Six NFL teams with quietly concerning backup QB situations, plus proposed moves for 2024 season

Quarterbacks are NFL most recognized difference makers. But injuries are inevitable in football, even in the powerful position. This is what makes backup signal callers so important.

Some teams are well equipped for downtown emergencies, approaching the 2024 season with premium insurance. Think of the Kansas City Chiefs, who have former starter Carson Wentz behind Patrick Mahomes; or the Minnesota Vikings, who have JJ McCarthy in the top 10 in the draft, waiting behind Sam Darnold.

Other clubs are not so lucky. Here, we identify six teams with quietly troubling backup situations, plus some potential short-term solutions for second place:

Current backup: Josh Johnson | Proposal: Trade for Trey Lance

Johnson deserves praise for his toughness, entering Year 17 with his record 14th different team, but at 38 years old, with just two passes thrown over the last two seasons, he’s not exactly a top safety plan for the reigning NFL MVP. Lamar Jackson. Lance, meanwhile, is relatively unknown due to his injury-plagued start with the San Francisco 49ers, but his youth (24) and running ability are pluses, and the Dallas Cowboys have yet to use him behind Dak Prescott, likely undercutting his price. . marking.

Current backup: Hendon Prostitute | Proposal: Trade for Taylor Heinicke

Hooker has third-round pedigree, but is 26 years old and still learning the No. 2 role, fresh off a “redshirt” season spent recovering from a torn ACL. Heinicke is a different animal, starting 28 games over the past three years and showing enough moxie as a gritty passer to win over plenty of fans. He would certainly get Dan Campbell’s seal of approval for his never-say-die mentality, and his role is more confusing with the Atlanta Falcons following the dual additions of Kirk Cousins ​​and Michael Penix Jr.

Current backup: Sean Clifford | Proposal: Trade for CJ Beathard

Clifford has some competition for the No. 2 spot with rookie Michael Pratt, but neither offers any significant NFL experience behind young starter Jordan Love. Beathard, meanwhile, is Doug Pederson’s favorite on the Jacksonville Jaguars, but after the Jags traded for Mac Jones, he may be expendable. A former 49ers prospect, Beathard also has ties to the Packers staff, as offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich previously worked with Kyle Shanahan in the Bay Area.

Current backup: Mike Branco | Proposal: Subscribe to Ryan Tannehill

When the Dolphins finish negotiating Tua Tagovailoa’s inevitable contract extension, they may want to think twice about their alternative plan, as White has gone just 2-5 with almost as many picks (13) as games played (14), in your career. . Tannehill, the former Dolphins and No. 1 Tennessee Titans, has 144 more games of starting experience, plus a play-action resume that could translate to Mike McDaniel’s time-based system. General manager Chris Grier has defended Tannehill’s run in Miami in the past.

Current backup: Jake Haener | Proposal: Subscribe to AJ McCarron

Rookie Spencer Rattler could challenge 2023 fourth-rounder Haener for the No. 2 spot behind Derek Carr, but after the latter’s physically daunting debut in New Orleans, even more experience should be welcomed on the depth chart. . McCarron, 33, is recovering from an ankle injury in the United Football League but has shown plenty of spirit in tough times as the face of the revived XFL and UFL. New Orleans is also two hours from his hometown of Mobile, Alabama.

Current backup: Kyle Trask | Proposal: Subscribe to Blaine Gabbert

Trask technically competed with Baker Mayfield for the starting job before 2023, but three years after arriving as a second-round pick, the Florida product has thrown all 10 of his NFL passes. And Mayfield leaves everything on the field, making the backup position especially important. Gabbert has been hit or miss as a career backup, but he has at least 49 games under his belt as well as a firm connection to the area and organization, spending 2019-2022 with the Bucs as Tom Brady’s primary backup.