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:
Current backup: Josh Johnson | Proposal: Trade for Trey Lance
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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.
Current backup: Hendon Hooker | Proposal: Trade for Taylor Heinicke
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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.
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