The 2025 NFL offseason brought about some fascinating quarterback carousel moves through trades and free agency, though five particular changes captured most of the spotlight. Sam Darnold found his way to the Seattle Seahawks, Justin Fields landed with the New York Jets, Daniel Jones ended up with the Indianapolis Colts, Aaron Rodgers made his way to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Geno Smith got traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. Each quarterback now leads their respective new franchise with mixed results that tell different stories.
Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
2025 Stats: 11 passing touchdowns (tied 5th), 1,541 yards (3rd), 78.5 QBR (3rd), 70.8% completion (tied 6th)
Darnold has successfully built upon the momentum from his impressive 2024 breakout season in Minnesota, establishing himself among the league’s elite quarterbacks by QBR. His statistics paint a picture of aggressive yet calculated play—leading the NFL in both air yards per attempt (9.0) and yards per attempt (9.6) while keeping his sack rate remarkably low at 4.1%. This combination shows a quarterback who isn’t afraid to attack downfield but also knows when to get rid of the ball. Within Seattle’s ground-focused offensive scheme, Darnold’s mobility and accuracy while moving outside the pocket have become his signature traits.
That said, clutch-time execution has presented some concerns. Seattle’s two losses this season both featured costly late-game turnovers from Darnold—a strip sack against San Francisco in the opener and a deflected interception in Week 5 that set up the opponent’s winning field goal. On the flip side, his game-winning drive against Arizona in Week 4 showcased the kind of composure that made Minnesota believers last year.
Projected 2026 Status: An 80% likelihood exists that Darnold stays put in Seattle next season. His $27.5 million salary for 2026 includes guaranteed money that kicks in shortly after the Super Bowl, creating a narrow decision window for the Seahawks. Should his strong play continue, a contract extension could very well be on the table.
Justin Fields, New York Jets
2025 Stats: 4 passing touchdowns (tied 28th), 799 yards (29th), 36.5 QBR (29th), 65.0% completion (22nd)
Fields brings a rushing dimension that few quarterbacks can match, already accumulating 235 yards on the ground and positioned to demolish the Jets’ single-season quarterback rushing record. His legs create plays that don’t exist on paper, like his electrifying 43-yard touchdown scamper in Week 4 that reminded everyone why Chicago drafted him.
The passing game tells a different story entirely. Fields appears indecisive and prone to poor choices, most glaring during his nine-sack performance against Denver where pocket presence seemed foreign. His QBR sits at its lowest point since his rookie campaign, raising questions about his development trajectory. The Jets committed two years and $40 million to what amounts to an extended tryout.
Projected 2026 Status: Just a 25% chance Fields remains the Jets’ starter come next season. Sitting at 0-6 with a potential top draft pick looming, New York can move on without significant financial penalty. At 26, Fields still possesses the physical tools, but dramatic improvement needs to happen soon.
Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts
2025 Stats: 8 passing touchdowns (tied 17th), 1,502 yards (7th), league-leading 79.7 QBR, 71.7% completion (3rd)
Jones has delivered perhaps the most surprising quarterback story of 2025. His league-leading QBR speaks to a transformation under Shane Steichen’s guidance, jumping his yards per attempt from a career 6.6 to 8.3. A microscopic 2.7% sack rate leads the NFL and reflects both improved decision-making and the Colts’ well-structured offensive approach.
Ball security presents the one minor red flag: three interceptions and two fumbles across his past three games, though Indianapolis managed to recover both fumbles. Protecting the football will determine whether this hot start translates to sustained success.
Projected 2026 Status: Jones carries an 80% probability of remaining in Indianapolis. His current one-year, $14 million deal could evolve into an extension or franchise tag situation, particularly if the winning continues. While rookie Anthony Richardson waits in the wings, Jones’ stellar play has earned him breathing room.
Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 Stats: 10 passing touchdowns (tied 9th), 1,021 yards (25th), 49.0 QBR (23rd), 68.8% completion (11th)
Rodgers’ Pittsburgh chapter has exceeded most expectations, both performance-wise and culturally. Operating on a one-year contract, he’s meshed well with the Steelers’ blue-collar identity. Defensive captain Cameron Heyward has praised Rodgers for bringing the locker room together this season in ways that weren’t anticipated.
The downfield passing game remains somewhat conservative, though. Rodgers ranks dead last in air yards per attempt (5.3), even as Pittsburgh excels in yards after catch—a clear sign of a dink-and-dunk approach. Just two completions of 20+ air yards all season suggests either scheme limitations or arm strength concerns.
Projected 2026 Status: Only a 5% chance Rodgers returns, with retirement appearing almost certain. Despite a respectable season, his December birthday will mark 42 years, and previous comments about this being his swan song seem prophetic.
Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
2025 Stats: 7 passing touchdowns (tied 21st), 1,350 yards (11th), 37.8 QBR (28th), 66.1% completion (20th)
Smith’s Raiders tenure has been defined by turnovers, with 10 interceptions through six games marking the worst such stretch for any NFL quarterback since 2020. Three straight games with picks had him squarely in the hot seat before Week 6.
Las Vegas’ victory over Tennessee in Week 6 provided a blueprint for Smith’s success: balanced offensive attack, short-to-intermediate routes, and limiting his responsibility to single-handedly win games. When the game plan suits his strengths, Smith can still be effective.
Projected 2026 Status: Smith faces roughly 50-50 odds of staying with Las Vegas. With $18.5 million of his $26.5 million 2026 salary already guaranteed, the Raiders must decide by March whether to cut bait or stick with him. His struggles combined with turning 35 could push the organization toward fresher alternatives.
This overview captures how these five quarterbacks have navigated new environments during 2025 and what their futures might hold heading into 2026.
