4 Backup NFL Quarterbacks Whose Cards Could Spike Soon

Backup quarterbacks can move the hobby in a hurry

As the NFL season moves into its second half, collectors are watching not only the stars expected to lead playoff runs, but also the backups who could suddenly become central to the story. Quarterbacks at the top of the hobby market usually draw the most attention, yet a midseason change under center can quickly create new demand for lower-priced cards and short-term speculation.

That is why a few backup quarterbacks are worth monitoring now. Some are stepping into starting roles because of injury, while others have already shown they can generate real collector interest when given an opportunity. The names below are not the obvious headliners, but each has a path to a meaningful hobby bump if his team stays in the playoff picture or if his performance creates fresh buzz.

Joe Fagnano gets a chance with the Ravens

Joe Fagnano is one of the least familiar names on this list, but his situation is the kind that can change a card market quickly. With Lamar Jackson injured and possibly out for the season, and Tyler Huntley also sidelined, the Baltimore Ravens are expected to turn to Fagnano at quarterback for the foreseeable future.

The 25-year-old undrafted rookie out of UConn has only one officially licensed trading card on the market at the moment. That card is his 2026 Upper Deck World of Sports card, No. 107, and it shows him in his UConn Huskies uniform. The set was released earlier this year and includes athletes from a select group of colleges and universities.

Because Fagnano is so new to the hobby, even modest demand has had an effect. His base card has sold for $35 to $80 over the past two weeks, a notable range for a player with such limited cardboard availability. If he holds the starting job and the Ravens remain in the playoff hunt, collectors may continue to watch for more inventory and stronger sales.

Shedeur Sanders is back in the Browns' starting lineup

Shedeur Sanders has already shown how quickly his market can react to a starting opportunity. He is back as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback after Deshaun Watson was unable to play because of injury. Sanders, now in his second season, previously started for Cleveland last year and went 3-4 in that stretch.

That earlier run brought a major jump in attention from collectors. During that period, multiple Sanders cards sold for more than $10,000, showing just how high the ceiling can be when he is in the spotlight and the Browns are relevant in the standings.

This time, the setup is again intriguing. Cleveland remains in playoff contention, which gives Sanders another chance to influence both the team's season and his own card market. If he plays well and the Browns stay in the race, collectors will be watching to see whether his market can make another significant move.

Carson Wentz gets another opportunity with Minnesota

Carson Wentz has built a reputation as a capable backup over the past two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, stepping in efficiently when needed. Now he is set to get another start, this time Monday night against the Buffalo Bills, as Kyler Murray has struggled to stay healthy and play effectively.

Wentz is not new to hobby attention. His cards once drew serious interest during his early-career rise, and collectors still remember the peak of that run. In November 2017, a PSA 10 copy of his 2016 Panini National Treasures RPA /99 sold for $6,891.98, a reminder of how strong his market once was.

The question now is whether Wentz can generate even a fraction of that buzz again. While the market conditions are different, a strong showing in a meaningful game can still create short-term demand, especially for premium rookie cards and graded copies. For collectors who remember his earlier spike, this start offers a chance to see whether there is any renewed hobby life left in his cards.

J.J. McCarthy is back on the hobby radar

J.J. McCarthy's card market had cooled significantly before his move to the New York Giants, but his new situation has brought him back into the conversation. When Jaxson Dart suffered a knee injury, the Giants' season looked like it might be over. Instead, the team traded for Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and his play since then has given New York new life.

That change has also revived collector interest. Before the trade, McCarthy's hobby standing was at an all-time low, but he is once again drawing attention as a quarterback with a real role on a team still trying to stay competitive. Collectors have been targeting his rookie cards at relatively reasonable prices, especially numbered autographs.

One recent example came earlier this week, when a PSA 10 copy of his 2024 Prizm Deca Signatures Gold Shimmer First Off The Line Rookie Auto sold for $2,800. That sale suggests there is still demand for high-end McCarthy cards when the right version hits the market. If his play continues to stabilize the Giants' season, his cards could remain a name to watch as the calendar moves toward the playoffs.

Why these backup quarterbacks matter to collectors

Quarterback cards tend to move with opportunity, and these four players show different versions of that pattern. Joe Fagnano is the fresh name with almost no supply. Shedeur Sanders already has a history of major spikes when he is starting. Carson Wentz brings a past hobby peak that some collectors still remember. J.J. McCarthy offers a mix of renewed relevance and a market that had already been discounted before his latest chance.

For collectors, the common thread is simple: quarterback injuries, surprise starts, and playoff relevance can all create sudden demand. That demand does not always last, but it can be enough to push certain cards higher, especially when supply is limited or when a player already has a track record of moving the market.

With the season tightening and every game carrying more weight, these are the kinds of names that can shift from afterthoughts to hobby talking points quickly. The next few weeks will show whether any of them can turn a backup role into a meaningful card-market moment.