5 best backup quarterbacks in Dallas Cowboys history

2. Jason Garrett (1993-1999)

It was really a shame that Jason Garrett's coaching career fizzled out the way it did since he was such a popular figure during his playing days.

A Princeton grad, Garrett was undrafted in 1989 and spent two seasons with the New Orleans Saints practice squad. Following a stint with the World League of American Football, Garrett headed north to play for the Ottawa Rough Riders.

Eventually, his father Jim Garrett (who was a scout for the Cowboys at the time) convinced the powers that be to give his son a shot. That ended up being a wise move since Garrett proved to be a valuable enough player to stick around for seven seasons.

In his first season, he struggled and was replaced in his lone start by Bernie Kosar who was signed that same week. He was then the third quarterback in 1994 when Dallas signed Rodney Peete but he was pressed into action on Thanksgiving Day.

With both Troy Aikman and Peete out, Garrett led the Cowboys to a comeback win over Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. He finished the day with 311 yards and two second-half touchdowns, even earning a turkey leg for his work.

Garett wound up starting nine games in his career for Dallas and they were 6-3 in those contests. He threw for 2,042 yards with 11 touchdowns and five picks.

His sample size was small but he never backed down from anything and constantly delivered.