The matchups for the NFL's penultimate playoff round have been set, and the field is down to four teams. Unsurprisingly, all four teams still vying for a trip to Super Bowl LIX have high-end quarterbacks leading their respective offenses.

It's virtually impossible to make a deep playoff run without a quality signal-caller, which is why teams without franchise quarterbacks are constantly searching for starters. While the 2024 quarterback carousel wasn't expansive, we did see recent starters such as Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins and Justin Fields find opportunities with new teams.

Meanwhile, six quarterbacks were drafted in the first round last offseason. That isn't likely to happen in 2025—the Bleacher Report Scouting Department has only two quarterbacks ranked among its top 32 prospects—so there should be more of a premium on the position on the free-agent and trade markets.

Several signal-callers will be targeted for full-time starting or bridge roles this spring. Whether they can deliver the desired results will largely hinge on factors like coaching, scheme fit, supporting cast and franchise trajectory.

With this in mind, let's examine 10 of the top quarterbacks who could change teams in 2025, along with the best and worst potential landing spots for them.

Jacoby Brissett

Best Landing Spot: Miami Dolphins

Jacoby Brissett isn't an NFL starter, but he's established himself as a high-level backup and a capable bridge quarterback. The New England Patriots added him as their placeholder in 2024 before picking Drake Maye to be their quarterback of the future.

Brissett didn't perform well with the Patriots this past season, although he was hampered by one of the league's worst supporting casts. He was much more effective as a placeholder for the Cleveland Browns in 2022, when he posted a respectable 88.9 quarterback rating.

A few teams will likely target Brissett as a 2025 bridge option. However, the best move for him could involve a return to the Miami Dolphins. Miami desperately needs a capable and experienced backup behind Tua Tagovailoa, who has a notable history of injuries and concussions.

Tagovailoa's stint on injured reserve effectively sunk Miami's playoff chances in 2024. While Brissett can't replicate Tagovailoa's skill set, he could help Miami navigate a stretch without Tagovailoa better than it did with Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle.

The Dolphins have a different coaching staff than they had when Brissett started five games for them in 2021. However, Brissett could find some familiar faces in Miami. Assistant offensive line coach Lemuel Jeanpierre and associate head coach/running backs coach Eric Studesville were both on the 2021 staff.

Worst Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders

Brissett began his NFL career as a backup to Tom Brady with the New England Patriots. Brady is now a Raiders minority owner and is already wielding considerable influence. According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Brady made the call on the firing of general manager Tom Telesco.

"This had nothing to do with Telesco as a GM. This has everything to do with what Brady wants to bring to Las Vegas," Russini wrote.

The Raiders need a franchise quarterback. While Brissett isn't that, it's not difficult to imagine him as a bridge option in Las Vegas.

The problem is that the Raiders already have a bridge QB in Aidan O'Connell, who has started 17 games over the past two seasons and is still on a rookie contract. Las Vegas also has Gardner Minshew, though it could save $6 million in cap space by releasing him with a post-June 1 designation.

Assuming the Raiders add another quarterback this offseason, Brissett would likely be their QB3 at best. That's hardly ideal if he's looking to maximize his earnings and maintain a reputation as a top-tier backup and potential bridge quarterback. He earned $8 million to fill that role in New England this past season.

Kirk Cousins

Best Landing Spot: Cleveland Browns

Last offseason, Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. However, he was benched late in the season for rookie Michael Penix Jr. and may soon find himself on the trade market.

According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, Atlanta doesn't plan to release Cousins but will "listen to teams in regards to trade offers."

To get anything of value for the 36-year-old, the Falcons might have to agree to pay most of the $65 million in dead money remaining on his deal, along with a chunk of his $27.5 million base salary. If that happens and Cousins becomes a true financial bargain, the Browns would make a lot of sense for him.

