Nick Mullens Backs Up Trevor Lawrence for Jacksonville Jaguars

When the Jacksonville Jaguars finalized their 2025 53-man roster, the backup quarterback spot was never in doubt: Nick Mullens, a nine-year NFL veteran with 20 career starts, was officially named the primary understudy to franchise signal-caller Trevor Lawrence. Nick Mullens Backs Up Trevor Lawrence for Jacksonville Jaguars highlights the value of a reliable backup quarterback—a position often overlooked until injury strikes—and how Mullens’ experience, football IQ, and ability to execute Doug Pederson’s offense make him a critical piece of the Jaguars’ Super Bowl puzzle. Unlike unproven rookies or developmental prospects, Mullens has a track record of stepping in and winning games: he’s thrown for 5,600 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions in his career, including a 4-2 record as a starter for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. For the Jaguars, who saw their 2022 playoff hopes fade when Lawrence missed time with a shoulder injury, Mullens isn’t just a “plan B”—he’s a seasoned veteran who can keep the offense on track and the team in contention if the unthinkable happens. Nick Mullens Backs Up Trevor Lawrence for Jacksonville Jaguars also reflects the Jaguars’ commitment to roster stability, ensuring no single position leaves them vulnerable to a season-derailing setback. This article explores Mullens’ fit in Jacksonville, his preparation as a backup, and why his presence gives the Jaguars confidence heading into the regular season.

Nick Mullens Backs Up Trevor Lawrence for Jacksonville Jaguars began with a strategic signing in March 2025, when the Jaguars inked the veteran to a two-year, $8 million contract—an investment in reliability that avoided the risk of relying on untested talent. Mullens arrived in Jacksonville with a reputation for being a “coach’s quarterback”: he memorizes playbooks quickly, communicates effectively with offensive linemen and receivers, and makes smart decisions under pressure. His first order of business was learning Pederson’s complex offense, which blends West Coast principles with modern spread concepts. To accelerate the process, Mullens spent extra hours with Pederson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor, breaking down film of Lawrence’s starts to mirror his decision-making and timing with receivers like Calvin Ridley and Travis Hunter. He also worked one-on-one with the Jaguars’ skill players during minicamp, building chemistry that would be critical if he ever had to step in. The effort paid off immediately: during the first week of training camp, Mullens led the second-team offense to a touchdown in a scrimmage, completing 8 of 10 passes for 75 yards and a 1-yard strike to tight end Brenton Strange. “Nick’s ability to pick up the offense and connect with the guys has been impressive,” Pederson said during a post-practice interview. “He’s not just here to hold a clipboard—he’s here to compete, to push Trevor, and to be ready to play at a moment’s notice. That’s exactly what we need from a backup.” By the end of preseason, Mullens had solidified his role, outperforming rookie third-stringer Jake Luton in every key metric: completion percentage (72% vs. 58%), yards per attempt (7.1 vs. 5.3), and touchdown-to-interception ratio (3:0 vs. 1:2).

Nick Mullens Backs Up Trevor Lawrence for Jacksonville Jaguars also shines a light on his unique approach to being a backup—a role that requires equal parts humility and preparation. Unlike some veterans who grow complacent in reserve roles, Mullens treats every practice, every film session, and every preseason snap as if he’s the starter. He studies opposing defenses alongside Lawrence, offering insights from his years of experience; he runs the scout team with precision, mimicking the playing style of upcoming opponents to help the defense prepare; and he’s always the first to congratulate Lawrence after a big play, fostering a positive locker room dynamic. His work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates. “Nick is the ultimate professional,” said center Luke Fortner, who snaps to both quarterbacks in practice. “He’s never complaining, never cutting corners—he’s just here to help the team win. If something happens to Trevor, we all know we’re in good hands with Nick.” Mullens’ preparation was on full display during the Jaguars’ preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons: he played the entire second half, completing 14 of 18 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Jaguars to a come-from-behind 28-21 victory. His standout play included a 25-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Parker Washington, where he adjusted the play at the line of scrimmage to exploit a Falcons coverage mismatch. “Preseason reps matter because they let you build confidence with the guys,” Mullens said after the game. “You never want to use them, but if you have to, you need to be ready. That’s my job.”

