NFL Backup Quarterback Situation Ratings: NFC East and Beyond
In preparation for the upcoming NFL season, Yardbarker NFL writers have evaluated the backup quarterback situations for each team in the league. The ratings range from "1" (dynamic) to "5" (disaster) based on the depth and quality of the backup QBs. Let's take a look at the assessments for each team in the NFC East.
Starting with the Dallas Cowboys, they have a backup QB situation rated at 4. Joe Milton III, acquired in an offseason trade, needs to show improvement to instill confidence in the team. The New York Giants have a rating of 3, with Jameis Winston and Jaxson Dart adding intrigue to their QB room. The Philadelphia Eagles, with Tanner McKee impressing in preseason, have a solid rating of 2. The Washington Commanders, led by Jayden Daniels, have a backup situation rated at 4, with Marcus Mariota providing experience but limited upside.
Moving on to the NFC West, the Arizona Cardinals have a backup QB situation rated at 4, with Jacoby Brissett offering stability behind Kyler Murray. The Los Angeles Rams, with Matthew Stafford as the starter, have a rating of 2, as Jimmy Garoppolo could see playing time due to Stafford's injury. The San Francisco 49ers, led by Brock Purdy, have a rating of 3, with Mac Jones showing promise in camp. The Seattle Seahawks, with Sam Darnold as the starter, have a rating of 3, with Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe providing depth.
In the NFC North, the Chicago Bears have a backup QB situation rated at 2, with Caleb Williams as the starter and Tyson Bagent as a reliable backup. The Detroit Lions, led by Jared Goff, have a rating of 4, with Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen as backups. The Green Bay Packers, with Jordan Love as the starter, have a rating of 2, with Malik Willis showing potential. The Minnesota Vikings, led by J.J. McCarthy, have a rating of 3, with Sam Howell as a solid backup option.
In the NFC South, the Atlanta Falcons have a backup QB situation rated at 3, with Michael Penix Jr. as the starter and Kirk Cousins as a veteran presence. The Carolina Panthers, led by Bryce Young, have a rating of 3, with Andy Dalton as a backup option. The New Orleans Saints, with Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough, and Jake Haener competing for the starting job, have a rating of 5. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Baker Mayfield as the starter, have a rating of 4, with Kyle Trask and Teddy Bridgewater as backups.
Concluding with the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills have a backup QB situation rated at 1, with Mitchell Trubisky and Mike White providing depth behind Josh Allen. The Miami Dolphins, led by Tua Tagovailoa, have a rating of 5, with Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers struggling in preseason. The New England Patriots, with Drake Maye as the starter, have a rating of 3, with Joshua Dobbs as a backup option. The New York Jets, led by Justin Fields, have a rating of 4, with Tyrod Taylor as a veteran presence.
In the AFC West, the Denver Broncos have a backup QB situation rated at 3, with Bo Nix as the starter and Jarrett Stidham impressing in preseason. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, have a rating of 4, with Gardner Minshew and Bailey Zappe as backups. The Los Angeles Chargers, with Justin Herbert as the starter, have a rating of 2, with Taylor Heinicke and Trey Lance providing depth. The Las Vegas Raiders, led by Geno Smith, have a backup QB situation rated at 3, with Aidan O’Connell showing potential.
In the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, have a backup QB situation rated at 3, with Cooper Rush as a capable backup. The Cincinnati Bengals, led by Joe Burrow, have a rating of 2, with Jake Browning as a reliable backup option. The Cleveland Browns, with Joe Flacco as the presumptive starter, have a rating of 4, with Kenny Pickett and Shedeur Sanders as backups. The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by Aaron Rodgers, have a backup QB situation rated at 2, with Mason Rudolph as a solid backup option.
Lastly, in the AFC South, the Houston Texans, led by C.J. Stroud, have a backup QB situation rated at 3, with Davis Mills and Kedon Slovis as backups. The Indianapolis Colts, with Daniel Jones as the presumptive starter, have a rating of 4, with Anthony Richardson Sr. as a backup option. The Jacksonville Jaguars, led by Trevor Lawrence, have a backup QB situation rated at 4, with Nick Mullens as a backup option. The Tennessee Titans, led by Cam Ward, have a backup QB situation rated at 5, with Brandon Allen and Trevor Siemian as backups.
In conclusion, the backup quarterback situations across the NFL vary in quality and depth, with some teams having solid options to rely on in case of injury, while others face uncertainty and potential challenges in the upcoming season.