Not every quarterback gets their moment in the sun. Some guys had the talent, the arm, and the football IQ, but were stuck behind a legend or never got the right opportunity.
In today’s NFL, where teams are always searching for competent quarterback play, some of these backups would’ve had starting jobs in a heartbeat. Here are 15 backup quarterbacks from the past who definitely deserved a real shot in today’s game.
15. Shaun Hill
Hill was steady, smart, and quietly productive whenever he got a chance. In a league that values game managers and reliable vets, he’d have started for multiple teams today.
14. Charlie Batch
Batch had starter experience early in his career, but spent most of his time holding a clipboard in Pittsburgh. He was the kind of dependable presence coaches dream of—and could’ve thrived in a modern system.
13. Damon Huard
Huard bounced around as a backup but always performed when called upon. With today’s emphasis on efficiency and avoiding mistakes, his style would’ve fit right in.
12. Todd Collins
Collins waited forever behind other starters but had a few solid moments when he got the call. In an NFL that loves veteran insurance policies, he would’ve had more than a cameo.
11. Frank Reich
Reich’s heroics in relief of Jim Kelly are still legendary, but he never really got his own team. In the modern era of quarterback movement, someone definitely would’ve taken a chance.
10. Kelly Holcomb
Holcomb had a cannon and proved in the playoffs he could ball out under pressure. If he played today, at least a few QB-needy teams would’ve handed him the reins.
9. Rob Johnson
Johnson had all the physical tools but never put it all together in a consistent role. With today’s coaching and analytics, someone might’ve unlocked his potential.
8. Seneca Wallace
Wallace was a mobile, versatile quarterback who never got the full-time starting shot he deserved. In today’s era of dual-threat QBs, his value would’ve skyrocketed.
7. Matt Moore
Moore came in clutch more than once and always looked comfortable under center. In a world where backups are expected to win games, he would’ve made a perfect low-end starter.
6. Elvis Grbac
Grbac was stuck behind legends early on, but he had the tools to run a modern offense. He was more talented than his role ever really allowed.
5. Sage Rosenfels
Rosenfels had moments where he looked like he could really play, but never got a long leash. In today’s league, a few early starts could’ve turned into something much bigger.
4. Luke McCown
McCown had all the intangibles and just enough arm to stick around forever—but never really got his own team. In today’s league, someone would’ve let him ride out a full season.
3. Bruce Gradkowski
Gradkowski was scrappy, smart, and fearless under pressure. He had the vibe of a modern QB2 who could totally run a team for 17 games if needed.
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2. Charlie Whitehurst
Clipboard Jesus had the look, the mechanics, and the patience—but never the consistent shot. In today’s quarterback carousel world, he might’ve landed a starting gig by default.
Read More: The 10 Worst Backup QBs Who Got Paid Like Starters
1. Ty Detmer
Detmer was undersized but brilliant, and never really got to run a team long-term. In today’s league, where smarts and timing matter more than ever, someone would’ve built a system around him.
Read More: Unsung Heroes: The 30 Best Backup Quarterbacks in NFL History
