NFL Rumors on Kirk Cousins, Anthony Richardson, Joe Flacco, More QB's Ahead of Free Agency

The start of March signifies that NFL free agency is officially on the horizon, and there are a bevy of quarterbacks that will be available this offseason.

ESPN's Dan Graziano provided a primer on the expected free-agent signal-callers before the legal negotiating window officially opens on March 9.

Graziano explained that the Atlanta Falcons are likely to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins before his $67.9 million salary becomes fully guaranteed at the start of the league new year. The team already owes him a $10 million roster bonus this year, regardless of whether he's still in Atlanta.

Despite rumors that Cousins could retire and transition to broadcasting, Graziano reported that he was told they are "incorrect," and the 37-year-old wants to continue playing in 2026. Graziano added that while he quickly got deals done with the Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings the last two times he was a free agent, Cousins "likely will wait to see how some of these situations shake out before deciding -- even if that means waiting through the offseason for some team's situation to change in his favor."

A candidate has quickly emerged to replace Cousins with the Falcons. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco played well enough with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals last year to generate interest from some teams around the league this offseason. However, Graziano noted that "a lot of folks" in attendance at the NFL scouting combine this past week said that they "expect Flacco to follow coach Kevin Stefanski to Atlanta as an option in case Michael Penix Jr. isn't ready to start the season."

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr.'s agent announced last week that he's been permitted to seek a trade this offseason. Unfortunately, Graziano reported that "it's unclear whether there will be a market for him."

In addition to Richardson, the trade market is set to be filled with more quarterback options. According to Graziano, "Teams that have better-known backups entering the final years of their contracts... are seeing if there's interest and whether they can get trade value out of this offseason's odd QB market." He named Tyson Bagent of the Chicago Bears, Tanner McKee of the Philadelphia Eagles, Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans, Davis Mills of the Houston Texans and Jarrett Stidham of the Denver Broncos as candidates to be moved this offseason.

It sounds like teams in need of improvements at the quarterback position will have a slew of options available to them when free agency opens later this month.