Ranking the NFL’s 32 Backup Quarterbacks for the 2025 Season
The importance of a reliable backup quarterback in the NFL cannot be overstated. One snap is all it takes for a team’s fortunes to shift, making the QB2 role crucial for sustained success. Heading into the 2025 season, the landscape of backup signal-callers presents a mix of experienced veterans, promising youngsters, and steady game managers. Here’s a ranking of all 32, considering experience, potential, and overall reliability:
- Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons): Though currently slated as a starter, his recent injury history and the presence of Michael Penix Jr. could see him in a backup role at some point. His experience and skill make him a top-tier backup.
- Jimmy Garoppolo (Los Angeles Rams): A veteran with Super Bowl experience, Garoppolo provides a safe and capable option behind Matthew Stafford.
- Daniel Jones (Indianapolis Colts): While aiming to be a starter, if Anthony Richardson remains healthy, Jones’ starting experience makes him a valuable backup.
- Jake Browning (Cincinnati Bengals): Showed competence filling in for Joe Burrow in 2023, proving he can manage an offense.
- Jaxson Dart (New York Giants): A promising young talent with starting potential, currently backing up Russell Wilson.
- Mac Jones (San Francisco 49ers): Former starter with the Patriots, now providing depth for Brock Purdy.
- Marcus Mariota (Washington Commanders): A mobile veteran with starting experience, backing up rookie Jayden Daniels.
- Andy Dalton (Carolina Panthers): A seasoned veteran providing a steady presence behind Bryce Young.
- Malik Willis (Green Bay Packers): Showed flashes of potential in his limited starts for the Packers.
- Jacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals): A reliable veteran with experience in various offenses.
- Sam Howell (Minnesota Vikings): Has starting experience and now backs up rookie J.J. McCarthy.
- Aidan O’Connell (Las Vegas Raiders): Young quarterback who saw starting time last season.
- Cooper Rush (Baltimore Ravens): Experienced backup now behind Lamar Jackson.
- Gardner Minshew II (Kansas City Chiefs): A capable veteran backing up Patrick Mahomes.
- Zach Wilson (Miami Dolphins): Former high draft pick looking to revive his career as a backup.
- Hendon Hooker (Detroit Lions): Young quarterback with potential, learning behind Jared Goff.
- Joe Milton III (Dallas Cowboys): Developing quarterback with a strong arm.
- Tyrod Taylor (New York Jets): A veteran backup with starting experience.
- Tanner McKee (Philadelphia Eagles): Young quarterback showing promise.
- Jarrett Stidham (Denver Broncos): Has seen limited starting action.
- Taylor Heinicke (Los Angeles Chargers): Experienced backup now behind Justin Herbert.
- Jalen Milroe (Seattle Seahawks): Athletic rookie quarterback.
- Kenny Pickett (Cleveland Browns): Former Steelers starter now backing up Deshaun Watson.
- Joshua Dobbs (New England Patriots): Journeyman backup with starting experience.
- Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): Young quarterback with starting experience, now backing up Cam Ward.
- Mason Rudolph (Pittsburgh Steelers): Veteran backup.
- Spencer Rattler (New Orleans Saints): Young quarterback learning behind Tyler Shough.
- Nick Mullens (Jacksonville Jaguars): Experienced backup.
- Mitchell Trubisky (Buffalo Bills): Former starter now backing up Josh Allen.
- Davis Mills (Houston Texans): Has starting experience but now backs up C.J. Stroud.
- Tyson Bagent (Chicago Bears): Undrafted player who had some starts.
- Kyle Trask (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Has limited NFL experience.
This ranking considers the current team situations and the potential for these backups to step in and perform if called upon during the 2025 NFL season.