Cleveland appears poised to move on from Deshaun Watson, who may be under contract in 2025 but recently suffered a second Achilles rupture. The Browns are projected to be $27.5 million over the cap and will need to go the budget route at quarterback. They could also provide Cousins with a solid schematic fit.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski coached Cousins for two years with the Minnesota Vikings. He was the offensive coordinator when Cousins made the Pro Bowl in 2019. Cleveland may target a quarterback with the second overall pick in the draft, but Cousins would be an ideal bridge option if he doesn't cost much financially

A return to Minnesota could also make sense for Cousins, though it feels less likely after Minnesota turned the page on him last offseason.

Worst Landing Spot: Atlanta Falcons

Cousins had some impressive performances with the Falcons in 2024 before he tapered off, possibly because of injuries. However, he never appeared truly comfortable in Zac Robinson's offense.

More importantly, the Falcons have already moved on to Penix. Cousins won't have an opportunity to reestablish himself by staying in Atlanta, and a continued partnership could get extremely awkward.

The Falcons have insisted that they'd be "comfortable" keeping Cousins as a backup. However, there's no way they'll want to pay $27.5 million for quarterback insurance. If Atlanta can't move Cousins, it'll almost certainly ask him to take a substantial pay cut.

Unless Cousins is willing to take a reduced salary to stand around with a clipboard—which isn't a bad gig if you can get it—he'll need to find a new team in 2025.

Andy Dalton

Best Landing Spot: Tennessee Titans

Andy Dalton is firmly in the backup/bridge stage of his career, but he still figures to draw interest in free agency. With 168 regular-season starts on his resume, including five in 2024, Dalton is a top bridge/mentor option for a team looking to draft a quarterback.

The Carolina Panthers picked Dalton for that role before taking Bryce Young No. 1 overall in 2023.

The Tennessee Titans could be a terrific situation for Dalton. Tennessee is likely to target a quarterback—presumably either Colorado's Shedeur Sanders or Miami's Cam Ward—with the first overall pick in this year's draft. Given Will Levis' ongoing struggles and Mason Rudolph's impending free agency, the Titans will probably want a new veteran stopgap.

Dalton would be a sensible target since he presumably isn't looking to reestablish himself as a full-time starter at this point in his career and he's familiar with head coach Brian Callahan. Callahan was the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive coordinator in 2019, which was Dalton's final season with the franchise.

Tennessee's supporting cast needs work, and Dalton is highly unlikely to find himself leading a playoff run in 2025. However, he could land a respectable one- or two-year deal while helping the Titans navigate the early stages of their next quarterback's career, just as he did for the Panthers and Young.

Worst Landing Spot: New Orleans Saints

Dalton played for the New Orleans Saints in 2022 and went 6-8 as the starter. A return could make some sense if New Orleans decides to move on from Derek Carr this offseason. That's theoretically possible, as the Saints would save $30 million in cap space by cutting Carr with a post-June 1 designation.

However, the Saints seem likely to hang onto Carr for another season. They probably won't land a top QB prospect with the ninth overall pick, and they can't afford to pursue a top free agent since they're already projected to be $59.2 million over the cap this offseason.

"Right now, because this team is so strapped against the cap, Derek Carr is in line to be back next year," ESPN's Adam Schefter said on Monday Night Countdown in Week 16.

If Carr remains in New Orleans, Dalton could only hope for a low-level backup contract with the Saints. If they part ways with Carr, he might get a chance to compete with Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler for the starting job. However, he'd have to do so on a bargain contract and for a new coaching staff with which he is unfamiliar.

Dalton would have almost nothing to gain from a Saints reunion.

Sam Darnold

Best Landing Spot: New York Giants

Sam Darnold imploded over the final two games of the 2024 season. His tendency to hold onto the ball became a massive problem as pressure packages made him uncomfortable in the pocket.

While it was a disappointing end to an othterwise remarkable season—Darnold posted a career-high 102.5 passer rating and made his first Pro Bowl—it should make it easier for Minnesota to begin turning the page to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.

However, McCarthy missed his entire rookie season because of a torn meniscus. There's no guarantee that he'll be ready physically or mentally to be the Week 1 starter for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, although the Vikings are hopeful.

