Arguably, the most important position in football is the quarterback position. The quarterback directs the ball, for the entire football team, regardless of position. The starting quarterback has no guarantee on whether he’ll finish all 17 games of the regular season, healthy or not, in top form or not. So many things could go sideways. As such, the backup quarterback has to be ready to take command. The backup quarterback is prepared, at all times, if or when the starting quarterback need to pull out, in any game. Some backup quarterbacks handle the pressure well, while others struggle and send their teams into a downwards spiral which can negatively affect the entire season.
Here are the final grades for all 32 NFL teams’ backup quarterbacks:
Arizona Cardinals: Clayton Tune: F
Clayton Tune had a rough 2023 season, as he played in seven games and only started one game, which resulted in a week nine shutout 0-32 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Tune completed 12 passes for 62 yards, threw two interceptions against no touchdowns, rushed for 30 yards on eight attempts, and scored a rushing touchdown on the season. Tune was also sacked seven times. The Cardinals need to supply more offensive weapons for both Tune and Kyler Murray to work with, for the 2024 regular season.
Atlanta Falcons: Taylor Heinicke: D+
Heinicke had a so-and-so season for the Falcons, as he and Desmond Ridder, both, weren’t the guys to lead Atlanta to the NFC South crown in 2023. Heinickie was 1-3 as a starter for the Falcons, while Ridder was 6-7. Heinickie threw five touchdowns against four interceptions and had a passer rating of 74.7 while Ridder threw 12 touchdowns against 12 interceptions and had a passer rating of 83.4. Despite Heinicke’s rough season, he has potential to be a better backup on another team. The Falcons desperately need to upgrade their quarterbacks, for the upcoming 2024 season.
Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Huntley: B-
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Huntley didn’t see much action in the 2023 season, as Lamar Jackson had a healthy season and led the Ravens to the AFC Championship game. Huntley did start the Ravens’ last game of the regular season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which ended up being a 10-17 loss for the team. Huntley threw 21 passes for 203 yards, threw three touchdowns against no interceptions, and rushed for 55 yards on 15 carries. Not bad for a backup, who made the Pro Bowl in the 2022 season! Huntley is expected to be an unrestricted free agent in the 2024 offseason. The Ravens need to either re-sign him, or sign or draft a new backup quarterback to help Lamar Jackson out, for the 2024 regular season.
Buffalo Bills: Kyle Allen: D
Kyle Allen didn’t play much in the 2023 regular season. He did play in seven games and rushed for negative 13 yards on 13 attempts while Josh Allen played a very consistent season in western New York. Allen is scheduled to be a free agent in the 2024 offseason. Any quarterback-needing team looking for a backup, should sign Allen, while the Bills try to look for a new backup quarterback to back up Josh Allen for the 2024 regular season.
Carolina Panthers: Andy Dalton: C
Andy Dalton is still in the league. He did fairly well in his one start for the Panthers, in the 2023 season, as Bryce Young recovered from a sprained ankle in week three, despite the game resulting in a 27-37 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Dalton did play in three games for the season and completed 34 passes for 361 yards, threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, and rushed for 12 yards on three carries, but was sacked three times. Dalton is a good backup, and does have the potential to play more games. However, the Panthers have been a mess all season long, and Dalton needs to be ready just in case Young gets hurt again, in the 2024 regular season.
Chicago Bears: Tyson Bagent: D+
Bagent played in five games for the regular season and started in four of them, as Justin Fields was recovering from a hand injury. Bagent was 2-2, as the Bears’ starting quarterback, completing 94 passes for 859 yards, threw three touchdowns against six interceptions, rushed for 109 yards on 23 carries, and scored two rushing touchdowns, but was sacked five times and lost two fumbles. Bagent proved to be a decent rusher, as he helped secure wins against the Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers respectively, but he has thrown too many interceptions. Bagent and Fields need to improve their passing attack. The Bears need to provide another Pro Bowl-like wide receiver or tight end to complement DJ Moore.
Cincinnati Bengals: Jake Browning: B-
Joe Burrow was having a decent 2023 season, but suffered a season-ending wrist injury in the Bengals’ week 11, 20-34 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Backup Jake Browning took the helm and had a 4-3 record, as a starter. Browning completed 171 passes for 1,936 yards, threw 12 touchdowns against seven interceptions, rushed for 127 yards on 27 carries, and scored three rushing touchdowns, but was sacked 24 times. Although Browning isn’t a starting quarterback, he made the best of his time as the Bengals’ signal caller, while Burrow recovered. If Burrow does get hurt in the 2024 regular season, Browning will certainly be ready to lead the Bengals to victory.
