Lingering QB Carousel Predictions for Remainder of 2025 NFL Offseason
The NFL quarterback carousel is usually slowing by now, at least before one more burst of acceleration on draft weekend.
That is still to come, but we also have some accomplished veterans still lingering on the carousel this year.
That being the case, let's make some pre-draft predictions for how things pan out with all of the high-profile quarterbacks whose 2025 homes still aren't determined.
Aaron Rodgers
1 of 7
Latest
We have been waiting for this domino to fall, but it's been two weeks since Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan both expressed confidence that the four-time MVP would become their next starting QB. The fact that it hasn't yet happened could indicate the Minnesota Vikings are still in play, or the New Orleans Saints are weighing up Derek Carr's shoulder injury.
Where He Will Land: Steelers
Rodgers is probably drawing this out because that's what he does, but those comments from key figures within the Steelers organization indicate they are pretty confident.
Where He Should Land: A Broadcast Booth
At 41, Rodgers is done, and he has been since the end of the 2021 season.
Kirk Cousins
2 of 7
Latest
There’s a feeling that if the Falcons were going to get rid of Cousins, they would have done so before a $10 million roster bonus became guaranteed last month. The Browns also just signed Joe Flacco, potentially closing another door.
If nothing is triggered by the draft or a Rodgers move, Cousins could stay as backup to Michael Penix Jr. in 2025.
Where He Will Land: Falcons
As Penix's backup, which is wildly costly but makes sense considering how much he's owed regardless as well as covering any uncertainty surrounding the 2024 No. 8 overall pick.
Where He Should Land: Steelers
Pittsburgh finding a way to get the Falcons to pay for most of their quarterback's salary (one year after the team did the same to the Broncos) would be a safer roll of the dice than the expensive and potentially problematic Rodgers.
Derek Carr
3 of 7
Latest
Suddenly, a shoulder injury suffered last year is threatening Carr's 2025 season. It feels like there's more to this, and that was also suggested by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated when he noted trade rumors began to swirl soon after Kellen Moore was hired as head coach in February.
Where He Will Land: Saints
Carr is too costly and damaged to go elsewhere now, but don't be surprised if he spends most or all of the season on the sideline.
Where He Should Land: Saints
As a backup while the team explores ways to get rid of him beyond 2025.
.jpg?w=256 "Falcons Vikings Football")
Will Levis
4 of 7
Latest
Late in March, Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker said the franchise hadn't had any trade discussions around Levis and the third-year quarterback "has a chance to compete for a starting job."
That's about what you would expect him to say, but even if true, it could change based on how things play out with Rodgers, Cousins, Carr and on draft weekend.
Where He Will Land: Titans
The team drafts Cam Ward first overall and keeps Levis around to work with the rookie.
Where He Should Land: Titans
That's the right thing to do when you consider even top picks are rolls of the dice and Levis costs just $2.6 million.
Cam Ward
5 of 7
Latest
The Titans are apparently "sold" on the Miami product in the top spot, and recent mock drafts throughout the country reflect that.
Where He Will Land: Titans
See above. We're not going to get a big surprise next Thursday evening at 8 p.m. ET.
Where He Should Land: Titans
I'm not going to pretend to know he's the real deal, because nobody does. That said, he can make all the throws and his red flags are addressable. You don't get a shot like this often, and Ward is worth the swing at the top.
Shedeur Sanders
6 of 7
Latest
Formerly a frequent top-three pick in the mock draft realm, the Colorado product has seen his stock fall pretty broadly, but many view him as a target for the Saints at No. 9 overall now that Carr's status is cloudy.
Where He Will Land: Raiders
This is a gut feeling from years of exposure to this team. I just don't think the Raiders will be able to pass him up in the No. 6 spot, regardless of Geno Smith.
Where He Should Land: Saints or Steelers
But only after New Orleans trades down into the second half of Round 1. Even the potentially risky Sanders is worth a gamble outside of the top dozen or so picks.
Jaxson Dart
7 of 7
Latest
Widely viewed as "that other potential first-round pick" among the three in this quarterback class, the Ole Miss product has been visiting with teams across the board this draft season.
Where He Will Land: Steelers
The Saints just won't be well-positioned if the Raiders do what I think they'll do.
Where He Should Land: Steelers
Dart has the package to become a strong NFL starter, and that would be hard for Pittsburgh to pass up in the bottom 12, even with Rodgers or Cousins on the roster.
.jpg?w=480 "Falcons Vikings Football")
.jpg?w=600 "Brissett Wants Starter Money")
.jpg?w=600 "Ravens star calls out former coach")
