Backup QB market could shape NFL roster moves as preseason closes
As the NFL preseason wraps up with the third and final round of exhibitions, teams will shift from evaluation to finalizing their 53-man rosters. Yet the period isn’t just about who’s going out the door. It’s also a window for additions, especially at quarterback, where a surplus at one team can meet a need at another. With rosters trimmed, several veteran backups and up-and-coming pivots could become hot commodities in the trade market as teams look to address weaknesses exposed in the preseason.
Key backup QB stories to watch
– Winston to Minnesota? The Giants brought in Jameis Winston as a top backup to Russell Wilson, but the club also drafted Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Dart’s impressive preseason run has raised questions about when he should see time in 2025 and could put Winston on the chopping block. Minnesota could be a logical landing spot if they want insurance behind first-year starter J.J. McCarthy, with Sam Howell currently in place as the top backup for the Vikings but having posted a modest preseason.
– Vikings depth behind McCarthy: Minnesota is counting on 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy, but there isn’t a ton behind him yet. Howell, who has noteworthy regular-season experience, has had a rocky preseason—completing just one of five passes for 13 yards with an interception against New England. If Minnesota wants a deeper cushion behind McCarthy, Winston presents a veteran option with 87 regular-season starts under his belt.
– Browns’ QB room and a potential Pickett move: Cleveland has Joe Flacco as QB1 behind Michael Penix Jr., with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in reserve roles. If they decide not to carry four quarterbacks, the Browns could look to move Pickett, potentially recouping a fifth-round pick or a lesser Day 3 asset. Cleveland previously acquired Pickett in a deal with the Eagles for a 2025 fifth-round pick and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, so a move for added value could be on the table if the market allows.
– Cowboys eyeing QB2 options after Joe Milton III’s mixed preseason: Dallas could be looking for backup depth behind Dak Prescott, and Milton’s hot-and-cold stretch in the exhibitions leaves room for teams to consider alternative options.
– Rams seeking a true safety net behind Stafford: Matthew Stafford returning to practice is encouraging, but injuries linger as a concern. If Los Angeles wanted a veteran stopgap, a Kirk Cousins trade has been floated as a possibility to provide stability behind Stafford. The idea faces salary-cap hurdles, but from a football-fit perspective, Cousins would offer a seasoned presence with playoff know-how. The connection here includes past familiarity on the coaching side, which could help in a fit-if-entirely feasible scenario.
– Heinicke as a potential trade candidate: Taylor Heinicke’s status with the Chargers has become unsettled with Trey Lance’s strong preseason showing. If Los Angeles decides to keep Lance and a second QB, Heinicke could have limited but real value in the trade market.
– Panthers balancing their QB room: Carolina’s backups behind Bryce Young include Andy Dalton (injury-related news in camp), with Jack Plummer taking reps and making mistakes in the preseason. The Panthers could see value in sorting out another veteran or experienced depth option as Dalton recovers.
– Tyrod Taylor, Adrian Martinez, and Brady Cook notes: With Taylor sidelined after knee surgery, New York’s interest in backing options with more experience could include Howell, while Minnesota and others weigh whether Howell’s resume could help as a bridge or depth piece. Howell’s 2023 season numbers—3,946 yards across 17 starts for Washington—give teams a reference point for his potential as a reliable backup.
What this means for teams and fans
– A fluid quarterback market often yields late-summer surprises. If a team perceives a clear upgrade at the backup spot, a trade can happen quickly, freeing a team to focus on other cuts and rookies.
– Cap considerations will play a major role. Even when a player makes sense on the field, teams must weigh the financial implications and whether a cap-friendly move is feasible in-season.
– Depth chart implications: Beyond the starter, the backup quarterback position has become a more valuable insurance asset, especially for teams with young or injury-prone signal-callers. The right veteran or experienced practice-squad option can stabilize a team’s outlook for the first few weeks.
– Fan takeaway: Pay attention to how teams frame their backups in these final days of roster-building. A well-chosen veteran or a promising young quarterback can change the mood around a franchise heading into Week 1.
Summary and outlook
As the 53-man rosters take shape, the quarterback trade market could be a catalyst for several teams looking to shore up depth behind their incumbent starter. The mix of veteran experience, preseason performance, and cap realities will determine which backups move and where they land. For fans, the unfolding market adds an extra layer of intrigue to a period that often gets overshadowed by final cuts. If the right moves land, the early-season outlook for several franchises could brighten, turning this preseason into a productive step toward the regular season.
Additional note
– If you’re tracking this closely, keep an eye on how teams handle cap flexibility and how quickly they commit to their four-QB or three-QB rosters. The decisions made in the next few days will shape depth charts well into September and potentially beyond.
Sentiment: The article aims for a balanced, cautiously optimistic view of how the backup QB market could shape teams as they finalize rosters.