When Joe Burrow’s turf toe injury sidelined him during the Cincinnati Bengals’ 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, it dealt a significant blow to the team’s prospects. The situation, however, could be far more dire without a capable backup like Jake Browning ready to step in.
The value of a competent No. 2 quarterback is often overlooked until an injury thrusts them into the spotlight—a scenario playing out across the league. With starters like San Francisco’s Brock Purdy, Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy, Washington’s Jayden Daniels, and the Jets’ Justin Fields either out or questionable for Week 3, the NFL’s quarterback depth is being tested early. This underscores the critical importance of a reliable backup.
Here is a ranking of the 12 best backup quarterbacks in the NFL, a challenging exercise given that many have limited professional experience.
1. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Few would have questioned Kirk Cousins’ ability to lead a team as a Week 1 starter this season. He is undoubtedly one of the league’s top 32 quarterbacks, making him a luxurious asset as a backup. Cousins is coming off a difficult 2024 campaign where he was benched for current starter Michael Penix Jr. after posting a 23rd-ranked 47.0 QBR and leading the league in both interceptions (16) and fumbles (13). Despite these turnover issues, he still ranked seventh in completion percentage over expectation. Now 37 and another year removed from a season-ending Achilles injury, Cousins offers arguably the highest floor of any backup quarterback.
2. Jake Browning, Cincinnati Bengals
Jake Browning’s ranking is not merely a reaction to his recent performance leading the Bengals to victory. His strong play in 2023, when he also filled in for an injured Burrow, established him as one of the league’s premier backups. In seven starts last season, Browning’s 60.8 QBR and plus-3% completion percentage over expectation would have ranked 13th and fifth in the NFL, respectively, had he qualified. While his low 6.1 average air yards per attempt and high 9% sack rate are concerns, he benefits from throwing to elite receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
3. Spencer Dart, New York Giants
The considerable upside of a young, highly drafted rookie warrants Spencer Dart’s inclusion on this list. While he may have a lower floor than many veteran backups, his potential ceiling is significantly higher. This time last year, similar logic placed Drake Maye and Michael Penix Jr. high in these rankings—a projection that has proven accurate.
4. Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders
At 31, Marcus Mariota may be called upon to start following Jayden Daniels’ knee injury. Despite limited playing time over the past two seasons, Mariota has a track record of solid performance as a fill-in. Since 2020, he has posted a 66.2 QBR, and in 2022—his last season as a primary starter with the Falcons—he recorded a respectable 58.0 QBR. ESPN’s Football Power Index also rates Mariota as the league’s third-best backup, behind only Cousins and Browning.
5. Tanner McKee, Philadelphia Eagles
A 2023 sixth-round pick with limited regular-season action, Tanner McKee’s high ranking is based on strong signals from training camp and preseason performances. The Eagles’ decision to trade Kenny Pickett in the offseason further cemented their confidence in McKee. In his limited snaps, including one start and a 20-13 win over the Giants last season, he has been effective, posting a 65.5 career QBR on 47 dropbacks.
6. Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals
Jacoby Brissett played well as the Browns’ starter for 11 weeks in 2022, finishing the season eighth in QBR (62.0) while Deshaun Watson served a suspension. After a less successful stint as a bridge starter for the Patriots in 2024, where he was hampered by a poor supporting cast, the 32-year-old remains a reliable option. While a few seasons removed from his success in Cleveland, that high-level performance demonstrates his capability.
7. Gardner Minshew, Kansas City Chiefs
After signing a two-year, $25 million deal to be a bridge starter for the Raiders in 2024, Gardner Minshew is now with the Chiefs on a minimum contract. He struggled in Las Vegas but was effective with the Colts in 2023, posting a 60.5 QBR (13th in the league) after Anthony Richardson Sr. was injured. Minshew is reasonably accurate and has proven he can manage a run-heavy, play-action offense effectively.
8. Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
Like Dart, Tyler Shough earns a spot based on his rookie potential. His position is slightly lower because he was drafted later (No. 40 vs. No. 25) and was unable to win the starting job over Spencer Rattler during the preseason.
9. Anthony Richardson Sr., Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson Sr. likely possesses the lowest floor of any quarterback on this list, primarily due to significant accuracy issues reflected in a career minus-10% completion percentage over expectation. However, with a small NFL sample size of just 15 games, his upside remains immense. He is a dynamic runner, ranking fourth in EPA per designed rush among quarterbacks since 2023. His high-variance style, characterized by a league-leading rate of deep throws, can be an asset for a team needing a spark from its backup.
10. Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers
Last season, Andy Dalton was the Panthers’ starting quarterback before a sprained thumb from a car crash opened the door for Bryce Young. In five starts, Dalton posted a solid 52.0 QBR, and his career QBR since leaving the Bengals in 2020 stands at a respectable 48.0.
11. Carson Wentz, Minnesota Vikings
With J.J. McCarthy expected to miss 2-4 weeks with an ankle injury, Carson Wentz is poised to start for his sixth different team in six consecutive seasons—a unique NFL record. The former No. 2 overall pick has transitioned from a franchise quarterback to a journeyman backup. His peak came in 2017, but his production has since declined. In brief appearances over the past two seasons, he has been inconsistent, posting a stellar 90.2 QBR in a 2023 win with the Rams but only a 19.1 QBR in a 2024 loss with the Chiefs.
12. Jameis Winston, New York Giants
Though he may be the Giants’ No. 3 quarterback, Jameis Winston has the talent to be one of the league’s best backups. Despite a 2-5 record in his starts for the Browns in 2024, he posted a 52.2 QBR. Winston notoriously struggles with interceptions but is always willing to push the ball downfield. For a team turning to its backup, that high-risk, high-reward approach can be a valuable commodity.
Honorable Mentions: Tyrod Taylor (New York Jets), Jimmy Garoppolo (Los Angeles Rams)
