5 most impactful quarterback signings in NFL free agency

The first major of NFL free agency passed with several impactful signings. However, a good quarterback signing has more impact on a team than any other position. In this free agency cycle, some teams found their starting quarterback, while some tried to go for experienced journeymen to either be a bridge for their quarterback of the future or add extra competition in the room.

This quarterback free agency class was top-heavy, but these five signings could make the most impact for their teams. 5. Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Las Vegas Raiders brought in Cousins to be a steady veteran presence, and he fits in perfectly. The 15-year NFL veteran has experience under head coach Klint Kubiak’s offensive system.

When Kubiak was the quarterbacks coach (2019-20) and offensive coordinator (2021), he helped Cousins to two Pro Bowls (2019, 2021). More: Tiger Woods bodycam video from recent DUI arrest goes viral With the Raiders expected to draft Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, Kubiak is bringing in Cousins to mentor Mendoza while also showing his familiarity with the system. According to Tom Pelissero , Kubiak said that ideally, a rookie like Mendoza “could sit behind a mature adult” rather than start from Day 1, and Cousins is that mature adult.