The quarterback who started right before Alex Smith is ranked one spot behind the quarterback who will (hopefully) start right after Alex Smith in these backup quarterback rankings.
What I mean is that Titans QB Matt Cassel is ranked 23rd on SI’s list of the NFL’s best backup quarterbacks and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is ranked 22nd. Good for the Chiefs in the all-important world of backup quarterback rankings.
The Chiefs have had a veteran backup in each of the past four seasons since this regime came to town. It was Chase Daniel (ranked 13th on this list) for three years and then Nick Foles (15th) last year. That’s why some of us wondered (and still wonder) if the Chiefs would bring on a veteran backup.
Mahomes could be the backup. The Chiefs plan to sit him this year, though. What if Alex Smith goes down in Week 2 and the Chiefs are forced to put him in there? Would they want to do that to Mahomes? I’m not sure that they would. (Hey, I could be wrong. What do I know?) That’s why I still wonder if a veteran backup is a possibility.
Or the backup could be Tyler Bray. I mean, I have no idea. He’s been on the team this long it’s somewhat impressive we know so little about him. So, sure, throw his name in there, too.
Here’s the SI list of best backups:
1. Jimmy Garoppolo, Patriots
2. Matt Moore, Dolphins
3. Trevor Siemian/Paxton Lynch, Broncos
4. Colt McCoy, Redskins
5. Deshaun Watson, Texans
6. AJ McCarron, Bengals
7. T.J. Yates/Cardale Jones/Nathan Peterman, Bills
8. Mitchell Trubisky/Mike Glennon, Bears
9. Chad Henne, Jaguars
10. Geno Smith, Giants
11. Drew Stanton, Cardinals
12. Kevin Hogan/Brock Osweiler/DeShone Kizer, Browns
13. Chase Daniel, Saints
14. Derek Anderson, Panthers
15. Nick Foles, Eagles
16. Ryan Mallett, Ravens
17. Case Keenum, Vikings
18. Matt Barkley/CJ Beathard, 49ers
19. Bryce Petty/Christian Hackenberg, Jets – special Jets category
20. Landry Jones/Josh Dobbs, Steelers
21. Trevone Boykin, Seahawks
22. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
23. Matt Cassel, Titans
24. Kellen Clemens, Chargers
25. Connor Cook/EJ Manuel, Raiders
26. Matt Schaub, Falcons
27. Brett Hundley, Packers
28. Kellen Moore, Cowboys
29. Scott Tolzien, Colts
30. Sean Mannion, Rams
31. Jake Rudock/Brad Kaaya, Lions
32. Ryan Griffin, Buccaneers