The 2026 NFL offseason is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory – especially at quarterback. While the upcoming draft may not feature a deep class of top-tier passers beyond Fernando Mendoza, significant movement could occur through trades and outright releases.
League insiders gathered at the NFL Scouting Combine have hinted that several veteran quarterbacks carrying substantial guaranteed money might be on the move.
The combine is traditionally a major event for NFL offseason news, so it’s a great source for gathering intel. Here’s everything we heard in Indy.
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Among the biggest takeaways: as many as five high-profile quarterbacks could be cut despite significant guarantees in their 2026 contracts.
Big contracts, bigger questions in the NFL
According to league analyst Ari Meirov, there’s a realistic scenario where multiple veteran quarterbacks could hit the open market.
There is a potential scenario this offseason where up to 5 veteran QBs with guaranteed money already in 2026 could be released. And as a result, their next contract with a new team could be for the minimum ($1.3M).
That possibility becomes intriguing in a league where the salary cap now exceeds $300 million. As Meirov noted, “Having a QB on a $1.3M contract while building out the rest of the roster could be intriguing to some teams.”
Here are five highly paid quarterbacks who could be part of that shake-up:
- Tua Tagovailoa ($54 million guaranteed)
- Miami’s quarterback has battled injuries and inconsistency, and with a massive cap number looming, the Dolphins could consider a financial reset.
- Kyler Murray ($36.8 million guaranteed)
- Arizona remains in evaluation mode. While Murray is talented, a regime shift or roster overhaul could make his contract difficult to justify.
- Geno Smith ($18.5 million guaranteed)
- Seattle has seen solid play from Smith, but long-term planning and cap flexibility may push the Seahawks to explore alternatives.
- Kirk Cousins ($10 million guaranteed)
- Cousins’ situation remains fluid, especially if his team pivots toward youth at quarterback.
- Justin Fields ($10 million guaranteed)
- Fields has flashed potential, yet teams may hesitate to commit long-term money if performance plateaus.
Cap strategy could drive decisions for teams in the NFL
In today’s NFL, quarterback contracts often dictate roster construction. Even productive veterans can become financial liabilities if their cap hits prevent teams from strengthening other areas.
Teams such as Arizona, Miami, Minnesota, and Indianapolis have been mentioned as organizations evaluating their quarterback futures. With free agency approaching and trade discussions already heating up, the league could witness one of its most active quarterback markets in years.
If even two or three of these players become available, competition for affordable veteran options could intensify quickly.
One thing is certain: this offseason won’t lack drama. With massive contracts, evolving rosters, and front offices seeking flexibility, the quarterback carousel may spin faster than expected.
And in a league driven by cap management as much as talent, even the highest-paid passers are not immune to change.