Jaguars QB2 Dilemma: Should Nick Mullens Keep His Job?

As the Jacksonville Jaguars gear up for the 2026 NFL season, the quarterback room has been a focal point of discussion. Trevor Lawrence has firmly established himself as the franchise signal-caller, bringing stability to a position that has been a revolving door for over a decade. However, the backup quarterback situation has raised eyebrows, particularly after Nick Mullens' underwhelming preseason performance. With the regular season looming, the question on every Jaguars fan's mind is whether Mullens should remain the primary backup or if the team should explore other options.

A Rough Preseason for Mullens

In the first week of preseason action, Mullens struggled mightily, completing just 3 of 7 passes for 33 yards with an interception, resulting in a dismal 17.9 passer rating. He also took a costly sack on third down despite having receivers open, further fueling concerns about his readiness. These struggles have prompted discussions among fans and analysts alike, with many questioning whether the Jaguars should consider alternative options for the QB2 role.

Meanwhile, undrafted rookie Joey Aguilar has turned heads with a stellar preseason performance, posting a 152.1 passer rating in the second week. His emergence has sparked a debate: should the Jaguars allocate a roster spot to Aguilar or another young, athletic quarterback like Anthony Richardson, potentially trading a late-round pick to the Colts? The allure of a high-upside backup is tempting, but the Jaguars' coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Liam Coen, must weigh the benefits of physical tools against the value of experience.

Experience vs. Potential

Mullens may lack the athletic traits of Aguilar or Richardson, but his experience is invaluable. Having spent time in Kyle Shanahan's 49ers offense, Kevin O'Connell's Vikings system, and now Coen's Jaguars, Mullens possesses a deep understanding of complex offensive schemes. If Lawrence were to miss time, the Jaguars would want a quarterback who can execute the playbook efficiently, and Mullens' familiarity with the system could be the deciding factor.

“There’s a ton of schematic carryover in those offenses,” said a team insider. “If Lawrence goes down, you want someone who can run the offense without missing a beat.”

While the flashy play of Aguilar is exciting, the Jaguars' decision-makers understand that preseason success doesn't always translate to regular-season reliability. The team's priority is winning games, and that often means prioritizing dependability over potential. As the roster cuts approach, the Jaguars face a tough choice: stick with the known commodity in Mullens or gamble on a younger, more athletic option.

According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the coaching staff appears inclined to keep Mullens, valuing his leadership and grasp of the offense. However, the fan base remains divided, with many calling for a change. The upcoming preseason games will be crucial for Mullens to prove he can rebound and solidify his spot. As the Jaguars prepare for the season opener, all eyes will be on the QB2 battle, a storyline that could define their season if Lawrence faces any adversity.