NFL QB market, impacted by a thin draft class, features Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray and not much else

The rookie class thins quickly after Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, the consensus projection to be taken first overall in the April draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, so going the Drake Maye route to a Super Bowl probably won't happen anytime soon.

After eating more than $99 million in dead money on their salary cap by deciding to cut Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins snatched up the most sought-after free agent. They gave former Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers backup Malik Willis a reported $45 million guaranteed over three years in a deal that will quickly allow the 26-year-old with just 155 career attempts to cash in even bigger if he can establish himself as a productive and reliable starter.

The New York Jets were concerned enough about competition for Geno Smith if he were released and on the market that they acquired him in a trade with the Raiders. Any chance of Daniel Jones being available ended when the Indianapolis Colts tore up the transition tag and reached an agreement on Wednesday on a two-year deal worth up to $100 million despite him coming off an Achilles tendon injury that cut short his 2025 season.

Tagovailoa? He’s already decided to join the Falcons.

The Minnesota Vikings, who were the originators of the Darnold plan in 2024 before they let him leave last year for the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, have been widely linked to Murray as they try to diversify their present and future path after pinning their plan last season on J.J. McCarthy and missing the playoffs after he struggled with injuries and inconsistency.

Here's a closer look at the most viable remaining options:

Kyler Murray

Limited to five games by a foot injury last season as the Cardinals slumped to 3-14, Murray will cost them more than $54 million in dead money. He’ll also make more than $36 million in real money from the Cardinals, no matter where he winds up, because his 2026 salary is fully guaranteed. Offset language in his contract allows his new team to sign him for the veteran minimum. Murray, the first overall pick in the 2019 draft, has not won more than nine games in a single season — or any in the playoffs.

Kirk Cousins

The Falcons are pivoting toward 2024 first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr., whose knee injury last year temporarily gave Cousins the job back. His familiarity with the Vikings and coach Kevin O'Connell's system could make sense for a reunion. Cousins, who turns 38 before the season, would be a realistic bridge to give McCarthy more time to develop, but Cousins has never signed a bargain contract.

The long shots

Aaron Rodgers at age 42 appears unlikely to switch teams again, as a reunion with coach Mike McCarthy presents an attractive alternative to retirement if the Steelers were to decide to bring him back. Perhaps Rodgers would get another call from the Vikings if their other options dry up.

Minnesota might also find it worth trying to pry backup Mac Jones, the former New England Patriots starter, away from the San Francisco 49ers in a trade.

Jimmy Garoppolo? He’s available, but he hasn’t started a meaningful game in three years. Zach Wilson, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft is too, but he has 12 career wins.

Though Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have hit some bumps in the road together, the two-time NFL MVP is on track for a new deal. He wouldn’t have had a voice in the coaching search if the Ravens were considering a trade.

“I have spoken to Lamar about a lot of different things over the last month,” general manager Eric DeCosta said last month. “He’s been very engaged.”

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL