It is hard to figure out the best solution to end the Tennessee Titans' quarterback nightmare.
If the Titans are opposed to drafting Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, they're alternative solution is to bring in a veteran bridge quarterback in free agency. Others want to pass on blue-chip prospects like Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter to roll the dice on Ward or Sanders. Then there are much smaller portions of the fan base that want to give Will Levis another chance, or to go all-in on Sam Darnold.
What if Tennessee's answer at quarterback isn't a draft prospect, or someone on the market (yet)?
The following three quarterbacks are still under contract, but could become available by the time free agency marks its arrival.
1. Matthew Stafford (trade)
The current L.A. Rams quarterback was coached by Titans head coach Brian Callahan back when the two were together with the Detroit Lions from 2016-2017. Interestingly, these were the only two seasons that the Lions had back-to-back winning seasons with Matthew Stafford as the quarterback, so it is fair to assume they enjoyed their time together.
With rumors swirling that the Rams might be willing to move on from Stafford, his toughness and talent would be the perfect stopgap for a team looking for leadership and production.
2. Derek Carr (Possible trade or cut candidate)
It is unclear what the New Orleans Saints want to do with Derek Carr, but the first comments from new head coach Kellen Moore suggest that they are leaning toward keeping Carr as their starter. However, things change quickly in the NFL, and nothing is set in stone.
Carr is another quarterback who was coached by Callahan (2018 Oakland Raiders), so if the Saints aren't sold on him, then Nashville feels like a good landing spot for the veteran QB. While he isn't the same caliber of quarterback as Stafford, he would be a perfect litmus test to show the team's front office where the weaknesses and strengths are on this roster.
3. Kirk Cousins (cut candidate)
Adam Schefter has heavily implied that the Atlanta Falcons will be cutting Kirk Cousins before free agency starts. Cousins had one of the worst years of his career with the Falcons, but several factors could have contributed to that.
Cousins was recovering from a major surgery while playing in a new offense. Assuming he follows the 2024 Russell Wilson path, the Titans could build a strong support system around him and get solid quarterback play out of Cousins while they attempt to find their long-term answer.