"He's returned to on-field training, he's returned to being able to be right where we hoped he would be at this point to have the type of offseason to answer that question," head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters on January 17.

With McCarthy's rookie season essentially being pushed back a year, retaining Darnold on a short-term deal or the franchise tag would be logical. However, a change of scenery might be better for Darnold.

Darnold's end goal is likely to become the established full-time starter that he never was in his previous stops. He may never get that opportunity if he returns to Minnesota, only to be pulled for McCarthy after a few games.

The time is now for Darnold to cash in on his strong regular season. The New York Giants could be a strong landing spot for him. They have a true No. 1 receiver in Malik Nabers and a head coach in Brian Daboll who can maximize Darnold's arm strength and athleticism, as he did with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.

The Giants need a new franchise quarterback after dumping Daniel Jones in-season, and there's no guarantee that they'll be able to land either Colorado's Shedeur Sanders and Miami's Cam Ward with the third overall pick in the draft.

Worst Landing Spot: New York Jets

The New York Jets drafted Darnold with the third overall pick in 2018. He had three mostly underwhelming seasons in New York before the Jets traded him to the Carolina Panthers.

The Jets are widely expected to move off of Aaron Rodgers this offseason and will be in the quarterback market if/when they do. However, returning to Gang Green should be at the very bottom of Darnold's wish list.

New York has done nothing in recent years to suggest it knows how to develop a young quarterback, and the 27-year-old Darnold is still in the learning phase of his career. Returning to the franchise that abandoned him a few years ago would create an immense amount of pressure as well.

If Darnold finds a new team in 2025, he'll already be expected to play like the Pro Bowler we saw for most of the 2024 season. That expectation will be enough of a burden in and of itself. Darnold does not need the added stress of being a quarterback on a second chance with a franchise starving for a long-term answer at quarterback.

Justin Fields

Best Landing Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers

Justin Fields started the first six games of the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers before they benched him for Russell Wilson. However, there's a chance that the Steelers will retain him while allowing Wilson to walk in free agency.

"Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are free agents, and it is highly unlikely both will be re-signed," Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote on Jan. 18. "...Bringing in another veteran quarterback does not make sense. That's why Fields, in all likelihood, will be given the job."

Field might not want to consider a change of scenery. Pittsburgh gave him an opportunity and he responded well, although not well enough to keep Wilson on the sideline. A second opportunity as the unquestioned starter could be exactly what the 25-year-old needs to salvage his NFL career.

While Fields didn't work out for the Chicago Bears, he did flash his physical upside in three seasons with the franchise. He appeared to be a more refined signal-caller during his 2024 stretch with the Steelers, posting a career-best 93.3 passer rating.

Fields hasn't come close to his NFL ceiling. Continuity could serve him well. He's already played for three head coaches and three offensive coordinators in his four NFL seasons.

Pittsburgh does need to upgrade its offensive supporting cast in a big way, but it remains the only franchise capable of offering Fields both familiarity and an opportunity to start for a playoff-caliber team.

Worst Landing Spot: Cleveland Browns

Fields theoretically could be the sort of budget quarterback that the Browns need to help navigate the remaining two years of Deshaun Watson's contract. However, Cleveland isn't an ideal fit for the Ohio State product.

The Browns fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey after the regular season and promoted tight ends coach Tommy Rees to replace him. Unless Cleveland thinks highly enough of Rees to hand him offensive control after only a year of NFL coaching experience, it's probably going back to the preferred offense of head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Stefanski changed the core philosophies of his offense in 2024 in an attempt to get more out of Watson. In previous years, his system focused heavily on wide-zone runs, under-center formations and play-action passing. It was best-suited for a pocket-passing quarterback with precision, accuracy, a quick release and a great sense of timing.

These aren't Fields' biggest strengths, though he did show better processing skills in 2024. That is likely why Fields was replaced by Wilson for an Arthur Smith offense that isn't wholly dissimilar to Stefanski's.

The Browns can't offer Fields a better schematic fit, and they probably can't offer him a chance to establish himself as a franchise quarterback. Barring a major surprise, Cleveland will likely select its next QB of the future with the second or 33rd pick in the draft.

