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The Commanders are likely to shake up the backup QB spots, and they have quality options including a popular 2025 draft pick

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Josh Taylor | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 1:14 PM ET

I know this might seem like an unimportant topic, but this can become a major factor at any point in the season for the Washington Commanders. Having a quality backup QB has become a vital position for teams, and injuries happen all the time. Marcus Mariota played in three games last season, but he's dealing with an injury, and he's getting old.

Even the Philadelphia Eagles had to play multiple QBs last season, and it's just part of the game. The best way to go about a backup QB is to have a younger player you can develop and have learn the system. Sam Hartman was supposed to be that guy, but it just hasn't gone well, and the Commanders need to pivot.

Mariota turns 32 this season, he's only on a one-year deal, and he's been dealing with Achilles tendinitis, calling it a rough rehab process. It's time for the Commanders to get a younger QB in to develop behind Jayden Daniels and become a reliable starter in case of emergency, and they're in luck with their options.

Kyle McCord

Aug 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kyle McCord (19) controls the ball against the Cleveland Browns in the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The Eagles drafted Kyle McCord in the sixth round this past offseason, but they already have Tanner McKee and traded for Sam Howell, which led to the release of McCord. The team wants to bring him back on the practice squad, but the Commanders can steal him off waivers.

McCord set the ACC passing record in his final college season at Syracuse and led the FBS as well with 4,779 passing yards. He was projected as a late third to early fourth round pick, but fell to the sixth by surprise. McCord has a lot of traits to develop, and bringing him in to work with Daniels and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury can set up the future of the backup QB spot for the Commanders.

Tyler Huntley

Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley (18) throws a pass during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Tyler Huntley was a serviceable backup behind Lamar Jackson for years, and he would be an easy fit for the offense behind Daniels. He might not be a fresh prospect like McCord, but he's still only 27 years old and has a lot of traits to feel good about if he ever has to come into a game. The experience of having five years in the league also gives you comfort knowing he's seen a lot of defense in his time in the league.

Hendon Hooker

Aug 16, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) scrambles away from Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Tidall (41) in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images© Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions drafted Hendon Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft after his prolific college career with the Tennessee Volunteers, but they decided to move on as Kyle Allen emerged as the backup.

Lions HC Dan Campbell said that Hooker needs a change of scenery, and maybe Washington can be the spot for him. Hooker clearly needs to sit and develop in a system that works for him, and Kingsbury's offense could work for him. I think it's too early to give up on Hooker, and the Commanders could stash him for the next season as QB3 while he develops.

The QB3 position might go unnoticed to a lot of fans, but that player could very well be the backup to Daniels next season, and the Commanders need to get it right. Luckily for them, they have a lot of young options available to them to add to the roster to develop.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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