Entering the 2025 season, the NFC West backup quarterback rankings showcase a mix of seasoned veterans and young talents. Leading the list is Jimmy Garoppolo of the Los Angeles Rams, who, despite limited play last year, has a proven track record, having led the 49ers to a Super Bowl. Following him is Jacoby Brissett, now with the Arizona Cardinals, known for his remarkable interception rate, making him a reliable backup. Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers and Drew Lock of the Seattle Seahawks round out the rankings, both having struggled with turnovers, raising questions about their effectiveness in critical moments.

This offseason has seen significant changes, with the Rams retaining Garoppolo while the Cardinals acquired Brissett and the 49ers brought in Jones. The Seahawks opted to re-sign Lock, hoping for better performances compared to his previous stints. As teams look to solidify their quarterback depth, these backups will play crucial roles in their respective offenses, especially in cases of injury or underperformance by starters.

Mac Jones, once touted as the future of the New England Patriots, now finds himself as a backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, a shift that marks his third team in three years. Selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Jones’s trajectory has been disappointing. Previously, he filled in for an injured Trevor Lawrence with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but struggles with turnovers have hampered his progress.

Despite his setbacks, Jones's new role behind Brock Purdy, who has received a lucrative contract, presents a potential opportunity for a career resurgence. His ability to deliver prominently in a backup capacity could lead to a favorable reevaluation in the future, harkening to the trend of quarterbacks finding success after initial struggles.

Pro Football Focus sets ambitious expectations for Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, projecting his ceiling to be akin to Drew Brees and his floor closer to Mac Jones. Nix had an impressive rookie season, amassing 3,775 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, showing potential that resembles Brees, particularly in his capacity to thrive under Broncos head coach Sean Payton.

While Nix's high-end potential could reflect Brees' legendary career, his lower-end abilities might align more with Jones, particularly as Nix continues to develop. His surprising performance as a rookie defied the second-round draft expectations from analysts.

The New England Patriots are facing significant challenges as they approach their upcoming matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The team has struggled offensively, leading to increased scrutiny on quarterback Mac Jones. Despite flashes of talent, Jones has been inconsistent, leading to frustration among fans and analysts alike. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have shown they can score quickly, putting additional pressure on the Patriots' defense to step up.

Injuries have also plagued the Patriots, particularly on the offensive line, which has hindered their ability to establish a running game and protect Jones. With a pivotal game ahead, the coaching staff is under pressure to find solutions and make adjustments. The outcome not only impacts the team's playoff aspirations but also the future of several key players and the coaching staff.

The New England Patriots wrapped up their mandatory minicamp with some impressive highlights showcased in a newly released video. Coach Mike Vrabel conducted only two open practices for the media, focusing on maximizing the development of players during these critical early stages of training. Fans and analysts alike are keeping an eye on how the new draft picks and returning veterans mesh within the team's evolving roster.

Among the standout moments, the performance of rookie quarterback Mac Jones continues to draw attention as he adapts to the fast pace of the NFL. His synergy with the offensive line, alongside key targets such as Hunter Henry and Kendrick Bourne, is crucial for the upcoming season. The team's defensive strategy also seemed aggressive, with players like Matthew Judon making their presence felt during drills.