NFL Trade Speculation: Young Backup QBs Who Could Earn a Starting Spot Elsewhere

With the NFL in a craze about where Peyton Manning is going to land now that he's a free agent, many are forgetting that there are plenty of young backups who could earn a starting spot elsewhere via trade. 

While the hype for "grooming" a backup only to dangle him as trade bait may be dead, that doesn't mean that trading for a backup quarterback to make him a starter is out of the question.

Although the experiments with the likes of Kevin Kolb and Matt Cassel may not have produced desired results, there will always be something intriguing about a young quarterback with potential. 

The search for the next-best thing is never over, as most NFL GMs are continuously on the lookout for the future of their franchises.

Look no further—these backups deserve a chance.  

The Extra Point: Any Takers on Jimmy Clausen?

Jimmy Clausen was once a highly touted NFL prospect.

Like many before his time, he hasn't lived up to expectations. 

Clausen has played in the league for two seasons, didn't touch the field in 2011 and is due a $923,000 roster bonus come late March.

Needless to say, he won't be a member of the Carolina Panthers by the time the 2012 season kicks off. 

So, will there be any takers on a deal for Clausen? Don't bet on it.

The 2-Point Conversion: Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett

With Tom Brady at the helm, the New England Patriots have made a living out of cultivating backup quarterbacks.

Like Matt Cassel before them, Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallet are good enough to start elsewhere. 

Hoyer is now a restricted free agent, and the Patriots will undoubtedly trade him.

He's an accurate passer with above-average athleticism and has learned from one of the NFL's best. 

Although he doesn't have much NFL experience, his time under Brady does nothing but boost his stock.

As for Mallett, he has first-round talent with a third-round mentality. The young pup has matured quickly in the NFL and is the prototypical NFL gunslinger.

At 6'6" with plenty of arm strength, Mallett will be in the back of NFL GMs' minds for the next couple of seasons. 

Expect Hoyer to be gone sooner than later and the Patriots to hold onto Mallett for now. 

Joe Webb Is a Pure Athlete

If Tarvaris Jackson got a chance to start in the NFL, Joe Webb should, too. 

The Minnesota Vikings quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance in his minimal playing time in his two-year career. 

While his sample size is small, his nimble feet are what stands out about him.

Granted, he only has 274 career rushing yards, but he averages 6.9 yards per attempt. 

He's proven that he can come into games and make an instant impact. More experience would only strengthen all facets of his game. 

With the Vikings having Christian Ponder as their future, Webb is definite trade material. 

He's a sleeper that's worth consideration. 

All Stephen McGee Needs Is a Chance

Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Stephen McGee just may be the most interesting backup of all. 

McGee has shown loads of promise in minuscule NFL action.

In his one game in 2011, he went 24-of-38 for 182 passing yards and a touchdown. Most importantly, he was turnover-free. 

McGee has room to improve in his throwing motion when pressured by the speed of the NFL game, but that can only improve with more playing time. 

With McGee becoming a free agent in 2013, the Cowboys would be wise to trade him now.

John Skelton Surprised All in 2011

Because of John Skelton, the Arizona Cardinals salvaged an 8-8 season in 2011.

Skelton took over for injured Kevin Kolb and finished with a 5-2 record.

With the Cardinals having vested interest in Kolb, it would be wise to trade Skelton while he still has value.

Skelton has two years left on his contract, and the Cardinals have plenty of holes to fill.

The 23-year-old quarterback will attract plenty of tempting offers for the Cardinals by draft day.

T.J. Yates Played His Way into a Future Starting Job in the NFL

T.J. Yates made the most of his brief playing time in his rookie season of 2011. 

Yates helped the Houston Texans clinch their first-ever playoff berth and even won a playoff game. 

Any quarterback with playoff experience is a plus—a quarterback with a playoff win is even more valuable. Yates is that man.

NFL teams will soon be calling the Texans inquiring about Yates' services. He's worth the risk for a team with nothing to lose. 

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