As training camp approaches, the Buffalo Bills’ quarterback depth chart is set, but they may have just helped another promising signal-caller secure an NFL deal.
The Green Bay Packers announced the signing of quarterback Taylor Elgersma, who recently finished his university career as one of the most accomplished Canadian quarterbacks in history. Elgersma was invited to both the Bills’ and Packers’ rookie minicamps, where he signed a contract and had the opportunity to make the active squad.
Bills Hosted Canadian Standout
The Bills have a history of inviting local talent to their rookie minicamps, such as Lancaster, N.Y., native and University at Buffalo star Joe Andreessen last year. This time around, London, Ontario’s Taylor Elgersma was among the two rookie quarterbacks brought in for a shot during the minicamp in Buffalo.
As reported by Justin Dunk of 3DownNation, Elgersma also made a strong impression on Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. He now has an opportunity to compete for a spot behind Green Bay’s starting quarterback, Jordan Love.
Following his signing, Elgersma’s agents issued a statement expressing appreciation to the Packers.
“We’re thrilled that Taylor has signed with the Packers,” said his agents, Craig Schaeffer and Fred Weinrauch. “Several teams showed interest in him, but he really connected with the Packers during his 30 visit and appreciated the developmental environment under Coach LaFleur, Coach Mannion, and Coach Vrable. He’s eager to get started and earn his place.”
Last season, Elgersma won the Hec Crighton Trophy—Canada’s version of the Heisman—after completing 73.5% of his passes for 4,011 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also added 223 yards and six scores on the ground, and set a Canadian bowl record with 452 passing yards and five touchdown passes.
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Bills Set at Quarterback
Although the Bills brought in a quarterback to help throw passes during rookie minicamp, their depth chart at the position seems solidified as they move into offseason workouts. They chose not to draft a quarterback or sign one in undrafted free agency, leaving veterans Mitch Trubisky and Mike White to compete for the backup role behind Josh Allen.
The team’s quarterback strategy has drawn some criticism. Before the draft, Tim Graham of The Athletic recommended that Buffalo bring in a young quarterback who could develop into a reliable long-term backup for Allen.
Graham pointed to the Bills’ Super Bowl teams of the early 1990s, which featured the dependable Frank Reich as a backup to Jim Kelly—a player who was capable of stepping in and winning games. Reich famously led the team to a 32-point comeback victory over the Houston Oilers in the 1993 wild-card round.
“Sure, the gap between Allen and any backup is massive—potentially devastating,” Graham wrote. “But assuming that a season is automatically lost without Allen would be a serious error in judgment. There are plenty of cases where backup quarterbacks have stepped up and saved seasons. In Buffalo, Frank Reich will never have to buy his own milkshake again.”