Mac Jones Tops Backup Quarterback Rankings in NFC West

The Arizona Cardinals are set to start Jacoby Brissett as their quarterback in the upcoming 2026 season, placing him at the bottom of the NFC West's starter rankings. However, the team’s backup option is Gardner Minshew, who is currently evaluated among the league's backup quarterbacks. SI.com's Gilberto Manzano has compiled a list ranking all 32 teams' backup QBs, shedding light on where the NFC West backups stand.

Leading the pack is Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers, who has secured the No. 2 spot. Last season, Jones stepped up admirably when Brock Purdy faced injuries, proving his value to the team. With a contract that extends through 2026, he appears to be a stable choice for the 49ers and might have drawn interest from teams in need of starting quarterbacks this offseason, including potentially the Cardinals.

In the 14th position is Gardner Minshew. While he may find himself in the starting role if the Cardinals fail to finalize arrangements with Brissett, Minshew's experience is notable, having started 47 games in his career. His ability to deliver exciting performances has waned recently, but he remains a dependable backup.

Drew Lock of the Seattle Seahawks ranks 17th. Despite having 28 starts to his name, Lock has struggled to perform at a high level consistently and has a tendency for turnovers. Luckily for him, like Seattle's starter Sam Darnold, he benefits from a strong supporting cast that can help mitigate his shortcomings.

Finally, Ty Simpson of the Los Angeles Rams is positioned at No. 23. As a rookie yet to take an NFL snap, he is seen as a potential successor to Matthew Stafford. However, questions linger about his readiness given his limited college experience, having started only 15 games.