Looking back at the Jaguars' 2025 free agency haul, we shift the spotlight to one Nick Mullens.
They say the most popular player on an NFL roster is the backup quarterback, or at least they used to.
Still, regardless of how you feel about that (or if it were ever true), that certainly isn't the case in Duval County when one mentions the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Trevor Lawrence has the city on lockdown.
This is clearly his team, especially after a breakout season in 2025. Still, every team needs insurance at the game's most important position, and frankly, the Jags don't have much.
Nick Mullens has now entered the chat.
Nick Mullens' career roundup (so far)
Mullens didn't enter the NFL with as much fanfare as Lawrence. He wasn't viewed as a franchise savior like former division rival Andrew Luck.
As a matter of fact, Mullens wasn't even drafted. A former 2017 rookie free agent, he was part of the same class that gave pro football Jared Goff and Carson Wentz.
Shortly after the 2017 selection meeting wrapped, Mullens landed on the San Francisco 49ers roster. That's probably where most of the viewing public met him.
He entered training camp as the fourth QB on the depth chart behind veterans Brian Hoyer, Matt Barkley, and rookie C. J. Beathard.
After a few stints on the practice squad (2017 and 2018), injuries sustained by then-starter Jimmy Garoppolo finally gave Mullens his opportunity.
He made his his first start in primetime on Thursday Night Football after the backup, Beathard, was deemed inactive due to a wrist injury.
That night was memorable. San Francisco would win behind Mullens' 16 completions, 262 yards through the air, and three TDs passing.
Twitter (X's name at the time) verified his account, but despite a few other decent starts, most of Mullens' career from that point on turned out to be pretty forgettable.
Nick Mullens in Jacksonville with the Jaguars
Mullens has become a bit of a journeyman.
He played for four other franchises before landing with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2025 free-agency cycle. If all goes according to plan (i.e. Lawrence enjoys a healthy season), most of Mullens' on-field work for the organization will occur during three preseason games.
Once upon a time, he was a Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year. However, the NFL is a stark contrast from college football.
As of the date of this publication, Mullens remains part of the Jags roster. He is signed through the 2026 season, making him eligible for free agency in 2027.
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