6 NFL Backup QBs Who Can Increase Their Trade Value in the 2025 Preseason

Backup NFL quarterbacks who see little to no action during the regular season can shine in the preseason, which can lead them to better situations and more opportunities.

Last offseason, the Tennessee Titans traded Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers, a stable organization known for developing its quarterback talent, and he played the best football of his career.

Because of the high value on quarterbacks, teams will make trades for serviceable backups.

Here are six signal-callers who can generate interest on the trade market with productive outings in the preseason.

Tyson Bagent, Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Erin Hooley

Bears QB Tyson Bagent

In the days before the Chicago Bears' first preseason game, head coach Ben Johnson praised Tyson Bagent for his work ethic and ability to process what he sees on the field.

"Appreciate the seriousness and intent that he brings every time that he walks into a room, you know, meeting room, walkthrough, it doesn't matter. He's locked in, he's focused. I think his teammates feel that from him. Love the fact that he throws the ball and he keeps working through his progressions just so he goes home with exactly where everyone is going to be in case he had to move on."

Johnson may have taken a liking to Bagent, but that doesn't mean the third-year signal-caller is off limits in trade talks.

The Bears have a young starting quarterback in Caleb Williams, who has great upside. Bagent isn't going to surpass him on the depth chart. Chicago signed experienced veteran Case Keenum, who can give Williams some guidance. The club has also kept 25-year-old Austin Reed on the practice squad over the last two years.

In 2023, Bagent appeared in five games, making four consecutive starts, throwing for 859 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions with a 65.7 percent completion rate. Even though he came out of a Division II program, the Shepard product flashed the ability to keep pace with the pros. Chicago went 2-2 in his starts.

Under a new regime, Bagent could be expendable if another team makes a strong offer for him. He can generate interest with a string of quality preseason performances.

Stetson Bennett IV, Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Rams QB Stetson Bennett IV

Stetson Bennett IV has experienced a rocky start to his NFL career. Coming out of Georgia as a fourth-round pick in 2023, he dealt with an injury and a personal matter that kept him away from the team in his first year.

In 2024, the Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo, and Bennett was their third-string quarterback.

Los Angeles has yet to dress Bennett for a regular-season game. Even though Matthew Stafford's back issue raises the probability of a backup seeing action this year, the coaching staff would likely turn to Garoppolo, who's far more experienced than Bennett, for fill-in duty.

Stafford is under contract for only two more years. The Rams have two 2026 first-round picks, which may allow them to draft his replacement. Bennett probably doesn't have a future with the club, but he could draw outside interest by playing well in the preseason.

Will Grier, Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Cowboys QB Will Grier

In April, the Dallas Cowboys acquired big-armed Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots, which means Will Grier could fall to third on their quarterback depth chart.

Back in November, Dallas signed Grier to its practice squad under former head coach Mike McCarthy. With Brian Schottenheimer taking the promotion from offensive coordinator to lead skipper, he may have a different perspective on the primary backup role.

Milton is a more athletic quarterback than Grier, who has an average arm and doesn't pose a threat with his legs.

The Carolina Panthers selected Grier in the third round of the 2019 draft. As a rookie, he made two starts, throwing for 228 yards and four interceptions, but left the second outing early because of a foot injury.

Grier has put together solid preseason outings in recent years. Now, he can showcase himself to draw interest from other teams that see him as a No. 2 quarterback.

Davis Mills, Houston Texans

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Texans QB Davis Mills

Between 2021 and 2022, Davis Mills made quality starts. In that period, he threw for 5,782 yards, 33 touchdowns and 25 interceptions with a 63.6 percent completion rate. He also struggled with inefficiencies and, along with Dak Prescott, led the league in interceptions with 15 for the 2022 season.

Since 2023, Mills has taken a backseat to C.J. Stroud, whom the Houston Texans selected with the No. 2 pick that year.

The Texans selected quarterback Graham Mertz in the sixth round of this year's draft. Mills only has a year left on his contract. He could lose a grip on the backup job if new offensive coordinator Nick Caley wants to groom the rookie for the primary backup spot.

Though it was three years ago, Mills' time under center showed he could move the ball in regular-season action. If the fifth-year veteran has a strong showing in the exhibition games, he could land with a new team that covets his experience.

Aidan O'Connell, Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll hired Chip Kelly to be his offensive coordinator. For most of Kelly's coaching career, both in college and the pros, he's worked with athletic or functionally mobile quarterbacks. Aidan O'Connell's traits aren't consistent with the signal-callers the Raiders acquired this offseason.

Las Vegas selected Cam Miller in the sixth round of this year's draft. In five years at North Dakota State, he ran for 2,277 yards and 48 touchdowns. The club acquired Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks. He has recently used his legs, rushing for 793 yards and four touchdowns over the last three seasons.

On Thursday, O'Connell had a rough outing in a preseason matchup with the Seahawks, throwing for 205 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. Miller entered the game in the fourth quarter and provided a spark on a touchdown drive.

Miller must show more to outright claim the primary backup position, but don't be surprised if the Raiders continue to showcase O'Connell in hopes of shipping him out of a revamped quarterback room.

Mike White, Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

Bills QB Mike White

Last August, the Buffalo Bills signed Mike White to their practice squad, though they only dressed him for one game.

In his second stint with the Bills, Mitchell Trubisky has entrenched himself as Josh Allen's backup. He's a mobile quarterback with starting experience, which makes him an ideal option behind Allen on a Super Bowl-caliber club.

Unlikely to surpass Trubisky on the depth chart, White can gain traction on the trade market. Between 2021 and 2022, he threw for 2,145 yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 62.2 percent completion rate as a fill-in starter for the New York Jets.

In a better situation, White could be a more efficient quarterback. He had a rough stretch through the 2024 preseason, throwing for 179 yards with a 46.5 percent completion rate, but the eighth-year pro can boost his trade value with a better showing this year.

Player contract details are provided by Over the Cap.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.