The 2000s were a strange time for backup quarterbacks. They were often viewed as clipboard holders, only called upon when the starter got injured, or completely melted down. But today’s NFL is a different animal, built around creative offenses, mobile passers, and short, quick throws that let QBs play fast and free.
If some of those 2000s-era backups had been handed a modern playbook and a coach who believed in them, their careers might look different. Here are 20 backup quarterbacks from the 2000s who’d cook in today’s NFL.
20. Anthony Wright
Wright bounced around the league but showed flashes of real talent. He could’ve been a sneaky-efficient starter in a world of spread offenses and quick reads.
19. Kelly Holcomb
Holcomb had one great playoff game and a bunch of forgettable starts, but that one game hinted at more. Give him today’s QB-friendly systems; he might’ve made much more noise.
18. Chris Redman
Redman was buried on depth charts but had a good arm and solid instincts. He’d look much more comfortable in a modern offense built on timing and spacing.
17. Damon Huard
Huard had stretches where he looked like a legit starter, especially in Kansas City. With better play-action and RPO usage today, he’d probably stick around longer as a reliable option.
16. Todd Collins
Collins was the human equivalent of “break glass in an emergency.” But we might be talking about him differently if he’d been allowed to grow in a system instead of riding the bench for a decade.
15. Doug Johnson
Johnson had a few moments in Atlanta but never quite found consistency. A more supportive offensive scheme could’ve helped him settle into a rhythm.
14. Jay Fiedler
Fiedler started a lot but was always treated like a temp. He was mobile, innovative, and gritty—tailor-made for today’s Shanahan-style offense.
13. Chris Weinke
Weinke came into the league late and got thrown into the fire on a bad Panthers team. He’d get protected and maybe even praised in today’s QB-friendly setups.
12. Billy Volek
Volek threw for over 400 yards once, and nobody blinked. He’d be starting somewhere with those numbers and a few more TikTok fans today.
11. Jon Kitna
Kitna was the classic tough, competent journeyman who never quite had the proper tools around him. In 2025, he’s probably a high-end game manager with a playoff wit.
10. Shane Matthews
Matthews was efficient and accurate, but never flashy enough to hang onto a starting gig. That kind of quarterback is suddenly in demand again. Just ask Brock Purdy.
9. Sage Rosenfels
Rosenfels was weirdly clutch and weirdly chaotic, depending on the day. If a team gave him the keys to a modern passing offense, the upside might surprise you.
8. Brian Griese
Griese was a starter-turned-backup who probably should’ve gotten more leash. His cerebral style would shine with better pass protection and a cleaner system.
7. Jeff Garcia
Garcia had mobility, fire, and accuracy—all things coaches obsess over today. Imagine him with motion-heavy offenses and freedom to run? Game-changer.
6. Charlie Batch
Batch was a professional backup, but he always looked sharp when he played. Today, he’d be seen as a Jacoby Brissett-type who can win you games and not wreck the season.
5. Shaun King
King was asked to manage games before it was cool. He’d be more than a placeholder in a modern offense with better spacing and more brilliant play design.
4. Jake Delhomme
Delhomme got a Super Bowl trip but never quite the respect. He played with a fiery edge and enough accuracy to thrive in today’s aggressive passing schemes.
3. Trent Dilfer
Dilfer’s rep is all defense and ball control, but he had a solid arm and could push it when needed. In today’s play-action-heavy world, he’d get a much fairer shake.
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2. Marc Bulger
Bulger had real talent and got buried by foul-line play and nagging injuries. He’d last longer and look smoother in today’s faster-paced game with quicker throwers.
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1. Jason Campbell
Campbell had the tools—arm strength, mobility, poise—but never the continuity or system fit. In today’s NFL, he’s probably a solid starter with a multi-year deal and a fan base that believes in him.
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