Replacements options for Lamar Jackson
By: Jake Rajala
There has been a lot of speculation that Lamar Jackson could get traded before Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. If this comes to fruition, they have to have a backup plan at QB. So, I’m going to lay out potential replacements for Lamar.
Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson has a similar skillet to Lamar Jackson. Anthony isn’t quite as impressive in the pocket as Lamar, however. Anthony can still mow down opposing figures like Taysom Hill. It won’t be easy for Richardson to start with Daniel Jones in the building in Indy.
Deshaun Watson
I believe that Shedeur Sanders is the future of the Browns organization. This doesn’t mean that I’m sold on him being a Top-15 QB. This leaves Watson somewhat expendable. Watson went 1-6 in 2024, but he also went 5-1 in the season before that. Watson is still 30 years old, so he has plenty of time to turn it around.
Justin Fields
Justin Fields isn’t going to start over Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. He could start in Baltimore and he would also have quality weapons in a Ravens uniform (such as Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and Rashod Bateman). There is still some magic from OSU in Fields, in my opinion.
Mac Jones
Mac Jones isn’t as athletic as the top two options above him. Nonetheless, he is arguably the best backup QB when it comes to passing. Jones went 5-3 last season, threw 13 touchdowns to six interceptions. The asking price for the 27 year old could be a first round pick. It won’t be easy to lure him in.
Taysom Hill
I know I mentioned Taysom Hill, so it’s only fitting if I label him as an option. He is quite an accurate passer and he can out run linebackers. I worry about his ability to stay healthy at 35 years old. He likely has a few seasons left in the tank at most.
Spencer Rattler
Another former Saint makes this list. Spencer Rattler has arm talent that’s off the charts. He only won one game, but he kept the Saints alive in most of their games. He is still developing, to say the least. He may thrive with a slightly better defense in Baltimore than the one he has in New Orleans.
Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson isn’t dead yet. He still has some arm talent, field awareness, and legs to make some plays. He went 0-3 with a poor team last season, but he went 6-5 with the Steelers in the season before. Wilson could go out swinging for another season with a talented team.
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