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Quarterback Carousel: Top 10 Potential NFL Trades

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, March 16th 2026 at 1:59 GMT by Total Pro Sports
      Locales: Maryland, Ohio, UNITED STATES

The Contract Conundrum & The Health Factor

A significant driver of quarterback movement will be expiring contracts. Players like Lamar Jackson, Dak Prescott, and Kirk Cousins find themselves in situations where negotiations could stall, leading to free agency or trades. However, it's not just about money. The increasing scrutiny on player health - exemplified by Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa's injury histories - adds another layer of complexity. Teams are increasingly hesitant to commit massive long-term deals to players with recurring injury concerns, even those with proven talent. This reluctance to risk substantial capital on fragile assets could force teams to explore alternative options.

1. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) to the New York Jets: The Jets are widely expected to move on from Aaron Rodgers after his retirement. Pairing Jackson with a robust defense and talented receiving corps could instantly make the Jets Super Bowl contenders. While the Ravens appreciate Jackson's unique skill set, the franchise tag game is a precarious one, and a clean separation could benefit both sides.

2. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) to the Chicago Bears: Despite Herbert's undeniable talent, the Chargers haven't consistently translated that into wins. The Bears, armed with a top draft pick in the near future and a rebuilding roster, desperately need a franchise quarterback. Herbert provides an immediate upgrade and a proven commodity around which to build.

3. Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) to the Las Vegas Raiders: The Cowboys' perennial playoff disappointments despite Prescott's consistency might finally push them to seek a change. The Raiders, consistently searching for stability at the position, offer a potentially lucrative landing spot for Prescott and a chance to be the unquestioned face of the franchise.

4. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) to the Washington Commanders: Burrow's recent injury history is troubling. If the Bengals aren't confident in his long-term durability, they might reluctantly explore a trade. The Commanders have been searching for a quarterback for years, and Burrow, when healthy, is a top-tier talent.

5. Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) to the Tennessee Titans: Lawrence hasn't blossomed into the generational talent many predicted. The Jaguars may decide to cut their losses, and the Titans, with a fading roster and a need for a new face, could take a chance on Lawrence hoping a change of scenery rejuvenates his career.

6. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) to the Denver Broncos: Allen's massive contract will be a major obstacle for the Bills. If they struggle to contend, they might consider trading him to recoup assets. The Broncos, perpetually seeking a franchise quarterback, would gladly absorb Allen's contract for a chance to compete.

7. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers) to the New England Patriots: The Patriots are in a full rebuild. While Purdy has led the 49ers to success, they may prioritize a quarterback with a higher ceiling. Purdy provides a stable, if not spectacular, option for the Patriots as they rebuild, offering leadership and minimizing risk.

8. Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers) to the Atlanta Falcons: Wilson's time in Pittsburgh has been underwhelming. The Falcons, while improved, still lack a consistent quarterback. Wilson offers veteran leadership and experience, even if his peak is behind him.

9. Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) to the Carolina Panthers: The Panthers have been searching for a reliable quarterback since the departure of Cam Newton. Cousins, despite his age, remains a capable starter and could provide stability for a team desperate for it.

10. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) to the Indianapolis Colts: Tagovailoa's health concerns persist. The Dolphins might opt for a more durable option. The Colts need a long-term solution at quarterback, and Tagovailoa, if healthy, could be a cost-effective gamble.

Ripple Effects and Dark Horses

These moves won't happen in a vacuum. The reshuffling of quarterbacks will undoubtedly create a domino effect, impacting draft strategies, free agency targets, and coaching decisions across the league. Keep an eye on potential dark horse candidates like Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers) if the Packers decide to move in a different direction, and perhaps even a surprise emergence from a currently unheralded young quarterback. The 2026 NFL season promises to be one of the most fascinating and unpredictable in recent memory, largely due to the impending quarterback shakeup.