With the Washington Commanders entering the offseason with a void behind quarterback Jayden Daniels in 2026, we take a look at three possible free agent targets this offseason
While the NFL offseason hasn’t technically started yet, it’s never too early to think about what teams need to improve in 2025. For the Commanders, they have needs at running back, on the defensive line, and on the offensive line, and at tight end. But one other need that needs to be solved is who will be the backup quarterback to Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders used three quarterbacks last year, with Daniels having elbow problems all season and backup Marcus Mariota going down later in the year. Both Mariota and three-stringer Josh Johnson, who took over when Mariota was hurt, are free agents, and the Commanders will have a decision to make on who will be QB2 in 2026. Mariota might be their first choice as he’s familiar with the team and is probably the best backup on the market. However, if they can’t re-sign him, there are a few others on the market that seem to fit what the Commanders need for the backup to Daniels.
Tyrod Taylor:
One of the more interesting careers of any player in NFL history, Taylor has been a backup, a starter, a stopgap, and a Super Bowl champion since being taken in sixth round back in 2011. Originally backing up Joe Flacco in Baltimore, Taylor spent his best years as a starter in Buffalo, making it to the Pro Bowl in 2015 and helping them break their playoff drought in 2017. After that, he’s bounced around between five teams, never spending more than two years in one place.
In Cleveland, he started the first three games in 2018 before an injury allowed Baker Mayfield to take over the starting job. And then came the incident with the Chargers, when the team doctor accidentally punctured his lung with a painkiller injection. For the last two years, he’s been with the New York Jets, starting four games with the team in 2025.
Even though he is 36, will be 37 in August, Taylor can still use his legs pretty well, so the Commanders wouldn’t have to change their offense up too much for him. The biggest question for him will be whether he wants to sign somewhere where he would be the backup or if he wants one more chance of being a starter in the league.
Zach Wilson:
A former second-overall pick of the Jets back in 2021, Wilson flamed out after three seasons in New York and has spent the last two years on the Broncos and Dolphins, respectively. Throughout his five seasons, Wilson has thrown for 6325 yards, completing 57% of his passes, with 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. Almost all of that came with his time as a Jet, and he’s only played in four games in the last two years.
Wilson may not be the popular choice among fans for the backup job, given his struggles since coming into the league. However, there’s value in having a former starter who understands what it takes to win in the NFL. Also, be reminded of what made the Jets fall in love with him at second overall. His playmaking at BYU caught the attention of everyone.
Tyler ‘Snoop’ Huntley:
An undrafted rookie out of Utah back in 2020, Huntley has become a name fans are familiar with. Since 2021, he has started 16 games between the Ravens and Dolphins, going 7-9 in those games. There’s also that surprise Pro Bowl invite that Huntley received in 2022, filling in when Lamar Jackson missed the last four games of the season.
Throughout his career, Huntley has passed for 3212 yards, 13 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, with a passer rating of 82.3. After spending 2024 in Miami and being let go by the Browns before the 2025 season started, he returned to Baltimore, where he once again filled in when Jackson was down with injury. Huntley won both of his starts against the playoff-bound Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, which played a key role in keeping the Ravens’ season alive until the final game of the season.
Having played behind Lamar Jackson, Huntley has experience backing up a true weapon at quarterback. Playing behind Lamar could also give some insight into how Jayden Daniels can improve his game going forward.
The only question with Huntley going into the offseason is whether he wants to leave Baltimore. He’s well-liked by the team, and they know he can be counted on if they need someone to take over for Lamar when he gets hurt.