Since drafting Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills have yet to have a clear answer for the QB2 position, causing me to question our long-term plan at backup quarterback. The quarterback position is one of the most demanding positions in the NFL. It takes time to learn the playbook and how an offense is run. Developing chemistry with wide receivers, let alone their center and offensive line, takes time. The QB position is not typically a plug-and-play option, and I would like to see more stability and continuity within the team. Last year, we brought in Case Keenum on a one-year deal. The year prior, we signed Mitchell Trubisky to a one-year prove-it deal, only for both to walk in pursuit of a starting job. I will admit that in last year's preseason showings, I was not confident that Case would lead the team in the case Josh Allen missed any time, and this preseason, I am having the same questions while watching Kyle Allen and Matt Barkley “compete” for the QB2 job. We all know that Barkley is on the roster for the knowledge in the QB room (similar to Davis Webb), and Kyle Allen is on a one-year contract again.
While I would like to see the Bills sign an excellent backup to a multiyear contract, the reality is that these QB2s are often looking for a chance as a starter and are not typically found in the bargain bin. We have seen some teams get lucky with late-round talent through the draft. This is an intriguing option, as it allows our team to evaluate a raw player and determine the value. In the worst case, they get cut. In the best case, we could score some additional draft picks for future QB-needy teams.
