Trevor Lawrence lit up the AFC in 2025, finally becoming the top-tier quarterback that the Jacksonville Jaguars always hoped he would be. Entering the 2026 season, expectations are sky-high for the former first-overall draft pick.
But what happens if he misses significant time? The superstar QB doesn't exactly have the cleanest bill of health, and his increased rushing output leaves him more vulnerable to injury than ever. The Jaguars currently have Nick Mullens on the roster as Lawrence's backup. Mullens is a passable second option, but Jacksonville could still look to improve at the position.
Jacoby Brissett could be the natural solution. The current Arizona Cardinals QB is in the middle of a contract dispute and could be available via trade for a low cost. The Jaguars should at least be making some calls to see if they can bring the veteran to Jacksonville.
Jaguars could pull off under-the-radar Jacoby Brissett trade
Nobody worries about who the backup quarterback is until the starter goes down. In recent league history, though, we've seen the quality of backup QBs determine the success of a team's season. Take the 2025 San Francisco 49ers, for example. Without Mac Jones, they may have missed the playoffs entirely. Backup quarterbacks are as valuable as ever in the NFL, and Brissett has been one of the best in football over the last decade.
The 33-year-old has bounced around the league for the last ten seasons, typically serving as a high-quality backup. When he's had to step in, he's been solid. Despite losing in 11 of his 12 starts, he threw for well over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns. In fact, he was solid enough for the Cardinals last season that he's expected to start the 2026 campaign as the team's starter. That is, if Arizona is willing to give him a significant raise.
Brissett's contract holdout has now extended into OTAs. The veteran has skipped team workouts amid his ongoing negotiations, leading to speculation that he could be moved. If he is traded, it likely wouldn't take more than a late-round pick to get him.
The Jaguars should be willing to fork over a bit of draft capital to make a deal. While Brissett isn't quite a starting-caliber quarterback, he would be an upgrade over Mullens. If Jacksonville ends up losing Lawrence for a significant portion of the season, they'll want to have a guy like Brissett on the roster.
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