What goes into the makeup of a top backup quarterback in the NFL? The first is the willingness to accept the role as a No. 2 and not have grand designs of starting. The second is being able to play well enough for a stretch to limit a team’s offensive dropoff without their QB1.
The Dolphins have already learned the hard way about not having someone reliable or competent to operate Mike McDaniel’s high-powered attack without Tua Tagovailoa. Some teams are just as poorly equipped should their starter go down. Others are in good hands to still win games — see the Packers, who adjusted well for a couple of games minus Jordan Love.
Based on the current depth charts for the 2024 season after Week 4, here’s ranking all the backup quarterbacks to see how every team stacks up against each other, 1-32.
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Flacco has embraced his second career as a confident pocket passer coming off the bench. He’s kept up his steady team-leading play from Cleveland to Indianapolis.
Wentz has plenty of starting experience and is in a terrific system with Andy Reid. Should Patrick Mahomes need to miss a game or two, Kansas City would be fine given the strength of the immediate passing game and rushing attack.
Wilson has experience in the offense despite injury derailing his starting status vs. Justin Fields. Pittsburgh would just need to change from a running QB to more of a downfield passing QB.
Winston has immense starting experience on multiple teams as another high draft pick, a la Wentz. He’s also already shown his natural leadership qualities behind Deshaun Watson.
Garoppolo would be able to execute Sean McVay’s offense well in case he’s needed for Matthew Stafford given his years of experience with McVay’s friend and NFC West rival Kyle Shanahan.
Penix would have a favorable rookie transition should the team promote him at any point behind Kirk Cousins. Atlanta could call plenty of similar plays with their dynamic receivers playing off a good running game and offensive line.
Browning was efficient with a high completion percentage as a rookie after being thrust into action for Joe Burrow last season, and that experience can keep him as Cincinnati’s No. 2 for a long time.
Rush has won plenty when needing to fill for Dak Prescott, and Dallas is fortunate to have him ahead of still-developmental Trey Lance.
The Jets knew they were totally lost without Aaron Rodgers last season, so they got the well-traveled, big-armed mobile passer for much better insurance.
Willis already has proved his worth as a running QB with his two wins while Jordan Love was out of the lineup.
Rudolph helped the Steelers last season as a long-time reserve and already has paid off coming off the bench for Will Levis, helping lead Tennessee to its first win.
Trubisky is back in his best role after a bad stint with the Steelers. He has some systemic support and can keep the Bills afloat should he ever be needed behind durable Josh Allen.
Last year’s starter is sitting pretty behind Gardner Minshew to get another chance soon.
Jones is reinventing himself and can be a reliable backup for several teams, right now waiting for more time behind Trevor Lawrence.
Mullens is another good system QB who can take advantage of all the support the Vikings are now giving Sam Darnold.
Howell’s work in the other Washington doesn’t inspire after last year’s sack fest, but in Seattle, he gets to benefit from Ryan Grubb’s uptempo scheme behind Geno Smith.
Bagent stuck around in the new offense to be there to support Caleb Williams well after needing to start for Fields as a rookie last season.
Heinicke has been serviceable with the Panthers, Commanders, and Falcons. He’s kind of the poster QB for a modern average backup.
Stidham stayed ahead of Zach Wilson to get the first chance to fill in for Bo Nix.
Johnson has played everywhere and has found ways to keep offenses moving with his arm, mobility, and ability to absorb any system, but he’s not as valuable as former Lamar Jackosn No. 2 Tyler Huntley.
Allen is ahead of Josh Dobbs for now on the depth chart behind Brock Purdy. He’s got a lot of backup experience and can be boosted by the Shanahan scheme.
Lock is ahead of last year’s viral Daniel Jones backup Tommy DeVito, and the calls for him to replace the limited Jones are getting louder.
Pickett had to work hard to earn this job over Tanner McKnee and would be helped by OC Kellen Moore to fill in better than expected for Jalen Hurts thanks to his athleticism.
Young can still prove he isn’t a total bust if he can regain his confidence on the bench behind Andy Dalont, but it’s more likely that he will need to hope to start again for a new team.
Maye is stuck in a limited offense in transition with little support, so it’s best if he keeps sitting as a rookie behind Jacoby Brissett.
Mills is a strong-armed passer, but as the former starter for Houston, a lot of things would be a lot shakier in relation to C.J. Stroud being at the helm.
Hooker is unproven and has had to recover from injury before getting into full developmental mode in Detroit, but the system of OC Ben Johnson would set him up to lean well on loaded personnel.
Tune got a brief stint playing for Kyler Murray last season but would fare better in the current version of their offense with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride fully immersed.
Trask didn’t get any kind of real shot to succeed Tom Brady, but he can likely keep the team afloat should Baker Mayfield have more injury issues.
Marcus Mariota is on IR and would be a much better option behind rookie Jayden Daniels given the mobile QB-friendly system of Kliff Kingsbury.
Haener would be a tenuous option if Derek Carr gets hurt in the short term, but Spencer Rattler figures to take over at some point this season.
Boyle was terrible for the Jets last season, and the Dolphins can’t feel good if they need him behind Tyler Huntley before Tua Tagovailoa (head) can play again.
