As we approach NFL free agency, it’s always fun to take a peek at who’s looking for a new contract as we try to highlight some of the most intriguing options available. On this page, we’ll focus on quarterbacks and tight ends who are unrestricted free agents for the 2026 NFL season. The goal is to find players who can make an impact in fantasy football leagues.
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Fantasy Football Free Agents: QB & TEs
When making this list, I only included noteworthy players. Backups aren’t included, but they’ll be featured in a bulleted list at the end of each section.
Free Agent Quarterbacks
Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones was terrific in the first half of the season. The former Giant was completely dialed into Shane Steichen’s offense. The Colts were one of the best teams in the NFL. Then, Jones started dealing with a fractured fibula. He tried playing through that injury, but was not nearly as effective. That culminated in a torn Achilles, which ended Jones’ season in Week 14.
The bad news is that Jones is unlikely to have anywhere near the same mobility next season. You’ll likely see him more confined to the pocket than usual. That’s a major hit to his fantasy value going forward. On the other hand, there’s a good chance he stays with the Colts, as he was a perfect fit for Steichen’s offense. I expect Jones to be the Colts’ starting quarterback in 2026.
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers still wants to play. While the results in fantasy football were completely underwhelming, there’s always value in a starting quarterback in a Superflex league. With Mike McCarthy hired as the new head coach of the Steelers, there’s a chance Rodgers remains in Pittsburgh.
The only other logical fit is with the Vikings, pushing J.J. McCarthy as competition for the starting role. Either way, playing for McCarthy or Kevin O’Connell should mean a better offense than Arthur Smith’s scheme that Rodgers dealt with in 2025.
Malik Willis
Malik Willis is the most intriguing free-agent quarterback name. We saw what he can do when he faced the Ravens late in the season. This is a dual-threat quarterback who can make a major impact in fantasy football. All eyes will be on his landing spot.
I like the fit with the Dolphins, especially after they hired former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as head coach. That kind of familiarity can bring Willis to Miami, where he can lead a run-heavy offense for a team that wants to get better at winning cold-weather games.
Additional Notable Free Agent Quarterbacks
- Russell Wilson
- Marcus Mariota
- Zach Wilson
- Tyrod Taylor
- Joe Flacco
- Kenny Pickett
- Jimmy Garoppolo
- Mitchell Trubisky
- Case Keenum
- Trey Lance
- Brandon Allen
- Josh Johnson
- Carson Wentz
- Kyle Allen
- Teddy Bridgewater
- John Wolford
- Tyler Huntley
- Easton Stick
- Brett Rypien
- Gardner Minshew
- Skylar Thompson
- Sam Howell
- Sam Ehlinger
Free Agent Tight Ends
Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce is an unrestricted free agent, but the landing spot here isn’t debatable. He either returns to the Chiefs or retires. Kelce still showed some juice last season, finishing as the TE9 in fantasy points per game. If he returns for another season, there’s some value as a high-floor tight end.
David Njoku
David Njoku had an injury-plagued 2025 season. With Harold Fannin Jr. in town, it’s unlikely the Browns bring back Njoku. However, I see a perfect fit in Atlanta, where former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski now runs the show. If they’re unable to bring back Kyle Pitts, Njoku is an ideal replacement.
Dallas Goedert
Dallas Goedert had a career-high in touchdowns this season, which is perfect timing since he’s headed to free agency. The Eagles are such a run-heavy offense that it probably doesn’t make sense to break the bank to bring back Goedert. There’s still some appeal here as a late-round tight end, especially in best ball. Perhaps a role with the Dolphins would make sense.
Kyle Pitts
Kyle Pitts finally showed us why we’ve been so patient with him over the years, finishing as the TE6 in fantasy points per game last year. While a return to Atlanta is possible, he could land with the Buccaneers to reunite with former offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Tampa will need a tight end with Cade Otton an unrestricted free agent.
Isaiah Likely
It was surprising to see the Ravens re-sign Mark Andrews, especially since he’s shown serious signs of decline. That means there’s a good chance Isaiah Likely moves on. There’s a lot of upside here, depending on the landing spot. Joining Jayden Daniels in Washington makes a lot of sense and would be great for Likely’s fantasy value.
Additional Notable Free Agent Tight Ends
- Taysom Hill
- Tyler Higbee
- Zach Ertz
- Austin Hooper
- Foster Moreau
- Adam Trautman
- Tyler Conklin
- Noah Fant
- Durham Smythe
- Mo Alie-Cox
- Darren Waller
- Kylen Granson
- Ian Thomas
- John FitzPatrick
- Feleipe Franks
- Chris Manhertz
- Stone Smartt
- Jelani Woods
- Andrew Beck
- Pharaoh Brown
- Tanner Hudson
- Nick Vannett
- Robert Tonyan
- Donald Parham
- Jack Stoll
- Josiah Deguara
- Harrison Bryant
- Quintin Morris
- Cade Otton
- Daniel Bellinger
- Teagan Quitoriano
- Shane Zylstra
- Tyree Jackson
- Greg Dulcich
- Charlie Kolar
- Chig Okonkwo
- Andrew Ogletree
- Grant Calcaterra
- Connor Heyward
- Ko Kieft
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