Multiple NFL teams have broken with traditional roster construction by carrying four quarterbacks on their active 53-man rosters heading into the regular season.
Roster Strategies for the Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles kept four quarterbacks on their initial roster: Jalen Hurts, Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee, and Cole Payton, as reported by Yahoo Sports. While Hurts remains the clear starter, general manager Howie Roseman explained that the organization values the position’s long-term and short-term assets.
“I think all of those guys have value to our team,” Roseman said, according to team statements cited by Yahoo Sports. “For some, this value is immediate. For others, like Cole, it sits more on the long term.”
Philadelphia used a fifth-round draft pick on Payton, while McKee enters his fourth year. Dalton provides an experienced veteran floor for the room. League analysts note that holding four players at the position limits depth along the offensive line and defensive front, making waiver wire management critical as the season progresses.
Quarterback Battles for the Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons adopted the same roster approach, retaining Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., Cooper Rush, and rookie Jack Strand. According to Yahoo Sports, Penix continues working his way back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last season. Tagovailoa experienced a sluggish preseason under the new offensive scheme, completing 10 of 13 passes for 110 yards, which left the depth chart unsettled as the regular season approached.
Strand outperformed expectations during training camp after joining as an undrafted rookie, pushing veterans for positioning on the depth chart. Keeping four players allows head coach Kevin Stefanski additional evaluation time before locking in a permanent hierarchy behind center.
Pittsburgh Steelers Balance Youth and Experience
The Pittsburgh Steelers finalized a four-quarterback room featuring Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar. Steelers general manager Omar Khan confirmed the team’s satisfaction with the group on the final day of roster cuts.
“I had mentioned to you guys earlier on that keeping four quarterbacks was a possibility, and that’s where we are,” Khan said, as reported by Yahoo Sports. “We’re excited. Really like that room. Like the mix.”
Head coach Mike McCarthy noted that the dual-veteran, dual-prospect setup provides immediate stability alongside developmental upside. The decision leaves Pittsburgh carrying only three running backs and three tight ends, exposing those position groups to vulnerability if injuries mount during the autumn schedule.
Historical Precedent and Roster Impact
Carrying four quarterbacks through final cuts remains a statistical anomaly in modern professional football. Prior examples include the 2013 Washington Redskins, the 2013 New York Jets, the 2013 Oakland Raiders, and the 2021 New Orleans Saints, according to historical data compiled by Yahoo Sports.
Most franchises traditionally limit active rosters to two or three signal-callers to maximize depth at running back, wide receiver, and defensive secondary spots.