Cleveland Browns: Joe Flacco: B+
The Browns saw a bit of a quarterback carousel, between PJ Walker and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, when Deshaun Watson got hurt in the regular season. Then Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury and the Browns picked up Joe Flacco- literally, off the streets, and wow did he perform exceedingly well, in Cleveland. Flacco completed 123 passes for 1,616 yards, threw 13 touchdowns against eight interceptions, and rushed for two yards on nine carries, but was sacked eight times and lost a fumble. Despite that, Flacco did help the Browns reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season. Unfortunately, the magic ran out as the Browns were knocked out of Wildcard weekend with a 14-45 loss to the Houston Texans. Flacco is going to be a free agent in the 2024 season. If he continues to play in the NFL, a quarterback-needing team, needs to sign Flacco, as soon as possible!
Dallas Cowboys: Cooper Rush: D
Cooper Rush didn’t see much action in the 2023 regular season, but did play in seven games. Rush completed 18 passes for 144 yards, threw an interception against no touchdowns, and was sacked once. Rush and former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance, need to be ready to protect Dak Prescott, if anything happens to him in the 2024 regular season. But based on Rush’s performance in the 2023 season, he does need to improve his game, if he wants to be competitive.
Denver Broncos: Jarrett Stidham: C
Jarrett Stidham got to see some NFL action during the final two weeks of the regular season, as Broncos head coach, Sean Payton, benched Russell Wilson, due to a clause in his contract. Wilson is very likely on his way out, while Stidham will be back in the Mile High city for the 2024 season. Stidham went 1-1 as a starter and completed 40 passes for 496 yards, threw two touchdowns against one interception, and rushed for eight yards on nine carries, but was sacked seven times. Stidham has some improving to do for the 2024 season. The Broncos are very likely going to find a quarterback, in free agency, or in the 2024 NFL Draft while Stidham remains a backup quarterback, for the foreseeable future.
Detroit Lions: Teddy Bridgewater: B
Bridgewater didn’t see much action during the 2023 season, but was on the ready, just in case anything happened to Jared Goff. Bridgewater did play in one game, but rushed for negative two yards on two carries. Bridgewater retired after the NFC Championship game, and has plans to become a high school football coach. Bridgewater will always be one of those- what if’s, in the NFL. We wish him the best of success in this next chapter of his career.
Green Bay Packers: Sean Clifford: C
Clifford didn’t start any games, but got to play in two of them, as he backed up Jordan Love. Clifford threw a pass for 37 yards and rushed for negative two yards on three carries. Clifford has a lot more football ahead of him, as he and Jordan Love get ready for the 2024 regular season, against heavyweights like the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers.
Houston Texans: Case Keenum: D
Keenum is no longer the Keenum we all saw with the Minnesota Vikings from the 2017 season, as he had a rough couple of games with the Texans as C.J. Stroud’s backup. Keenum went 1-1 as a starter while Stroud recovered from a concussion. Keenum completed 31 passes for 291 yards, threw a touchdown against three interceptions, and rushed for one yard on two carries, but was sacked six times. Keenum struggled in the Texans’ week 16, 22-36 loss to the Cleveland Browns and was benched for Davis Mills. Keenum needs to be on the ready for the 2024 regular season, if anything happens to Stroud moving forward.
Indianapolis Colts: Gardner Minshew: B+
While filling in for an injured Anthony Richardson, Minshew did a tremendous job, as a backup. Minshew did everything he could to help them reach the playoffs, but came up short in their week 18, 19-23 loss to the Houston Texans. Minshew completed 305 passes for 3,305 yards, threw 15 touchdowns against nine interceptions, rushed for 100 yards on 34 carries, and scored three rushing touchdowns, but was sacked 34 times and lost five fumbles. Minshew made the best of his backup duties, despite not making the playoffs. Minshew is scheduled to become a free agent in the 2024 offseason. If Minshew does leave, the Colts would want to bring him back, or sign someone else just as talented, to back Anthony Richardson up, when the 2024 regular season starts.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C.J. Beathard: B-
Beathard did fairly well as a backup to Trevor Lawrence in 2023. He played in seven games and started in one of them, as Lawrence recovered from an ankle sprain. Beathard completed 40 passes for 349 yards, threw a touchdown against no interceptions, and rushed for 35 yards on eight carries, but was sacked six times. Beathard will be back in 2024, as he, Lawrence, and the Jaguars, look to improve for the 2024 regular season.
