Quarterbacks are the NFL's most recognized difference-makers. But injuries are inevitable in football, even at the almighty position. That's what makes backup signal-callers so important.
Some teams are well-equipped for emergency under center, approaching the 2024 season with premium insurance. Think the Kansas City Chiefs, who have former starter Carson Wentz behind Patrick Mahomes; or the Minnesota Vikings, who have a top-10 draft pick in J.J. McCarthy waiting behind Sam Darnold.
Other clubs aren't so fortunate. Here, we've identified six teams with quietly concerning backup situations, plus some potential short-term fixes for the No. 2 spots:
Baltimore Ravens
Current backup: Josh Johnson | Proposal: Trade for Trey Lance
Johnson deserves props for his stamina, entering Year 17 with his record 14th different team, but at 38, with only two passes thrown in the last two seasons, he's not exactly a high-upside insurance plan for the reigning NFL MVP in Lamar Jackson. Lance, meanwhile, is a relative unknown due to his injury-stricken start with the San Francisco 49ers, but his youth (24) and rushing ability are pluses, and the Dallas Cowboys have yet to use him behind Dak Prescott, likely lowering his price tag.
Detroit Lions
Current backup: Hendon Hooker | Proposal: Trade for Taylor Heinicke
Hooker has a third-round pedigree, but he's 26 and still in the learning stages of the No. 2 role, fresh off a "redshirt" season spent recovering from a torn ACL. Heinicke is a different animal, starting 28 games the last three years and showcasing enough spunk as a gutsy passer to win over multiple fan bases. He'd be sure to get the Dan Campbell stamp of approval for his never-say-die mentality, and his role is fuzzier with the Atlanta Falcons after the dual addition of Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.
Pick Six Newsletter
Crafted By The Best NFL Experts
Get the day's big stories + fun stuff you love like mock drafts, picks and power rankings.
Thanks for signing up!
Keep an eye on your inbox.
Sorry!
There was an error processing your subscription.
Green Bay Packers
Current backup: Sean Clifford | Proposal: Trade for C.J. Beathard
Clifford has some competition for the No. 2 spot from rookie Michael Pratt, but neither offers any meaningful NFL experience behind young starter Jordan Love. Beathard, meanwhile, is a favorite of Doug Pederson with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but after the Jags' trade for Mac Jones, he may be expendable. A scrappy former 49ers prospect, Beathard also has ties to the Packers staff, as offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich previously worked under Kyle Shanahan in the Bay Area.
Miami Dolphins
Current backup: Mike White | Proposal: Sign Ryan Tannehill
When the Dolphins get done negotiating Tua Tagovailoa's inevitable contract extension, they might want to think twice about their backup plan, as White has gone just 2-5, with nearly as many picks (13) as games played (14), in his career. Tannehill, the ex-Dolphins and Tennessee Titans No. 1, has 144 more games of starting experience, plus a play-action resume that could translate to Mike McDaniel's timing-based system. General manager Chris Grier has defended Tannehill's Miami run in the past.
New Orleans Saints
Current backup: Jake Haener | Proposal: Sign AJ McCarron
Rookie Spencer Rattler could challenge Haener, the 2023 fourth-rounder, for the No. 2 gig behind Derek Carr, but after a physically daunting New Orleans debut by the latter, even more experience should be welcome on the depth chart. McCarron, 33, is coming off an ankle injury of his own in the United Football League, but he's shown lots of crunch-time spirit as a face of both the revived XFL and UFL. New Orleans is also within two hours of his hometown Mobile, Alabama.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Current backup: Kyle Trask | Proposal: Sign Blaine Gabbert
Trask technically competed with Baker Mayfield for the starting job ahead of 2023, but three years after he arrived as a second-round pick, the Florida product has thrown all of 10 NFL passes. And Mayfield leaves it all on the field, making the backup spot especially important. Gabbert has been hit or miss as a career reserve, but he at least has 49 starts under his belt, plus a firm connection to the area and organization, spending 2019-2022 with the Bucs as Tom Brady's top backup.
