Nick Mullens: The Career Backup Jacksonville Jaguars Can Rely On

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Mullens has established himself as a consistent and experienced presence in the NFL, primarily in a backup capacity. His career trajectory highlights the vital role of a reliable second-string signal-caller in professional football, a position he currently holds with the Jaguars behind starter Trevor Lawrence. Mullens’ extensive experience means he is prepared to take the field should the need arise during the 2026 season.

Mullens, now an eight-year NFL veteran, has spent the majority of his professional life as a backup but has also accumulated a notable number of starts. This duality of experience provides the Jaguars with a seasoned alternative at quarterback, crucial for maintaining team competitiveness if Lawrence were to face an injury. His journey through various NFL teams and his college achievements underscore his capability and resilience in one of the league’s most demanding positions.

Key facts

College Success at Southern Miss

Mullens’ football journey began at Southern Mississippi, the alma mater of NFL legend Brett Favre. Taking over as the starting quarterback in 2013 during a challenging period for the team, Mullens was instrumental in turning their fortunes around. Despite an initial 0-6 start and an 18-game losing streak, he led the Golden Eagles to a significant win in the final game of his freshman year with a five-touchdown performance.

His college career saw remarkable statistical achievements. After a 3-9 season in 2014, Mullens guided Southern Mississippi to a 9-5 record in 2015, culminating in an appearance in the Dallas Bowl. In his final season in 2016, the team finished 7-6, securing a victory in the New Orleans Bowl. Notably, Mullens surpassed Brett Favre’s single-season school records for passing yards (4,476) and touchdown passes (38), as well as career marks with 11,994 passing yards and 87 touchdowns. His collegiate career high was a 591-yard passing game against the Rice Owls in 2016.

Undrafted and Into the NFL

Despite his impressive college statistics, Mullens was not selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent, competing for a backup role behind Jimmy Garoppolo. After initially being waived, he was signed to the practice squad, but his opportunity came sooner than expected.

In 2018, following Garoppolo’s ACL tear and an injury to C.J. Beathard, Mullens was promoted to the active roster and given a two-year contract. He made his starting debut with the 49ers, throwing for 262 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-3 victory. That season, he started eight games, compiling 2,277 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, with a 3-5 record.

A Career of Stepping Up

Mullens’ career has been characterized by these moments of stepping into a starting role due to injuries to primary quarterbacks. Following his time with the 49ers, which included another stint as a starter in 2020 due to Garoppolo’s injuries, he moved to other NFL teams. He signed briefly with the Eagles and then appeared in one game for the Cleveland Browns in 2021.

He then spent three years with the Minnesota Vikings, where he played in 13 games and started three during the 2023 season. His consistent presence across multiple franchises highlights his recognized ability to learn systems quickly and perform under pressure when called upon. This extensive background makes him a valuable asset for the Jacksonville Jaguars, providing a layer of security at the quarterback position. His signing with the Jaguars in March adds a reliable veteran presence to their roster.

Source: Yahoo Sports, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jaguars-qb-nick-mullens-made-090306567.html