Joe Flacco

Best Landing Spot: Cleveland Browns

Joe Flacco was signed off the couch in 2023, helped lead the Browns to the playoffs and was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year for his efforts. He parlayed that stretch into a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts, where he served as a mentor to Anthony Richardson and an occasional starter.

A return to the Colts is possible, though Indianapolis should fully commit to Richardson in 2025 to see if the Florida product can be an effective NFL starter. That could lead Flacco to sign with another team, because he's still looking to play.

"I want to be one of those 40-year-olds that has played in the NFL, and I want to play meaningful football games," Flacco said, per JJ Stankevitz of the Colts' official website.

The Browns might not be able to guarantee meaningful games, but a return to Cleveland would make a ton of sense. Flacco proved that he could shine in Stefanski's offense and that he could learn its intricacies quickly.

"Joe picked it up faster in 30 days than Deshaun has in two years," an unnamed member of the organization told The Athletic's Jason Lloyd.

At this point, the Browns should keep Watson far away from a starting role. Even if they draft a quarterback early, they'd be wise to have a veteran in the QB room. If Jameis Winston departs, Flacco would be a logical replacement.

Worst Landing Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers

Flacco's ceiling is high, which is why he landed a $4.5 million deal to back up Richardson in Indianapolis this past season. However, he wouldn't be a good fit in Pittsburgh even if both Wilson and Fields walk in free agency.

The 40-year-old is at his best when he has a good receiving corps that can attack downfield and an offensive line that can keep him clean in the pocket. The Steelers have neither right now. Fields and Wilson were largely functional because of their dual-threat ability, while Flacco is a pure pocket passer.

Flacco's turnover issues—he had 11 in six starts in 2024—would also be a serious problem for a franchise desperately searching for a playoff win. The 2025 expectations will be much higher in Pittsburgh than they are in Cleveland, and the Steelers have enough offensive woes without adding frequent giveaways to the mix.

The Steelers ranked 23rd in total offense and 16th in scoring in 2024 despite Wilson and Fields throwing only six interceptions combined. A rebuilding team might be able to tolerate Flacco's inconsistent ball security, but Pittsburgh can't.

Daniel Jones

Best Landing Spot: Los Angeles Rams

Jones was released by the Giants in November and quickly landed in Minnesota, where he served as depth behind Darnold. While the 27-year-old hasn't established himself as a reliable starter, that doesn't guarantee he can.

The Duke product does possess top-tier physical traits and did help New York reach the postseason in 2022. But to revitalize his career, Jones may need to spend more time developing as a backup like Darnold did with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.

Jones could stay in Minnesota and continue learning under O'Connell. However, O'Connell learned under Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay. Going straight to the source could be even better for Jones.

The Rams don't appear likely to lose Matthew Stafford to retirement, though he's stated that he'll weigh his future.

"I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball," Stafford said after the Rams' divisional-round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, per ESPN's Sarah Barshop. "...Right now, I'm just appreciative of this team."

With Jimmy Garoppolo set to be a free agent, Los Angeles could use a veteran backup. Jones could fill that role while learning under one of the brightest offensive minds in football.

Baker Mayfield's brief partnership with McVay shouldn't be forgotten by any quarterback who's looking to resuscitate his career. That's exactly what Mayfield did with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following his five-game stretch in L.A.

Worst Landing Spot: Tennessee Titans

If Jones is looking to reestablish himself in the NFL, Tennessee won't be the place to do it. The Titans will almost assuredly draft a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, and if they sign a veteran, they'll be looking for a temporary placeholder.

Could Jones fill that role? Perhaps, but he'd gain little by leading an offense with arguably even less supporting talent than the Giants. It's also hard to see how Jones could grow as a quarterback in Tennessee.

Head coach Brian Callahan might work out for the Titans, but he proved very little in Year 1. He isn't an established offensive guru like O'Connell or McVay either, having earned his reputation while working with Joe Burrow as the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive coordinator. Burrow's MVP-caliber season in 2024 suggests that Callahan wasn't responsible for the quarterback's NFL success.