Nick Mullens Backs Up Trevor Lawrence for Jacksonville Jaguars underscores the Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus on risk mitigation—a priority born from painful lessons in recent seasons. In 2022, when Lawrence missed two games with a shoulder injury, the Jaguars turned to then-rookie C.J. Beathard, who went 0-2 and threw three interceptions, derailing the team’s playoff push. This year, with Mullens in the fold, the Jaguars have eliminated that risk: they have a backup who knows the offense, has won in the NFL, and can keep the team competitive against any opponent. Mullens’ experience is especially valuable against elite defenses like the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, where schematic knowledge and quick decision-making are essential to avoiding turnovers. “Risk mitigation at quarterback is about more than just having a backup—it’s about having a backup who can win,” said general manager Trent Baalke. “Nick has proven he can do that. He’s not going to put up Trevor’s numbers, but he’s going to manage the game, protect the ball, and give us a chance to win every time he steps on the field. That’s the peace of mind you need when you’re chasing a Super Bowl.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus on risk mitigation extends beyond quarterback—they’ve invested in veteran backups at key positions like offensive line and safety—but Mullens’ signing is perhaps the most critical, as quarterback is the only position where one injury can completely alter a team’s trajectory.

Nick Mullens Backs Up Trevor Lawrence for Jacksonville Jaguars also highlights the Jacksonville Jaguars’ commitment to fostering healthy quarterback competition—a dynamic that pushes Lawrence to improve while keeping him grounded. While Lawrence is firmly entrenched as the starter, Mullens’ presence ensures he never grows complacent. The two quarterbacks work side-by-side in every practice, challenging each other to make better reads, throw more accurate passes, and lead with more confidence. After practice, they often review film together, with Mullens sharing insights from his years of playing against NFL defenses and Lawrence explaining the nuances of Pederson’s offense. This mutual respect has created a rare bond between a starter and his backup—one that benefits the entire team. “Having Nick here makes me better,” Lawrence admitted during a press conference. “He’s seen things I haven’t, he asks questions that make me think, and he’s always pushing me to be more precise. It’s not a competition—it’s a partnership. We’re both here to help the Jaguars win.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ commitment to fostering healthy quarterback competition is a departure from teams that isolate their starters from backups, and it’s a philosophy Pederson has championed throughout his career. “The best quarterbacks get better when they’re challenged,” Pederson said. “Trevor and Nick push each other, and that makes our entire offense stronger. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Nick Mullens Backs Up Trevor Lawrence for Jacksonville Jaguars concludes with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ goal of using their deep quarterback room to sustain success throughout the season. In the NFL, where a single hit can change everything, having a reliable backup quarterback isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The Jaguars have seen firsthand how a lack of depth at the position can derail a promising season, and they’ve taken deliberate steps to avoid that fate. With Lawrence as the starter and Mullens as his backup, the Jaguars have one of the most stable quarterback rooms in the AFC—a foundation that allows them to compete with top teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, who also have proven veterans behind their starters. “Our quarterback room is a strength, and Nick is a big reason why,” Baalke said as the regular season approached. “We have confidence in Trevor, but we also have confidence that if something happens to him, we can keep winning. That’s the kind of depth that wins championships.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ goal of using their deep quarterback room to sustain success is shared by Mullens, who remains ready for his moment while supporting Lawrence every step of the way. “I’m here to do whatever the team needs,” Mullens said. “If that means cheering Trevor on from the sidelines all season, great. If that means stepping in and leading this team, I’m ready for that too. This is a special group with a chance to do something big, and I’m proud to be part of it.” Nick Mullens Backs Up Trevor Lawrence for Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just a story about a backup quarterback—it’s a testament to the Jaguars’ foresight, their commitment to winning, and their understanding that success in the NFL requires preparation for every scenario. As the regular season begins, all eyes will be on Lawrence, but the Jaguars can rest easy knowing Nick Mullens is ready to step up if his number is called.