Four NFL teams keep four quarterbacks as roster strategy shifts

Four NFL clubs opened their initial 53-man rosters with four quarterbacks, turning what was once an unusual roster choice into one of the most striking themes of cutdown week. Atlanta, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Minnesota all initially protected four passers, while Cleveland effectively carried four across its active roster and injured reserve. The decisions reveal how teams are increasingly willing to sacrifice depth elsewhere to protect developmental quarterbacks or preserve potential trade value.

The Story at a Glance

The NFL's roster breakdown listed the Falcons, Vikings, Eagles and Steelers as the four teams carrying four quarterbacks on their initial 53-man squads. Atlanta retained Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., Cooper Rush and Jack Strand. Philadelphia kept Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee and Cole Payton, while Pittsburgh held Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar.

Minnesota initially included Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer, although Brosmer was subsequently waived after the Vikings claimed two players. Cleveland also retained four quarterbacks in practical terms, but Dillon Gabriel was placed on short-term injured reserve with a back injury, leaving Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Taylen Green on the active roster.

The broader change is tied to roster flexibility. Expanded practice squads and game-day call-ups mean teams can place veteran depth elsewhere while using valuable 53-man spots to retain quarterbacks who might otherwise be claimed.

How the Story Developed

For years, keeping four quarterbacks was considered inefficient because quarterbacks generally offer little or no special-teams value. The fourth passer can therefore occupy a place that might otherwise go to a receiver, defensive back or coverage specialist who could dress on game day.

This summer, however, several clubs decided that protecting quarterback assets was worth that cost. NFL.com said Pittsburgh's plan had been discussed for weeks after Howard and Allar impressed in the preseason opener. Rodgers provides a short-term starting option, Rudolph offers experienced cover, and the two younger quarterbacks can remain in development.

Philadelphia's calculation appears different. According to NFL.com, neither Dalton nor McKee clearly secured the backup role behind Hurts, giving the Eagles an incentive to keep both while waiting to see whether another team develops an urgent quarterback need. Sports Illustrated similarly described the approach as hopeful asset management: clubs may believe a quarterback they have spent time developing could later return a draft pick.

Cleveland used injured reserve to create breathing room. Gabriel's designation gives the Browns at least four weeks before another decision is required, including the possibility of a trade if interest emerges.

Key People and Details

The roster decisions are not identical in purpose. Atlanta's position is influenced by uncertainty surrounding its starting situation and the injury histories of Tagovailoa and Penix. NFL.com reported that the Falcons had not officially named a Week 1 starter, while veteran Cooper Rush provides additional cover. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand showed enough in preseason that the club risked losing him if he had been waived.

Minnesota's situation changed quickly. The Vikings initially carried four, but later waived Brosmer. NFLTradeRumors noted that initial 53-man rosters frequently change before Week 1, making the four-quarterback number a snapshot rather than a guarantee for the season.

The financial and developmental value attached to quarterbacks also matters. Tagovailoa joined Atlanta after being released by Miami, while Penix remains a recent first-round investment. Pittsburgh has two young developmental passers behind Rodgers and Rudolph, and Philadelphia has kept multiple potential backups behind Hurts.

Reaction and Response

Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel strongly criticised the approach. In comments reproduced by PFSN, Daniel said:

Carrying 4 QB’s into the season makes zero sense to me. Roster spots are WAY too valuable…carry 2 guys and move on.

That criticism captures the trade-off. A fourth quarterback may never play, while another roster spot could support special teams or provide depth at a position more likely to be used on Sundays. Yet teams appear increasingly comfortable accepting that risk when they believe a quarterback could develop, be traded or be lost on waivers.

What to Watch

The biggest question is how many of these four-quarterback groups survive once the regular season begins. Minnesota has already reduced its initial group, and previous roster examples show teams can move quickly if trade talks fail or other positional needs emerge.

For British NFL followers, the story offers a useful guide to one of the less visible parts of roster building before the season starts. The names at quarterback may dominate headlines, but these decisions also shape depth across special teams, offence and defence. Injuries or trade demand during the opening weeks could quickly show whether keeping an extra passer was valuable asset protection or simply an expensive use of a scarce roster place.