Three backup quarterbacks who could start for new teams in 2027

Some NFL backups are waiting for an injury to create an opportunity. These three quarterbacks could use the 2026 season to convince a different team to hand them a starting job next year.

Mac Jones could follow familiar path out of San Francisco

Mac Jones has already completed the difficult portion of his career rehabilitation.

After flaming out in New England and spending a season in Jacksonville, Jones landed with Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers. He went 5-3 while replacing an injured Brock Purdy in 2025, throwing for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns across 11 appearances.

Jones remains firmly behind Purdy, which makes his future in San Francisco fairly obvious. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the season and acknowledged that another contract is on his mind.

Jones could follow the path Sam Darnold took after rebuilding his reputation under Shanahan. Another strong appearance or two would make him one of the most experienced options available to quarterback-needy teams in 2027.

Joe Milton III could become valuable Cowboys trade chip

Joe Milton III will not replace Dak Prescott in Dallas. His path to a starting job runs through another city.

Milton owns one of the NFL’s strongest arms, but accuracy and decision-making concerns followed him from college. His latest preseason work suggests those rough edges may finally be smoothing out.

The 26-year-old completed 12-of-15 passes for 107 yards and one touchdown in his first preseason appearance. He followed that performance by connecting with Jonathan Mingo for a 53-yard touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.

Dallas acquired Milton from the New England Patriots for a fifth-round pick before the 2025 season. If he secures the backup job and continues showing improved control, the Cowboys could receive calls from teams seeking an inexpensive quarterback with enormous physical upside.

Milton remains under contract beyond this season, so he cannot simply leave in free agency. A trade would require one team to believe his arm is finally attached to a quarterback ready to handle an NFL offense. Every deep completion makes that gamble easier to justify.

Mason Rudolph could receive another chance elsewhere

Mason Rudolph is not going to inspire a parade. He could still become an affordable solution for a team unable to land a franchise quarterback.

The veteran has made 19 career starts and owns a 9-9-1 record. He also rescued Pittsburgh’s 2023 season by winning three consecutive games and guiding the Steelers into the playoffs.

Rudolph returned to Pittsburgh on a two-year contract in 2025 and is positioned to back up Aaron Rodgers again. With Drew Allar and Will Howard waiting behind him, the Steelers appear unlikely to view Rudolph as their long-term answer.

Another team may see things differently.

Rudolph has completed 64.4% of his career passes while throwing 30 touchdowns against 22 interceptions. Those numbers are unspectacular, but respectable quarterback play becomes awfully attractive when the alternative is a rookie who is not ready or a veteran whose best days disappeared three teams ago.

Jones offers the strongest resume, while Milton brings the greatest ceiling. Rudolph represents the fallback plan. All three could enter 2027 wearing different uniforms and receiving opportunities unavailable with their current teams.