Top 5 backup QBs currently playing in the NFL

Backup quarterbacks are the most important players that every NFL team also wishes never to have an impact on any game. All NFL teams are hoping the quarterback they name as their starter leads them to sustained success. Teams who accomplish this task while also keeping the starter healthy don't have much of a need for a solid backup quarterback.

It's still wise for NFL teams to solidify their starting quarterback. They serve as an insurance policy just in case the starter runs into trouble, such as consistently disappointing performances or an unfortunate injury. They may need to fill in for the short term or possibly take over permanently.

Here are the five best backup quarterbacks of the 2022 NFL season.

#5 - Mitchell Trubisky, Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Mitchell Trubisky

Mitchell Trubisky spent the first four seasons with the Chicago Bears. He then joined the Buffalo Bills to serve as a backup for Josh Allen. He spent just one year there before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022.

Trubisky started the first four games of the 2022 NFL season before the Steelers turned the job over to rookie Kenny Pickett. Trubisky has been relatively solid in his NFL career, producing a 30-24 overall record as a starter with 79 total touchdowns.

#4 - Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints

Jameis Winston built a reputation as a gunslinger in five seasons as the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He led the entire NFL with 5,109 passing yards in his final season with the team. He also led the league with a massive 30 interceptions that same season.

Winston initially joined the New Orleans Saints as a backup for Drew Brees. He then earned the starting role in 2021 before suffering a season-ending injury. He opened the 2022 season as a starter again but has lost his job to Andy Dalton.

#3 - Jacoby Brissett, Cleveland Browns

Jacoby Brissett is the definition of a journeyman quarterback. He has spent seven years in the league with four different teams. He has totaled 47 starts in his career, including multiple starts for all four teams he played for. He has always been a serviceable quarterback, though he has never secured a long-term starting job.

Brissett signed with the Cleveland Browns ahead of the 2022 NFL season. He is currently serving as their starting quarterback while Deshaun Watson serves a suspension. Watson is expected to return in Week 13 and send Brissett back to the bench.

#2 - Teddy Bridgewater, Miami Dolphins

Like Brissett, Teddy Bridgewater also qualifies as a true journeyman quarterback. He has played for five teams and earned starts with all five. He has accumulated a respectable 33-31 record with 85 total touchdowns.

Bridgewater signed with the Miami Dolphins before the start of the 2022 NFL season to serve as a backup for Tua Tagovailoa. He will likely only see action as an injury replacement, as Tagovailoa has emerged as one of the best quarterbacks during the 2022 season.

#1 - Gardner Minshew II, Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles QB Gardner Minshew II

Gardner Minshew II began his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was relatively successful in his two years with the team, especially considering they were in a rebuild. He recorded 38 total touchdowns in just 20 starts. He showed potential as a starting quarterback but lost his job when the Jaguars drafted Trevor Lawrence.

Minshew now serves as a backup for Jalen Hurts with the Philadelphia Eagles. He is currently one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league. At just 26 years old, he will likely receive another opportunity to be a starter at some point, though it may not be with the Eagles.