The Titans also couldn't provide Jones with a proven QB like Stafford under whom to learn. Jones would most likely be the veteran leader of a quarterback room that also features Levis and a rookie-to-be-named. What's the upside for Jones in that scenario? Aside from a paycheck, there isn't one.

Aaron Rodgers

Best Landing Spot: Minnesota Vikings

Aaron Rodgers followed his storied Green Bay Packers career with an overwhelmingly disappointing two-year stint with the Jets. A torn Achilles erased his 2023 campaign, and Rodgers repeatedly failed to spark New York's offense in 2024.

Though Rodgers is under contract for another year, the Jets could save $9.5 million by releasing him with a post-June 1 designation. A split feels likely, although the incoming front office could change the outlook.

" It's gonna come down to the GM and coach any myself and whether we all want to do a dance together or if it's not in the cards," Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show (h/t ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio).

While this scenario is highly unlikely, following Brett Favre's Green Bay-to-New-York-to-Minnesota path could be the best possible outcome for Rodgers.

If the 41-year-old decides to extend his NFL career, it'll be to ensure that the Jets debacle isn't his final chapter. He won't come back to lead another directionless franchise. He'll want to play for a contender, and there aren't many that will consider employing him.

For example, the Steelers are already out on the idea of signing Rodgers, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (h/t Zach Pressnell of SI.com).

The Vikings theoretically could have an opening if they part with both Darnold and Jones while deciding that McCarthy needs another year as an understudy. Minnesota has a strong enough offensive cast to support Rodgers, while the veteran has stated that he's open to mentoring a young quarterback.

"I'd mentor the hell out of him if I was playing and I'd try to play as well as I could to keep him on the bench," Rodgers said in December, per ESPN's Rich Cimini.

Is this a likely pairing? No. Should the Vikings want their young signal-caller apprenticing under one of the biggest distractions in football? Probably not.

However, barring a massive surprise—like Stafford retiring or the 49ers deciding to dump Brock Purdy—Minnesota might represent Rodgers' best shot at ending his career with a playoff run.

Worst Landing Spot: New York Jets

Rodgers may return to New York in 2025. According to franchise owner Woody Johnson, that'll be up to the incoming head coach.

"The coach will have to decide what the quarterback situation is," Johnson told Brian Costello of the New York Post.

However, another run with the Jets could be a disaster for both parties. After 14 years without a playoff berth, New York desperately needs a fresh start. Johnson fired head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas during the 2024 season, leaving Rodgers as the last remaining piece of the failed triumvirate.

Moving on from Rodgers, who reportedly had a negative impact on the locker room, should be the next step in the Jets' rebuild.

"It's like Aaron Rodgers has completely sucked the air out of the building," former Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason told WFAN's Boomer and Gio in November.

Rodgers presumably wants to find some success at the tail end of his career. Therefore, he should look to avoid playing on a lame-duck contract for a rebuilding franchise that needs a long-term answer at quarterback.

Russell Wilson

Best Landing Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers

Wilson didn't play well over his final month-plus with the Steelers in 2024. However, he was hampered by poor offensive line play and a receiving corps that lacked both talent and depth.

Despite that, Wilson is hoping that he can return to Pittsburgh in 2025.

"That's the plan," Wilson said, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "I love it here and everything else, and I think we have a great football team."

It's not hard to see why Wilson would prefer another run with the Steelers. He did play well early—he went 6-1 over his first seven starts—and helped Pittsburgh reach the postseason. The Steelers were also willing to give Wilson an opportunity after his two-year flop with the Denver Broncos.

Wilson already knows Arthur Smith's offense and Pittsburgh's personnel. If the Steelers are able to upgrade their offensive supporting cast, there's a good chance that the continuity could lead to better results next season.

Pittsburgh may also be Wilson's best hope for landing a semi-guaranteed starting role in 2025, although that may only happen if Fields isn't retained. The Steelers aren't in position to chase a top quarterback prospect in the draft since they have the No. 21 overall pick.

