NFL free agency: Top quarterbacks available from starters to bridge options

James Jones explains why he would rather pay Russell Wilson than Sam Darnold.

The new football year is nearly upon us, and NFL teams searching for a reliable QB1 will have several palatable options long before they get to draft night. 

There are a number of quarterback-needy teams following this offseason — some in search of a starter, others in search of a reliable veteran.

Regardless of the need, this year’s free agency market appears to have a little something for everyone.

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis.  (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Sam Darnold, once a sought-after pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, finds himself atop the quarterback options in free agency after a breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings.

After signing a $10 million, one-year deal with Minnesota, Darnold led the Vikings on an impressive run throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He became the first quarterback to win 14 games in his first season with a team and just the fourth in NFL history to have at least 12 games with multiple touchdown passes and passer rating of at least 100 in a season. 

Despite a rough finish, which included a playoff loss, Darnold will likely be a starter regardless of where he lands — which could very well still be in Minnesota.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) scrambles away from Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, rear, during the second half of an NFL football game in Las Vegas,