Russell Wilson, Anthony Richardson, Jimmy Garoppolo's Best Landing Spots After 2026 NFL Draft Day 1

With the first round of the 2026 NFL draft coming to a close, teams will hope that their respective picks become key building blocks moving forward.

For front offices still searching for help at quarterback, there are multiple options available on the trade market as well as free agency.

Russell Wilson remains a free agent after appearing in six games with the New York Giants last season. While Wilson is 37 years old, the 10-time Pro Bowler doesn't seem to be considering retirement.

Jimmy Garoppolo is another experienced option in free agency, as he has 64 starts under his belt. Garoppolo spent the 2025 season as a depth piece on the Los Angeles Rams.

If teams are searching for a younger option, Anthony Richardson is a possibility after the Indianapolis Colts gave his representatives permission to seek a trade on Feb. 26.

While Richardson has failed to meet expectations after the Colts selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, he's still just 23 years old.

Here are three potential landing spots for Wilson, Richardson and Garoppolo.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

While Baker Mayfield is entrenched as Tampa Bay's starting quarterback, it's worth noting that his current contract expires at the end of the 2026 season.

Mayfield is also coming off a 2025 campaign in which his 63.2 completion percentage, 3,693 passing yards and 26 touchdown passes all represented his lowest marks as a member of the Buccaneers.

If he takes another step back in 2026 and Tampa Bay misses the playoffs for a second consecutive year, the team could start exploring new options under center.

Although Wilson and Garoppolo don't fit the timeline of a young possible replacement for Mayfield, Richardson could be an option.

The Buccaneers have already shown that they're willing to part ways with veteran contributors, as wide receiver Mike Evans joined the San Francisco 49ers in free agency this offseason.

Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Los Angeles could target Wilson or Richardson as Matthew Stafford's backup, while a reunion with Garoppolo makes sense as well.

Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed that the team was interested in bringing back Garoppolo during the annual league meetings in Phoenix.

"Hey, I'd love to have Jimmy Garoppolo back with us," McVay said, per Stu Jackson of the team's official website. "That's a big deal for us. He's earned the right to be able to take his time and do whatever he wants."

Stafford appeared in all 17 games last year and earned MVP honors, but he's 38 years old and is projected to hit free agency after the 2026 season. He also contemplated retirement at the end of his 2024 campaign.

Stafford has dealt with injuries in the past, as he only appeared in nine games during the 2022 season due to a spinal cord contusion.

If health woes surface again for the veteran in 2026, the Rams could use an experienced option such as Wilson or Garoppolo to help the team potentially clinch a fourth consecutive playoff appearance.

Los Angeles might also add Richardson and give him a full season to grow comfortable in McVay's system before possibly viewing him as Stafford's successor.

Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/David Dermer

The Packers are another team that could make an addition at backup quarterback behind Jordan Love, especially after reserve signal-caller Malik Willis left to sign a three-year contract worth $67.5 million with the Miami Dolphins in free agency.

Green Bay still has Desmond Ridder on its roster, but Ridder has been inconsistent when give extended playing time throughout his NFL career.

As the Packers look to enter the NFC playoff picture once again, they could choose to bring in a veteran passer instead.

Garoppolo may be a strong fit in Green Bay given his experience playing under McVay. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was previously on McVay's coaching staff, serving as the Rams' offensive coordinator in 2017.

While LaFleur doesn't have any ties to Wilson, his 17 games of playoff experience under center could be valuable to Green Bay.

If the Packers want to replace Willis with another younger passer, Richardson is also an option.