Five quarterbacks have been given a new chance to sign an NFL contract this week. They are all former draft picks, but currently without a franchise.

Not for long? Or National Football League after all?

The NFL can stand for many things. The former is almost considered a warning principle among players, because a long career in the world’s best American football league is by no means guaranteed.
Five quarterbacks, all of whom were once selected by an NFL franchise in the draft but are now without a contract, have also had to learn this lesson. Now they have a new opportunity.

This week, two franchises, the New York Jets and the Arizona Cardinals, invited quarterbacks to tryouts. Desmond Ridder and Dorian Thompson-Robinson were guests of the Jets.

Jeff Driskel, Kyle Trask, and Logan Woodside took part in the Arizona Cardinals’ tryouts.

Desmond Ridder: Quarterback with NFL experience

Desmond Ridder, in particular, has seen playing time in the NFL in recent years. The third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft has already started in 18 games. He started 17 of those for the Atlanta Falcons and one for the Las Vegas Raiders. He was released by the Minnesota Vikings just a few weeks ago. Kyle Trask, a former second-round pick (2021), is also among the candidates for a new NFL job. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released the 27-year-old after four seasons as part of the franchise before the start of the 2025 season.

So far, neither the New York Jets nor the Arizona Cardinals have signed either of the playmakers. Both franchises are in dire need of a quarterback.

Jets and Cardinals off to a poor start to the season

The Jets currently have only Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor as quarterbacks on the franchise’s active roster. Neither has been able to impress so far in the 1-7 start to the season. The Arizona Cardinals have also started the season with a 2-5 record. In addition to Kyler Murray, who has already missed the last two games due to a foot injury, Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis are also on the active roster.