As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the NFC West has solidified its quarterback depth charts, with San Francisco 49ers backup Mac Jones emerging as the top-ranked secondary signal-caller in the division according to recent analysis by SI.com’s Gilberto Manzano. This ranking highlights the critical role of experienced backups in a division known for its high-stakes competition and physical playstyles.
The Strategic Value of Veteran Depth
The importance of a reliable backup quarterback has never been more apparent in the modern NFL. With starting quarterbacks facing the constant threat of injury, teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams are prioritizing depth to maintain playoff contention throughout the grueling 17-game schedule.
Mac Jones, currently holding the number two spot in Manzano’s league-wide backup rankings, proved his value last season by keeping the 49ers competitive during Brock Purdy’s absence. His ability to step into a high-pressure system has made him a coveted asset, with many analysts noting he could have easily competed for a starting role elsewhere had he not remained under contract in San Francisco.
Division Breakdown: How NFC West Backups Compare
Gardner Minshew, currently with the Arizona Cardinals, occupies the 14th spot in the national rankings. Minshew brings significant experience with 47 career starts, providing the Cardinals with a high-floor insurance policy should Jacoby Brissett struggle or face injury setbacks during the season.
The Seattle Seahawks look to Drew Lock, ranked 17th, to anchor their backup position. Despite a reputation for being turnover-prone, Lock’s experience with 28 career starts provides a known quantity for a team that relies heavily on its surrounding roster to facilitate success. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams are taking a developmental approach with Ty Simpson, who ranks 23rd.
Simpson, who has yet to take an NFL snap, represents the future for the Rams organization. As the potential heir apparent to Matthew Stafford, his progression is a key storyline for the Rams’ long-term strategy, despite lingering questions regarding his limited collegiate experience.
Industry Implications and Future Outlook
For NFL franchises, these rankings underscore a shift toward valuing veteran presence in the quarterback room. Teams that invest in backups with starting experience are better positioned to navigate mid-season adversity without compromising their postseason aspirations.
Observers should watch how these backup situations evolve as teams navigate training camps and preseason games. If starters like Brissett or Stafford face early-season volatility, the pressure on backups like Minshew and Simpson will intensify rapidly, potentially altering the competitive landscape of the NFC West before the mid-point of the season.
