the Quarterback Carousel
The potential return of veteran quarterback Derek Carr has generated a mix of reactions from NFL fans.
While some view his unretirement and possible trade to the New York Jets as a questionable move, others understand the underlying motivation for these veteran players to continue playing and potentially secure one last lucrative contract.
As one commenter noted, ‘These guys just want to play football. Make a couple more mil while you are at it too.’
Amid the quarterback carousel, the future of players like Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa remains uncertain.
Some fans are hopeful that Murray will find a new home, with the Minnesota Vikings being a potential destination, where he could compete for the starting job.
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins’ plans for Tagovailoa are unclear, with one commenter suggesting that the veteran Joe Flacco may have more market value than the younger Tagovailoa.
As the offseason unfolds, fans are eager to see where these talented quarterbacks end up and how their new teams will utilize their skills.
Beyond the quarterback moves, the upcoming free agency period is expected to be a ‘wild and weird’ experience, according to one agent.
With the high turnover of head coaches and coordinators across the league, teams may rush to fill roster needs without proper evaluation, potentially leading to delayed signings and more mistakes than usual.
Fans are anticipating a chaotic offseason as teams navigate the challenges of limited preparation and the pressures of not ‘missing out’ on top talent.