Kansas City Chiefs: Blaine Gabbert: C
Gabbert didn’t have much action in the 2023 season, but he did start in week 18, as Patrick Mahomes was benched, to rest for the playoffs. Gabbert completed 18 passes for 185 yards, threw three interceptions against no touchdowns, and rushed for 45 yards on seven carries, but was sacked once. Gabbert has the distinction of being on the Chiefs’ team that reached Super Bowl 58, which is a very nice treat for a backup quarterback- especially, if the Chiefs win.
Las Vegas Raiders: Aidan O’Connell: B
Aidan O’Connell was thrust into action, after Josh McDaniels’ was fired by the Raiders and replaced by Antonio Pierce, while Jimmy Garappolo was benched. O’Connell completed 213 passes for 2,219 yards, threw 12 touchdowns against 7 touchdowns, rushed for 11 yards on 17 carries, and scored a rushing touchdown, but was sacked 24 times. O’Connell proved he can play in the league, and can be a starter, depending upon the quarterback competition between him, Jimmy Garappolo and Brian Hoyer.
Los Angeles Chargers: Easton Stick: C
It was a rough five games for Easton Stick, as the Chargers struggled for the remainder of the 2023 season, after Justin Herbert went down with season-ending thumb surgery. Easton Stick did everything he could as he completed 111 passes for 1,129 yards, threw three touchdowns against one interception, rushed for 144 yards on 27 carries, and scored a touchdown, but was sacked 14 times. Stick will become a free agent in the 2024 offseason, and could either re-sign with the Chargers or join another team, and be a reliable backup for that team’s quarterback.
Los Angeles Rams: Carson Wentz: C
Carson Wentz joined the LA Rams in November of the 2023 season, to backup Matthew Stafford. Wentz started the last game of the 2023 season, as Stafford was benched for rest for the playoffs. Wentz completed 17 passes for 24 yards, threw two touchdowns against one interception, rushed for 56 yards on 17 carries, and scored a touchdown, but was sacked twice. Wentz is scheduled to become a free agent in 2024 and can re-sign with the Rams, or sign with another team, for the 2024 regular season.
Miami Dolphins: Mike White: C
White made his Dolphins debut in 2023, when he threw a 68-yard to Robbie Chosen in the team’s 70-20 victory against the Denver Broncos, in week three. White played in six games for the Dolphins where he completed five passes for 74 yards, threw a touchdown against an interception, and rushed for negative nine yards, won eight carries, but lost a fumble. White will be back in the 2024 season, and needs to be prepared for anything, whether it’s garbage time in a losing game or if anything happens to Tua Tagovailoa. We’ll see what happens moving forward.
Minnesota Vikings: Nick Mullens: D
It was a rough year for Mullens, as he and the Vikings were bounced out of playoff contention during the 2023 season. Mullens took over as the starter after Joshua Dobbs was benched due to his poor performance in week 14. Mullens went 0-3 as a starter and threw seven touchdowns against eight interceptions. Mullens will be back in the 2024 season, while Kirk Cousins is set to become a free agent. The Vikings’ need to find their next starting quarterback, whether it’s through free agency or through the 2024 NFL Draft, or they may just stick with Mullens, for the time being.
New England Patriots: Bailey Zappe: D+
Mac Jones had a terrible 2024 season with the Patriots and was benched for Bailey Zappe. Zappe also struggled, but played slightly better than Jones. Zappe threw six touchdowns against nine interceptions while Mac Jones threw 10 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. The Patriots are in need of a new quarterback, but should keep Zappe around to backup whoever the Patriots’ sign or draft next, for the 2024 regular season.
New Orleans Saints: Jameis Winston: C-
Jameis Winston had a decent 2023 season, as he backed up an inconsistent Derek Carr. Winston threw two touchdowns against three interceptions on the season. Winston is set to be a free agent in 2024, and has the possibility of rejoining Sean Payton in Denver, or staying in New Orleans. Only time will tell, where Winston will go in 2024.