While Pittsburgh will undoubtedly consider other veteran options like Darnold and Rodgers, it remains the best landing spot for Wilson. Will the Steelers offer him the long-term security he wants? Probably not.

According to Pryor, Wilson wants to play "five to seven more years."

Wilson can't expect a lucrative multi-year deal from anyone after his five-game slide to end 2024. However, returning to the Steelers might allow him to reestablish his value.

Worst Landing Spot: Tennessee Titans

The Titans will almost certainly target a quarterback with the No. 1 pick in the draft, and they'll probably seek a veteran bridge QB before then. Levis proved that he isn't a capable NFL starter at this point in his career, and Rudolph is an impending free agent.

Wilson could be a sensible bridge in Tennessee, but he should look to avoid the Titans if at all possible.

If the 36-year-old is truly hoping to play into his 40s, he needs to find some stability and a true starting opportunity in 2025. He wouldn't find that in Tennessee, where he'd be the placeholder for a heavily-hyped first overall pick. Any on-field struggles would lead to calls for the rookie.

Wilson probably wouldn't thrive in Tennessee, either. While Pittsburgh's supporting cast in 2024 wasn't good, the Titans' was arguably worse. Calvin Ridley barely topped the 1,000-yard mark (1,017 yards), and no other player reached 500 receiving yards on the year.

Tennessee's offensive line was also ranked 28th in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, one spot below Pittsburgh's.

Wilson would be a short-term starter at best in Tennessee, and he'd quickly become an afterthought if and when the rookie takes over.

Jameis Winston

Best Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders

As previously mentioned, the Raiders don't need another bridge quarterback on their roster. They should hope to land a long-term starter in free agency—though there are few options—or secure a top QB prospect in the draft.

Otherwise, sticking with O'Connell and hoping to find a QB in 2026 is probably the best plan as it pertains to the Raiders' starting quarterback spot. However, Las Vegas could afford to add more experience, leadership and positivity to its quarterback room.

The Raiders haven't experienced a lot of joy over the past few seasons, save for a promising but brief stretch at the end of 2023. For all of his flaws on the field, Winston is a tremendous locker-room presence who can help galvanize a team while filling the backup role.

"He definitely has an infectious personality," Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski said in August, per Patrick Warren of the Browns' official website. "You hear him before you see him. Not surprisingly, he's a team guy all the way."

Winston could push O'Connell in ways that quarterbacks like Brissett and Jones probably couldn't, yet he'd be perfectly comfortable filling a depth role if that's how things unfold.

In Las Vegas, Winston could at least get a chance to compete, although his propensity for turnovers might not lead to many starting opportunities. Those issues aren't going to disappear, but playmakers like Brock Bowers, Tre Tucker and Jakobi Meyers would at least complement Winston's strong arm if he were to see the field.

Winston would probably also relish the chance to be part of a Raiders' turnaround, however his role looks.

Worst Landing Spot: New England Patriots

Could Winston's good vibes help lift the Patriots after a disappointing one-year run under Jerod Mayo? Perhaps, but that doesn't mean that New England is an ideal fit for the 31-year-old.

There is a connection, as new head coach Mike Vrabel spent the 2024 season as a consultant for the Browns. However, Winston would have no shot whatsoever at competing for a starting job because New England has a budding star in Drake Maye.

Despite having an underwhelming supporting cast, Maye showed that he's ready to lead an NFL franchise. That supporting cast would be detrimental to Winston, who requires potent pass-catchers and a strong offensive line to thrive.

New England has arguably the league's worst receiving corps and had the NFL's lowest-graded offensive line, according to Pro Football Focus. Winston probably wouldn't fare well if he saw playing time for the Patriots—and he probably wouldn't.

Rookie Joe Milton showed in Week 18 that he's perfectly capable of starting a game or two if needed. If Winston wants a prominent role as a starter or top backup, New England isn't the place for him. Meanwhile, the Patriots shouldn't invest in a player like Winston—who played on a $4 million deal in 2024—for the QB3 role.

*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.