The Raiders traded a third-round pick and paid Geno Smith $58.5 million for 15 games, a high-cost gamble that produced only two wins and underscored deeper issues with the team's roster and quarterback planning.
At the NFL Combine, the Dolphins are weighing quarterback options as discussions around a potential Anthony Richardson trade with the Colts emerge. Richardson, a rare physical specimen with a big arm but accuracy and durability concerns, would give Miami a high-upside option in a rebuild, potentially competing with Quinn Ewers and a veteran to see if he can develop into a long-term starter.
The 49ers publicly say they won’t trade Mac Jones after he stepped in for an injured Brock Purdy and delivered a solid season, keeping him under contract through 2026. Despite suggested Steelers interest and potential draft-capital moves, San Francisco appears committed to Jones as either a starter or valuable backup, while Pittsburgh weighs options ahead of the draft. A trade would aim to maximize value before or during the draft, but could backfire if Jones performs well in 2026 or becomes expensive to keep.
The article discusses the potential NFL quarterback swap between Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa, suggesting it could benefit both teams by providing a fresh start and possibly reviving their careers, especially given the uncertain future and draft prospects at the position. It also touches on other NFL trade and team strategies, emphasizing the importance of quarterback stability for playoff success.
The Cincinnati Bengals considered 13 quarterbacks, including Joe Flacco, as potential replacements for Joe Burrow during his injury, ultimately choosing Flacco for his drop-back passing skills to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The article recounts the near-trade of Bengals quarterback A.J. McCarron to the Browns in 2017, which was ultimately foiled by a paperwork filing error just before the deadline, leading to a missed opportunity that benefited the Browns' future draft strategy.
The Bengals have acquired quarterback Joe Flacco from the Browns in an intra-AFC North trade, as they seek to address their quarterback situation with Jake Browning struggling and Joe Burrow expected to return in December. Flacco, with experience in the division and a Super Bowl win, will help fill the gap until Burrow's return.
The Cincinnati Bengals traded for quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns to address their quarterback issues after losing their starting QB Joe Burrow to injury and struggling with Jake Browning, receiving a sixth-round pick while giving up a fifth-round pick.
The Atlanta Falcons' defense has started the 2025 season strongly, with potential for sustainability due to their aggressive blitzing and young playmakers, but tougher tests lie ahead. Meanwhile, questions about a possible Kirk Cousins trade to Cincinnati arise following Joe Burrow's injury, though it seems unlikely due to cap space constraints. Additionally, the Falcons aim to improve Drake London's involvement in the offense, which has been affected by defensive strategies and quarterback inconsistency, but optimism remains for future explosive plays.
The Philadelphia Eagles, after trading for quarterback Sam Howell to serve as a backup and emergency option, may still be looking to bolster their defense by trading for an edge rusher like Travon Walker or Jaelan Phillips, with potential trade details and strategic considerations discussed.
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins did not attend the team's OTA practices, raising questions about his future with the team amid trade rumors and his no-trade clause, with negotiations ongoing about his 2025 contract and potential cap relief for the Falcons.
Former NFL GM and ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III believes the Pittsburgh Steelers made a steal by trading for quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears for a conditional pick. The trade is considered the best move of the NFL offseason, with Fields expected to bring a new dimension to the Steelers' quarterback room with his athleticism. The trade also involved the Steelers acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr. with the pick they received for wide receiver Chase Claypool, who flamed out in Chicago. The upcoming quarterback battle between Fields and Russell Wilson will likely hinge on their ability to address their respective weaknesses in taking unnecessary sacks and minimizing negative plays.
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet revealed that head coach Matt Eberflus informed him of the trade involving quarterback Justin Fields, showing appreciation for being kept in the loop. Kmet expressed gratitude for the gesture and acknowledged the need to build rapport with a new quarterback while emphasizing the team's readiness to excel in the upcoming season.
Former Bears quarterback Justin Fields blocked trades to four NFL teams before being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he wanted to play. The Steelers acquired Fields after trading away quarterback Kenny Pickett and signing Russell Wilson. Fields expressed gratitude to Chicago and his former teammates as he embarks on a new chapter with the Steelers. The quarterback musical chairs continued in the NFL's free agency, with other notable moves including Kirk Cousins joining the Falcons and Joe Flacco signing with the Colts.
The Eagles' decision to trade for Kenny Pickett instead of Justin Fields has raised questions, with many believing that Fields would have been a better fit for the team's offense and a stronger backup to starter Jalen Hurts. However, concerns about potential quarterback controversy and Fields' preference to join a team with an older starter may have influenced the decision. Fields ultimately ended up with the Steelers, where he could potentially become the starting quarterback after Russell Wilson, while Pickett was traded to the Eagles.