Top options for Buffalo's #2 QB vacancy

They say a team is only as strong as its weakest player, and on an NFL roster of 53 players there's a lot of areas where that weakness can be hiding when NFL general managers are busy constructing their rosters. In a game that is often won and lost by the arm of their quarterback, most teams would love to have the luxury of stashing a capable backup option, a position that contending teams cannot afford to be weak at should disaster strike.

The 2021 Buffalo Bills were very fortunate to have Mitchell Trubisky on their roster in case of an emergency. This coming season, they'll likely need to find another option with Trubisky possibly finding a position where he can compete for a starting role. This leaves a very crucial decision to be made by Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott. Should Josh Allen be unavailable, the Bills will need another option to either keep the team afloat until his return, or even deliver clutch performances in January and hopefully February. Let's look at a few available options the Bills may turn to when free agency opens.

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Would any real Bills' fan object to this reunion? Fitzmagic famously spent a few seasons in Buffalo, even almost ending their agonizing playoff drought, and became a fan favorite along the way. But after Fitz was awarded a larger contract, his play stopped improving, and the Bills saw the limitations he had, and ultimately moved on. Since then, Fitz saw a similar situation unfold in New York with the jets, and has had stints with multiple other teams, gaining the admiration of football fans everywhere he goes. The thing about Fitz is when he steps on the field, he always has a knack for doing enough to make you want to keep him out there. He has created QB controversy in places where he had no business playing and made miraculous plays that probably surprised even himself in the moment. As a number two option who would hopefully never have to see the field and would likely demand a small contract due to his age and narrowing list of suitors, The Bills could do worse than Fitz. Sure, with age comes decreasing arm talent, but he makes up for that with his experience in the league and how many bright football minds he's been around.

Not to mention, the vibes in Buffalo would be at an all-time high.

Andy Dalton

Dalton went from a Consistent starter in Cincinnati to hopping between two teams in as many years, showing his best days are behind him like most on this list. Another cult hero for Bills' fans, Dalton would bring excellent experience to the quarterback room for Josh Allen, and if called upon is still physically capable to be an average game manager, especially given the talent on Buffalo's roster being nothing to snicker at.

The knock on Dalton (as well as Fitzpatrick) is his immobility. Dalton is not known for making plays with his legs, something this offense is accustomed to with Allen at the helm, and would force Buffalo's offense to take a new shape.

Cam Newton

As far as scheme fit goes, Newton may be the best for the Bills. His rushing ability certainly keeps defenses honest, and Cam has experience playing in big playoff games. He even has spent time in the same organization with head coach Sean McDermott and Brandom Beane, who have a well-known history in bringing in former players.

Many people would fear his recent performances with New England and Carolina, and those concerns would be valid. It's clear watching Cam in his current form that is throwing prowess isn't what it once was. On top of this, Cam has stated his disinterest being a second-string player in the past, and it remains to be seen if he's currently willing to accept that role if it meant likely being on a roaster with deep playoff aspirations.

Tyrod Taylor

The second former Bills' quarterback on this list, Taylor was the last quarterback to start for the Bills before Josh Allen was drafted to inevitably take over the franchise. Taylor is well known for his elusiveness and cannon arm which would fit Buffalo's needs well, however he has consistently been criticized for his intermediate passing game and completing passes in the middle of the field. Taylor has played for 3 teams since leaving Buffalo, with each stint starting as him getting time as the starter, but after each situation not working out for Taylor, it's becoming tougher to find situations where Taylor would be trusted to start. Should he be willing to accept a backup role and work with Coach McDermott again, Buffalo would surely welcome him back with open arms, and would love to have the man who broke the playoff drought be a part of a Super Bowl winning team in some capacity.

Rookie via the NFL draft

It's believed by many football minds that its good business to draft a quarterback in every NFL draft. Since quality QBs are the most valuable currency in the league, taking a shot on a young signal caller when you have a reliable starter is a great luxury, and can be an invaluable insurance policy. This theory is not something Brandon Beane is a stranger to. The Bills spent a 5th round pick on Jake Fromm back in 2020 while having Josh Allen firmly in a starting position, showing the Bills have engaged in this practice in the past. This would provide a low-cost option and would allow the Bills to focus their time and money on other positions during a crucial free agency window in what is surely a wide-open Super Bowl window.