Ranking top 5 Backup NFL quarterbacks in 2021

Back-up quarterbacks in the NFL have different roles depending what team they are. Sometimes they are simply an emergency option if a superstar quarterback gets hurt. Other times they can be mentors to a young quarterback or can even provide competition to quarterbacks who have not earned their job long term yet.

5 Best back up quarterbacks in the NFL

#5 - Drew Lock, Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos Quarterback Drew Lock

Drew Lock was decent in just one season as a starter for the Denver Broncos. He started 13 games, throwing for nearly 3000 yards and 16 touchdowns. The issue was 15 interceptions, but that's not uncommon for a young quarterback. Despite a respectable first season, he lost the the starting quarterback job to newly signed journeyman Teddy Bridgewater.

#4 - Jacoby Brissett, Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins QB Jacoby Brissett

Jacoby Brissett registered over 6000 yards with 31 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in two years as a starter for the Indianapolis Colts. He was replaced twice, by Philip Rivers and Carson Wentz. He now serves as a back-up to Tua Tagovailoa for the Miami Dolphins. Filling in for six starts, he threw for five touchdowns and four interceptions.

---

Top backup quarterbacks in 2021 NFL season

#3 - Gardner Minshew II, Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles QB Gardner Minshew II

Minshew Mania didn't last long in Jacksonville, but not because he was ineffective. The opportunity to draft Trevor Lawrence was one that the Jaguars couldn't pass on, which meant moving on from Minshew despite his relative success. He combined for 37 touchdown passes aginst just 11 interceptions across two seasons in an offense without much talent.

#2 - Andy Dalton, Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears Quarterback Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton is the most experienced of the top five back-up quarterbacks. He started nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and filled in for the Dallas Cowboys last year when Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending injury. He even began the year as a starter for the Chicago Bears before rookie Justin Fields took over. Dalton has 34,003 passing yards and 219 passing touchdowns in his career.

#1 - Marcus Mariota, Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders QB Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota is a dual threat quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders and tops the list of back-ups. He spent his first five seasons with the Tennessee Titans before being with the Raiders for the past two seasons. In his 68 game career, he has completed 63 percent of his passes for 13,433 yards with 77 touchdowns and 45 interceptions. He also has 1528 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.