With the 2025 NFL offseason right around the corner, there seems to be an all-time high for quarterback-needy teams. And, with only two real startable quarterbacks in the 2025 draft, a handful of veterans may get one last chance to prove themselves as starters.
Jameis Winston

After Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury, Winston was given a chance to start in Cleveland. He didn’t disappoint, as we got the whole Jameis Winston experience. He finished with 2,121 yards for 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Including a Monday night game where he passed for 497 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. The hopes of Winston being a franchise quarterback are over, but he could certainly prove as a reliable bridge.
Winston is a free agent this offseason, and it’s unlikely he’ll return to the Browns. But if a team drafts a player like Jaxson Dart of Dillon Gabriel on day two of the draft, having Winston as a mentor and leader would be a plus for any franchise.
Justin Fields

Justin Fields is an interesting case. After being traded to the Steelers, Fields was given an opportunity to start due to a Russell Wilson injury. In his six starts Fields shined in Pittsburgh. He led them to a 4-2 start while passing for 1,106 yards for five touchdowns and just one interception. He also added 231 yards and five more touchdowns on the ground.
Fields has never gotten a fair opportunity in the NFL, and as a free agent in 2025 he may finally get that chance. The Raiders, Jets, and Saints should all be champing at the bit for a chance to land the former Buckeye. He’ll be a relatively cheap option and still has loads of potential. Outside of Sam Darnold, Fields should be the most sought after free-agent quarterback this offseason.
Zach Wilson

There have be rumblings that teams will be eyeing Zach Wilson this offseason. Last season Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos and saw no playing time all season. With Denver finding their answer at quarterback in Bo Nix, Wilson may find a new home in 2025.
The former second overall pick had a rough tenure in New York passing for 6,293 yards with 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in three seasons. But Wilson is just 25 years old and shown flashes of potential. We’ve already seen one former New York Jet leave and find success elsewhere, Wilson could be the next case.
Daniel Jones

After being released by the Giants midseason, Daniel Jones signed with the Minnesota Vikings to learn under quarterback guru Kevin O’Connell. Early reports have stated that the Vikings want to bring back Jones to back-up Sam Darnold in 2025. But if a team thinks they have the resources to help improve Jones, he could be lured away.
The potential is there for Jones. Look at his 2022 season for evidence of that. In that season he passed for 3,205 yards for 15 touchdowns and five interceptions while adding 708 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. He also led New York to a road playoff win in Minnesota that year. It would probably benefit Jones to sit for another year, but with the amount of quarterback-needy teams, someone could take a shot at the former Blue Devil.
Other Notable Quarterbacks

Marcus Mariota – Mariota played well in relief of rookie Jayden Daniels this season. In his limited opportunity Mariota passed finished with a 77.3% completion for 364 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. His starting days are likely behind him, but he could be a great veteran to have in the locker room for a young quarterback. And if push comes to shove he could thrusted into a starting role if need be.
Carson Wentz – Ever since his devastating injury in 2017, Wentz hasn’t been the same MVP-level quarterback. But after sitting behind Patrick Mahomes and learning from Andy Reid for a season Wentz could find himself in a competiton this summer. Like Mariota, Wentz’s starting days are likely behind him, but he could find himself in a position to play a relief role in 2025.
Drew Lock – It seemed like Drew Lock had reached the end of the line after Tommy DeVito was named the starter over him following Daniel Jones’ release. But Lock’s performance against the Colts suggests he may still have some juice. In that game Lock passed for 309 yards and had five total touchdowns en route to a 45-33 win to knock the Colts out of the playoffs. Lock likely only has one more chance, but he certainly could get it in 2025.
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