5 NFL Backup Quarterbacks Could Be Traded This Offseason

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles said Tuesday that he's received calls about Bagent. Poles called it a "really tough decision" to move the 25-year-old.

Bagent won two of four starts as an undrafted rookie in 2023, tallying 859 passing yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions. However, he's thrown just six passes in two seasons since the Bears drafted Caleb Williams.

Mac Jones

Jones may be the best candidate for teams seeking a late-bloomer quarterback in line with Baker Mayfield, Geno Smith, and Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold.

Like Darnold, Jones went to the San Francisco 49ers to back up Brock Purdy. Yet the former first-round pick was pressed into action, and he responded by posting a career-high 97.4 passer rating in Kyle Shanahan's offense.

Jones' value slid after a Pro Bowl rookie campaign with the New England Patriots, but the 27-year-old may have earned another starting opportunity if the 49ers cash out on his bounce-back year. San Francisco also may see value in keeping him around as a high-end contingency plan.

Tanner McKee

McKee moved from third to second on the Philadelphia Eagles' depth chart after they traded Kenny Pickett last offseason. The sixth-round pick has made Week 18 starts in consecutive seasons, accruing 269 yards and two touchdowns to beat the New York Giants as a rookie but falling short to the Washington Commanders last January.

Sam Howell is an unrestricted free agent, so the Eagles would need a new understudy for Jalen Hurts if they move McKee.

Davis Mills

Mills received considerable playing time to start his career, making 26 combined starts for the Houston Texans in 2021 and 2022. Although he's since ridden the bench, the 27-year-old auditioned for another starting spot last November.

Filling in for the injured C.J. Stroud, Mills led Houston to three straight wins with 719 passing yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. He has an 82.5 quarterback rating over his five-year career.

Anthony Richardson

Richardson probably offers the highest ceiling of these options. The Indianapolis Colts were enamored enough by his athleticism to make him the No. 4 pick in 2023, but he quickly wore out his welcome.

While Richardson has occasionally brandished his strong arm, he's completed just 50.6 percent of his passes and has more career interceptions (13) than touchdowns (11). He'll also only be 24 to start the 2026 season, so teams may want to attempt a buy-low gamble if the Colts are ready to give up on the prized prospect.