A pair of former UNC star quarterbacks find new homes in NFL free agency

Tar Heel fans loved watching Mitch Trubisky and Sam Howell compete in Chapel Hill.

Both former UNC football standouts made their mark on North Carolina before heading to the NFL. While neither player has secured a long-term starting quarterback gig, their value is definitely recognized by general managers across the league, as they both quickly signed new contracts when NFL Free Agency opened up this week.

Trubisky reunites with an old friend

After spending the previous two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Trubisky has landed with another AFC team on a new two-year pact.

Trubisky will be taking his talents to Nashville, joining Robert Saleh and the new-look Tennessee Titans. He will serve as the backup to last year's No. 1 overall pick, Cam Ward.

Trubisky reunites with a friendly face, as Brian Daboll (who was the Bills offensive coordinator during his first stint in Buffalo during the 2021 season), is now resuming that same role with the Titans. It makes a ton of sense for Tennessee to bring in a guy like Trubisky, a veteran who is nearing 10 full seasons in the league and has familiarity with the offensive scheme Daboll is expected to utilize.

Sam Howell lands with another NFC East squad

It's been a wild NFL journey for Sam Howell, one that has taken him to multiple destinations over the previous four years.

Howell's journey began with the Washington Commanders, a spot where he had an opportunity to fulfill a starter's role. After two seasons in Washington, Howell was dealt to the Seattle Seahawks, a short one-year stint where he played in just two games for the franchise.

Last offseason, Seattle traded Howell to the Minnesota Vikings, who then flipped him in another deal to the Philadelphia Eagles just a few months later.

Now, Howell will join his third NFC East squad in four years, as he agreed to a one-year pact with the Dallas Cowboys.

Howell's path to a roster spot isn't as clear, given Dallas current has three other quarterbacks on its roster. Dak Prescott is the clear starter while Joe Milton and Will Grier will battle with the former Tar Heel star for the backup quarterback gig.