Now that the NFL season has finally arrived let’s look at some quarterbacks who could lose their jobs at some point during the 2024 league year. This list doesn’t just focus on starters; it also includes a few backup quarterbacks. So, which seven QBs could be demoted this season?
Cooper Rush, Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback
Cooper Rush has been on the hot seat from the moment the Dallas Cowboys traded for former first-round pick Trey Lance last season. He’s managed to stave off his backup ever since, but who knows what could change after a full offseason, training camp, and preseason action? Lance certainly has more upside if he’s called to action.
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Nate Sudfeld, Detroit Lions backup quarterback
With 2023 third-round pick Hendon Hooker waiting in the wings, it’s likely only a matter of time before he surpasses Nate Sudfeld on the Detroit Lions depth chart. Hooker has a lively arm and enough mobility to create extra opportunities with his legs. Meanwhile, Sudfeld is a 30-year-old journeyman backup who’s played six games in his NFL career.
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Will Levis, Tennessee Titans
Right now, there’s no danger of Will Levis losing his starting job. However, if the 33rd overall pick from the 2023 NFL Draft fails to impress in his first full season as a starter, don’t be surprised to see either Mason Rudolph or Malik Willis be given a chance to create a spark in Tennessee. Yet, we imagine Levis won’t have any issues holding onto his QB1 status.
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Aidan O’Connell, Las Vegas Raiders
As the incumbent starter, Aidan O’Connell will be given every opportunity to keep his job. However, the Raiders also signed Gardner Minshew II to a respectable two-year, $25 million contract. That’s not exactly backup money, so the Raiders likely won’t hesitate to pull the plug on O’Connell the moment he struggles.
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Jacoby Brissett, New England Patriots
Jacoby Brissett is a very capable quarterback. He’s a borderline starter who, if given a strong supporting cast, could probably win nine games or so. But he’s not on a team with a strong supporting cast, so it wouldn’t shock anyone if the third overall pick, Drake Maye, snatches the Patriots’ starting QB job away early on.
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Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
Teams don’t trade up to draft a quarterback 10th overall without plans to start him. While Sam Darnold could be in for a career year now that he’s surrounded by weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones, the future QB job belongs to J.J. McCarthy. If Darnold can’t pull his weight, it’s only a matter of time before McCarthy takes over.
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Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson has really taken a tumble since winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. He only lasted two seasons with the Denver Broncos, and they couldn’t wait to move on. Now, Wilson’s off to another rough start in Pittsburgh, which has only given Justin Fields more time to shine. If the 35-year-old nine-time Pro Bowler has truly lost a step, then Fields will be handed the keys to Pittsburgh’s offense. Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season, and he won’t let Wilson get in the way of a 17-year streak.
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