Why backup quarterbacks matter more than ever -- and why some NFL teams still lack a plan

Sixty-seven quarterbacks started games last season , one year after a Super Bowl era-record 69 started in 2022 .

Three teams started at least four quarterbacks last year , and the Browns started five , tying an NFL record for a non-strike year.

More flexibility to return players from injured reserve and a tendency to keep only two quarterbacks on the active roster makes it harder to develop a third .

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito signed for $8.5 million after losing Daniel Jones and Daniel Jones last season .

Browns signed Jameis Winston in free agency to back up Deshaun Watson.

Browns traded Joshua Dobbs in his place for $2 million , half the cost of Brissett 's $8 million deal, then drafted Dorian Thompson-Robinson .

Jets quarterback Sam Darnold signed with Minnesota for $10 million , Gardner Minshew signed with Las Vegas for $ 12.5M.

Veterans like Joe Flacco are now eligible to be part of practice squads.

The Browns signed Flacco from the Browns' fourth starting quarterback for 2023 .

Sam Ehlinger has been the Colts ' QB3 since he was drafted in the sixth round in 2021 .