Trevor Lawrence Gets New Backup QB as Jaguars Trade for Quinn Ewers

Trevor Lawrence will have a new backup quarterback for the 2026 NFL season. The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired former Texas Longhorns starter Quinn Ewers in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, according to reports on August 29, 2026.

Jaguars Bolster Quarterback Depth with Trade

Jacksonville's move to bring in Ewers adds competition behind their franchise quarterback. The Jaguars and Dolphins agreed to swap third-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft as part of the deal. Ewers, a seventh-round pick in 2025, made three starts as a rookie last season, completing 55 of 83 passes for 622 yards and three touchdowns with three interceptions. He will now battle veteran Nick Mullens for the primary backup role. Mullens, entering his ninth NFL season, saw limited action in five games for Jacksonville in 2025.

Lawrence's Stellar 2025 Season and Career Trajectory

This roster tweak comes after another strong year from Lawrence. He threw for 4,007 yards and a career-high 29 touchdowns to 12 interceptions in 2025. He started all 18 games, guiding the Jaguars to a 13-4 regular-season record and the AFC South division title. The team's season ended with a Wild Card round playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft now enters his sixth season with 17,822 career passing yards and 98 touchdowns. His career quarterback rating stands at 86.3.

The Clemson-Texas Connection Renewed

The trade sets up an interesting reunion. Ewers led Texas to a 38-24 victory over Lawrence's alma mater, Clemson, in the 2024 College Football Playoff during his senior season. That collegiate history adds a layer of narrative to their new professional relationship in Jacksonville's quarterback room.

• The Jaguars traded for quarterback Quinn Ewers on August 29, 2026.
• Trevor Lawrence threw for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns in the 2025 season.
• Lawrence has started every game for Jacksonville over the past two seasons.
• Ewers will compete with Nick Mullens to be Lawrence's primary backup.

With training camp battles underway, this move solidifies the depth chart behind one of the league's premier young quarterbacks. The Jaguars are clearly focused on ensuring stability at the sport's most important position as they build on last year's division title.