NFL Trade Machine: The Backup QB Market
By Erik Lambert
Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback A.J. McCarron on the sidelines against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
One of the more interesting and overlooked sections of the NFL trade market that should draw more attention is the backup quarterbacks. Former Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms went on record saying he believes there’s a number of kids around the league who are capable of helping teams win in the NFL. The only thing they lack is an opportunity.
It’s a fair point. Several names over the years have risen from obscurity on a depth chart to do great things.
Tom Brady.
Rich Gannon.
Kurt Warner.
So that begs the question. Who are some current backups that bear watching over the course of this season as far as potential trade chips for the near future?
Jimmy Garoppolo
Could Tom Brady actually get suspended? It’s certainly looking that way, in which case things couldn’t be looking better for backup Jimmy Garoppolo. The second-year kid out of Eastern Ilinois was tagged as Brady’s eventual replacement, but the Patriots have been known to use players as trade bait before. Having Belichick elevate him in Brady’s absence and selling him at a high price would be just their style.
Zach Mettenberger
The arrival of Marcus Mariota certainly complicates matters for Zach Mettenberger, who still feels he has a serious shot at winning the Tennessee Titans starting job. Given that unlikelihood, the former 6th round pick becomes an interesting dilemma. On the one hand he would make a great backup given how much the coaching staff likes him. At the same time, his mixture of size, arm talent and confidence may entice another team to flip a more lucrative pick to Tennessee for his services.
A.J. McCarron
Anybody remember this guy? No? That’s a shame because one would think winning two national championships earns somebody a little more respects. Instead A.J. McCarron has the unwelcome label of being a backup to Andy Dalton with the Cincinnati Bengals. That hasn’t stopped him though. Word out of team headquarters is the coaches are very high on him, prompting the idea he can woo another team to covet his services. A great performance in the preseason might be just the ticket he needs.
Johnny Manziel
The Cleveland Browns have insisted the door is not closed on Johnny Manziel with their franchise. It would seem they wish to sit him on the bench in 2015 where he can learn behind Josh McCown, one of the most respected veterans in the business. That doesn’t quiet the chatter about the team possibly looking to move him out and going in a different direction. For all his personal issues, Manziel is still a unique talent who has the ability to win games at the NFL level. Everything will depend on who the coach is that trades for him.
Mike Glennon
One of the more curious cases of the entire off-season is Mike Glennon. After Lovie Smith insisted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would not be shy about moving on with him as starting quarterback early in the off-season, he watched them begin the Jameis Winston era. This puts him in a compromising position as a player who is young and has starting experience but can’t seem to get a team to take a chance on him. It can’t be for lack of talent. He clearly has enough to win games against good teams. Ask Pittsburgh.