3 Young QBs Who Can Establish Themselves as Franchise Starters in Week 5

San Francisco 49ers star Mac Jones kicked off Week 5 of the NFL season with a bang. His performance in their win against the Rams was a testament to how some backup QBs can flourish if they are given the chance.

This is unlike the time when Case Keenum exploded in the 2017 season, as he posted his best statistical campaign, despite being labeled as nothing more than a journeyman quarterback. He leveraged that into a major payday the following season and finished with the most passing yards of his career. However, some of his tendencies returned, and he soon reverted to becoming a backup.

Mac Jones might not fare any differently than Keenum, as this happens to be the Alabama product’s 5th season in the league. His performance might have been great, but he knows it will take a lot more to convince other teams to give him a job as a starter.

On the other hand, there are a few backup QBs who have a chance to do what the 49ers QB did and stake a claim to become a franchise starter. They are young, have not spent a lot of time regressing in the league, and have a lot of self-belief.

There are some exceptions, such as what Daniel Jones is doing in Indianapolis, seemingly taking over as the 2025 version of Sam Darnold. Then there is Justin Fields, who finally might have a chance with the Jets.

However, those players have had their chances, blew them for whatever reason, and are now receiving a 2nd shot. In the case of the young QBs, this is their first full chance at ensuring they can do their best to become a franchise starter.

Giants rookie Jaxson Dart can build on Week 4 win

For Jaxson Dart, the first win of his young NFL career could not have come at a better time. Taking over from veteran Super Bowl QB Russell Wilson, he did not have a great game.

However, his ability to run when necessary, and also show flashes of how he can be if given time to develop, left many believing the Ole Miss star could flourish.

His 111 passing yards might not excite anyone, but if he can build on his one passing and one rushing touchdown, he could go a long way to establish himself as the franchise QB of the New York Giants. They have been content with what Jones did for quite a while.

That might suggest that the current leadership might give Dart the time he needs. However, what could speed things up is a stellar performance in Week 5. It so happens that they will take on the winless New Orleans Saints.

If Jaxson Dart can use the motivation of the Saints passing on him and use that to play a good game of football, New York fans will rally the Giants to keep him as their superstar QB. 2 wins in a row can do wonders.

Dillon Gabriel will get the chance to shut down Shedeur Sanders’ narratives for good

In the 2025 NFL season, there is only one reason the Cleveland Browns have been a major part of media discussions: their 5th round pick, Shedeur Sanders. Ever since his roller coaster draft, reporters seem to have camped outside Huntington Bank Field.

The media circus will continue, at least until the Colorado QB gets his chance to start. Fellow rookie and new Browns starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel has a chance to ensure the narratives get shut down for good.

To flip the situation on its head, all the 24-year-old needs to do is keep his composure and do what his coaches tell him against the Minnesota Vikings. He will face a daunting defense, but he can call on his offensive line to help him.

Connect with his receivers, take care of the ball, instill confidence in his teammates, and Browns fans could start chanting his name. That could be the start of the end of calls for Sanders to start. All the franchise wants to see is a stable QB to lead them.

Cam Ward will have a chance to lead his Titans to a win

Another rookie QB whose name was tangled amidst the Shedeur Sanders situation happens to be Cam Ward. Before the draft, the debate was which of the two was the better quarterback.

Months later, the No. 1 overall pick seems to have won that first battle, edging his fellow rookie by several miles. However, his performances so far have left many to question if the Titans were right to select him. This weekend, he will get his chance. The Titans will face the wildly inconsistent Arizona Cardinals. Despite their recent form, the home team will be favored, and that is where Ward will have to pounce.

Over the past 2 weeks, the rookie QB has shown flashes of brilliance. However, wayward play calls and mistakes across the team saw them lose embarrassingly. This week, Ward will be looking to bounce back after a career-worst performance. If he can lead his team to a famous road win, it will help rest the case that he is not much better than last year’s QB, Will Levis.

There are other young QBs, such as Bryce Young and maybe even Spencer Rattler, who could help their careers with a good performance. But the odds are stacked against the injury-riddled Panthers, and the Saints are miserable.

If either of these young quarterbacks has a game to remember, it might be the starting point for a long career in the NFL. Not many get such chances. Therefore, they should do all they can to seize the moment.

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