Jaguars QB2 Battle: Shocking Camp Developments Revealed
Jaguars Training Camp: Who’s Backing Up Trevor Lawrence?
The Jacksonville Jaguars are halfway through training camp, and their first preseason game against the New Orleans Saints is coming up this Saturday. Since starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence will be resting (he practiced with the Saints on Thursday), it’s the perfect time to look at who’s behind him on the depth chart.
The Big Picture: QB Room Breakdown
Think of the quarterback room like a lineup card:
- QB1 (Starter): Trevor Lawrence — the franchise guy
- QB2 (Primary Backup): Nick Mullens — locked in
- QB3 (Third String/Practice Squad): Open competition between Carter Bradley and Joey Aguilar
Nick Mullens: The Unchallenged QB2
Important Point: Nick Mullens isn’t just holding the clipboard — he’s a trusted veteran who knows the offense inside and out.
Why Mullens Has the Job Locked Down
- Contract security: Signed a two-year, $4.5 million deal last March
- System expert: Second year in the "McVay-family" offense (think Sean McVay’s system — lots of motion, play-action, and quick decisions)
- Lawrence’s sounding board: Helped Trevor learn the new system last season
- Camp performance: Getting almost all second-team reps; threw two deep touchdowns to Austin Trammell against the starting defense on Sunday
What About 2027?
Mullens becomes a free agent next March, but don’t be surprised if Jacksonville brings him back on a similar deal. He’s exactly what you want in a backup: experienced, affordable, and prepared.
The Real Battle: QB3 — Carter Bradley vs. Joey Aguilar
This is where it gets interesting. Only one of these guys likely makes the practice squad (teams rarely keep two QBs there because practice reps are too scarce after camp ends).
Tale of the Tape
| Carter Bradley | Joey Aguilar | |
|---|---|---|
| Background | Second-year pro, spent 2025 on Jaguars practice squad | Undrafted rookie free agent |
| Strength | Mobility — makes plays with his legs | Big arm, physical stature |
| Camp Status | Current edge — getting some QB2 reps | Flashing talent, but behind |
| Coach’s Vote | HC Liam Coen publicly backing him | Needs to show consistency |
What Coach Liam Coen Wants from Bradley
Coen gave Bradley a clear mission for Saturday’s game:
- Execute the offense cleanly — no pre-snap penalties, no confusion
- Don’t overthink it — "Don’t overanalyze it, man. Just go play one play at a time"
- Let your playmaking show — Coen saw Bradley make plays all year on the scout team
- Be you — but disciplined — "Do what also makes you good… but we can’t have some of the pre-snaps and things. Want it to be clean."
What Happens Next?
The Evaluation Timeline
- Saturday vs. Saints — Both Bradley and Aguilar get game reps
- Two more preseason games — Three total "auditions"
- Final roster cuts (late August) — Decision time for QB3/practice squad spot
Summary
- Trevor Lawrence sits Saturday → smart rest after joint practice
- Nick Mullens = QB2, no debate, likely back in 2027 too
- QB3 battle = Bradley (edge, mobility, system knowledge) vs. Aguilar (rookie, big arm)
- Coach Coen’s message to Bradley: Play fast, play clean, be yourself
- Three preseason games will decide who sticks on the practice squad
FAQ
Why is Trevor Lawrence sitting out the preseason opener?
He participated in a joint practice with the Saints on Thursday. Teams often rest starters after intense joint sessions to avoid unnecessary hits and fatigue.
What is a "practice squad" quarterback?
A practice squad QB doesn’t dress for games but practices with the team all week, running the opponent’s offense (scout team) to prepare the defense. They’re developing players the team wants to keep around.
Can the Jaguars keep both Bradley and Aguilar?
Technically yes — but extremely unlikely. After camp, there simply aren’t enough practice reps to develop three quarterbacks behind the starter. One wins the spot; the other gets cut or signed elsewhere.
What does "McVay-family offense" mean?
It refers to the coaching tree of Sean McVay (Rams head coach). His system emphasizes:
- Pre-snap motion
- Play-action passing
- Quick, rhythm-based decisions
- Heavy use of tight ends and versatile backs
Liam Coen (Jaguars HC) and Press Taylor (OC) both come from this background.
When do we find out who wins the QB3 job?
After the third preseason game (late August), when teams make final 53-man roster and practice squad decisions.
Training camp battles are where NFL depth charts are built. For the Jaguars, the starter is set, the backup is secure, and the third spot? That’s still up for grabs — and Saturday kicks off the final exam.