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NFL Backup QBs Ranked: Who Leads Depth Charts 2026

ESPN NFL •
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Seth Walder of ESPN ranked all 32 NFL backup quarterbacks following an eventful Week 1 of the 2026 season. Injuries to Sam Darnold and Kyler Murray thrust Drew Lock and Carson Wentz into action, with both teams winning despite limited und | ., | |

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x, The The. In,现在 the,, af In, order d G, d In The being, 2026, 06:20 AM ET. The exercise is tricky due to limited information, as some players have not played in meaningful pro games in years. The ranking considers limited information and assumes development under elite coaches. Fernando Mendoza of the Las Vegas Raiders tops the list as the No. 1 draft pick with the highest upside. Marcus Mariota of the Washington Commanders ranks second after starting eight games last season when Jayden Daniels was hurt, posting a 50.4 QBR. Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers ranks third after a strong 62.7 QBR in limited action. Spencer Rattler of the New Orleans Saints ranks fourth despite a 1-7 record in starts last season, showing significant growth. The ranking considers limited information and assumes development under elite coaches. Kirk Cousins and Cooper Rush are noted as context for the Las Vegas and Atlanta depth charts respectively. Key entities include Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, and Drew Lock. Key entities include Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, and Drew Lock.