The role of a backup quarterback in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL is critical, especially when called upon in an emergency. In 2025, Joe Milton III has earned recognition as one of the league‘s top NFL backup quarterbacks, now positioned to support the Dallas Cowboys behind starter Dak Prescott. This role is vital as teams rely heavily on their backups to maintain consistency and leadership when the starter is sidelined.
Essential Role of Backup Quarterbacks in the NFL
Being a starting quarterback is a dream for many young athletes, as it is widely regarded as one of the most demanding roles in professional sports. Yet, a reliable backup quarterback is equally important, serving as a safety net to lead the team seamlessly when the starter cannot play. Teams invest significantly in securing competent backups who can manage the offense effectively and uphold team momentum under pressure.
Evaluating the NFL’s Backup Quarterbacks Ranked 32 to 18
The depth of backup talent across the league is vast and varies widely. Ranking 32nd on the list is Kyle Trask of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who has limited experience with just 11 career passes and lost opportunities to compete for the starting role after Tom Brady retired. Mitchell Trubisky sits at 31st, known for a rocky career that still offers dependable backup qualities behind Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen.
Tyson Bagent of the Chicago Bears ranks 30th, having shown grit filling in for Justin Fields, while Mason Rudolph of the Pittsburgh Steelers is 29th, marked more by caution due to inconsistency and recent team acquisitions like Aaron Rodgers. Davis Mills of the Houston Texans is 28th, capable of managing plays but overshadowed by C.J. Stroud’s firm grasp on the starting position. In 27th place is Nick Mullens of the Jacksonville Jaguars, valued for his streaky but sometimes impressive performances backing up Trevor Lawrence.
Other notable backups include Kenny Pickett of the Cleveland Browns at 26th, Brandon Allen of the Tennessee Titans at 25th, and Tyler Shough of the New Orleans Saints at 24th, where rookie competition remains intense. Jarrett Stidham of the Denver Broncos holds 23rd, <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/drew-lock/”>Drew Lock of the Seattle Seahawks is 22nd with mixed potential, and Joshua Dobbs of the New England Patriots sits 21st, known for occasional impactful flashes.
Mid-Tier Backups From 20th to 11th Place
Tanner McKee of the Philadelphia Eagles ranks 20th after an impressive finish last season, while Taylor Heinicke of the Los Angeles Chargers at 19th brings veteran resilience. Joe Milton III emerges at 18th, having made an immediate impact in Week 18 and joining the Dallas Cowboys officially. Hendon Hooker of the Detroit Lions, despite injury setbacks, is 17th, followed by Miami Dolphins’ Zach Wilson at 16th, who resumed his career after a turbulent stint with the Jets.
Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets backup at 15th, combines experience and a safe playing style that complements starters like Justin Fields. Cooper Rush, now 14th with the Baltimore Ravens, has proven leadership during Dak Prescott’s absences and offers a steady option behind Lamar Jackson. The Las Vegas Raiders’ Aidan O’Connell at 13th faces a pivotal developmental year amid roster changes, and Gardner Minshew II at 12th brings veteran reliability backing up Patrick Mahomes at Kansas City Chiefs.
Sam Howell of the Minnesota Vikings stands 11th due to confident preseason performance, signaling promise as a developmental asset behind J.J. McCarthy.
Top Ten Backup Quarterbacks in the NFL for 2025
The top tier of NFL backups includes Malik Willis of the Green Bay Packers at 10th, celebrated for his confident leadership during starts and readiness behind Jordan Love. Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers ranks 9th and is highly regarded by coach Kyle Shanahan, offering a strong arm and downfield risk-taking capabilities despite lacking consistency to surpass Brock Purdy.
Jacoby Brissett at 8th with the Arizona Cardinals has a proven history as an effective wake-up call for starters like Kyler Murray, while Marcus Mariota of the Washington Commanders at 7th is trusted by his teammates and has demonstrated his ability to lead convincingly in relief efforts.
Andy Dalton ranks 6th with the Carolina Panthers, known as a versatile journeyman quarterback whose wealth of experience is invaluable for mentoring young starters such as Bryce Young. Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts is 5th, vying for a starting role but providing dependable backup support within a stable environment.
Jaxson Dart, 4th with the New York Giants, is a promising young prospect with strong preseason showings, poised as the quarterback of the future behind veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. Jimmy Garoppolo, the Los Angeles Rams’ 3rd-ranked backup, holds a secure position due to his extensive starting and playoff experience under Sean McVay’s offensive system.
“Remember, Jimmy Garoppolo in a Sean McVay offense is much different than Jimmy Garoppolo with the Raiders. This version of Jimmy G is likely the best backup QB in football.” —Frank Ammirante, Analyst
Jake Browning stands 2nd with the Cincinnati Bengals, earning respect through solid statistics during the 2023 season and showing reliability behind Joe Burrow. Leading this elite group is Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons, a veteran presence who remains ready to start in case of injury and continues to offer valuable offensive leadership despite contract constraints and a shifting rookie backup situation with Michael Penix Jr.
Joe Milton III’s Promising Future in Dallas
Joe Milton III’s transfer to the Dallas Cowboys during Week 18 marks a significant career milestone as he steps into a key backup role for Dak Prescott. His acquisition by Dallas followed a trade where the New England Patriots turned their sixth-round pick into a fifth-rounder, reflecting prudent management of their assets. Milton’s immediate availability and the strong team support around him set the stage for a future where he can capitalize on the high expectations placed on him.
Milton’s development will be closely watched given the Cowboys’ history of effectively utilizing backup quarterbacks when starters have missed time. Supported by seasoned coaching, including guidance from Jim Harbaugh and others around the Cowboys, Milton is well-positioned to demonstrate the resilience, passion, and determination that define top NFL backup quarterbacks.
Importance of Effective Backup Quarterbacks for Team Success
The list of top NFL backup quarterbacks underscores a league-wide understanding that a capable QB2 can decide the success of a season. Players such as Joe Milton III embody the hope and preparedness necessary for this demanding role. Teams sharpen their rosters by cultivating backups with the ability to take over immediately and lead with confidence.
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, how these backups perform in action may significantly influence playoff aspirations and the overall competitive landscape. For the Dallas Cowboys and Joe Milton III, this opportunity represents not just readiness but the potential for a breakthrough that could shape his career and the team’s fortunes.