New York Giants: Tommy DeVito: B
Tommy DeVito has an incredible story, of how he went from undrafted to getting thrust into the spotlight, as Tyrod Taylor recovered from his injuries, as well as Daniel Jones recovering from his torn ACL. DeVito threw eight touchdowns against three interceptions as he and the Giants had a three-game winning streak against the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, and Green Bay Packers respectively before he was brought back to reality against the New Orleans Saints. DeVito will be back in the 2024 season ready to back Daniel Jones up in case anything happens to him. However, the Giants need to drastically improve their offensive line if Jones or DeVito want to have true success for the 2024 season.
New York Jets: Zach Wilson: D
Being the quarterback is never an easy job. Being the quarterback of the New York Jets is harder than most, especially for the backups. Aaron Rodgers was brought to the Jets via a trade in 2023, and tore his Achilles in four snaps, in the Jets week one opener. Wilson was forced into action, but had a very inconsistent season, as he threw eight touchdowns against seven interceptions. Wilson also dealt with concussions and was benched for Trevor Siemian during the last couple of weeks in the season. If Wilson is released (likely) or traded out of New York, he needs to re-establish himself on a new team.
Philadelphia Eagles: Marcus Mariota: C-
Mariota didn’t start in any of the Eagles’ games, but managed to play in three games on the backup duties. Mariota threw one touchdown against one interception on the season. Mariota is set to become a free agent in 2024, and any quarterback needy team should sign Mariota to back up their starter, or become a starter and rebound his career.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mason Rudolph: C+
Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett had somewhat of a rough season with the Steelers. Mason Rudolph helped the Steelers punch their ticket to the 2023-24 playoffs in their week 18 17-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Rudolph’s time in the playoffs didn’t last long, as the Steelers were knocked out of the playoffs 17-31 to the Buffalo Bills. Rudolph is set to become a free agent, and can sign with a new team for the 2024 season. We’ll see where Rudolph goes next.
San Francisco 49ers: Sam Darnold: B+
Darnold only played in 10 games and started in week 18, but he and the 49ers made it to the Super Bowl. Darnold threw two touchdowns against one interception and scored a rushing touchdown on the year. Darnold still has some good play in him, as he played very well against the Los Angeles Rams, despite the 49ers losing the game 20-21. Darnold is set to become a free agent in 2024, and can rejoin the 49ers or venture elsewhere for the 2024 regular season.
Seattle Seahawks: Drew Lock: C
Drew Lock played so-and-so for the Seahawks despite the team missing out on the playoffs. Lock played in four games and started in two of those games, as starter Geno Smith recovered from an elbow injury. Lock threw three touchdowns against three interceptions. Lock couldn’t get the job done in the Seahawks’ week 14, 16-28 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Lock did lead the Seahawks to a 20-17 victory in week 15, against the Philadelphia Eagles. Lock is set to become a free agent, and will be on the hunt to find a new team to call home for the 2024 season or can possibly re-sign with the Seahawks, depending on the contract they offer him.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kyle Trask: D
Trask never saw much action in the 2023 season, as Baker Mayfield started in all games for the Buccaneers. Trask did play in two games, as he attempted a pass and rushed for negative one yard on one carry. Baker Mayfield is set to become a free agent in 2024 and the Bucs need to re-sign him, or sign another quarter, and have Trask remain as Mayfield’s backup for the upcoming 2024 regular season. However, Trask should not be the starter in 2024, unless the Bucs cannot find anyone else to sign with the team.
Tennessee Titans: Will Levis: B-
Will Levis saw some significant playing time in his rookie season, as Ryan Tannehill recovered from his foot injury. Levis threw eight touchdowns against four interceptions, but was 3-6 as a starter. Levis has a lot of work ahead of him for the 2024 regular season as Tannehill is set to become a free agent, and is very likely not coming back to the Titans. Can Levis help the Titans return to glory and back to the playoffs for the 2024 season? We’ll just wait and see.
Washington Commanders: Jacoby Brisett: C
Brisett didn’t get much playing time, but did outshine and outperform Sam Howell in certain situations. Brissett threw three touchdowns against no interceptions and rushed for 19 yards on three carries. Brissett is set to become a free agent in the 2024 offseason, and the Commanders should consider bringing Brissett back, because Sam Howell is not the solution at quarterback. They need to find a much better starting quarterback for the 2024 regular season otherwise, they’ll be stuck in quarterback purgatory for a long time.
