Since selecting Josh Allen in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills haven’t had to give much thought to the quarterback position. However, according to insider Tim Graham of The Athletic, the team may need to reconsider their approach when it comes to the depth chart behind Allen.
Graham raised concerns about the Bills’ continued reliance on veteran backups, warning that this strategy could backfire if Allen were to sustain a long-term injury. While current backup Mitch Trubisky has starting experience, Graham argued that he likely isn’t capable of guiding a team to the playoffs.
Instead, Graham advocated for drafting a more talented, developmental quarterback who could not only provide better insurance but also become a valuable trade asset in the future.
Bills Urged to Avoid Offensive ‘Malpractice’
Graham referenced Buffalo’s Super Bowl runs in the early 1990s, where backup quarterback Frank Reich played a pivotal role — most memorably leading the legendary comeback against the Houston Oilers in the 1993 wild-card game.
He suggested the Bills could benefit from having a similarly reliable backup on today’s roster.
“Sure, the dropoff from Allen to a backup is steep — potentially disastrous,” Graham wrote. “But to treat a long-term Allen injury as an automatic lost season would be negligent. There are many cases where backups have not just maintained seasons, but become legends. Frank Reich still doesn’t have to pay for milkshakes in Buffalo.”
Since drafting Allen, the Bills have only selected one quarterback — Jake Fromm in 2020 — who served primarily in a reserve role before being signed away by the Giants the next year.
Graham highlighted how the New England Patriots regularly invested in backup quarterbacks during Tom Brady’s tenure, which paid off with players like Matt Cassel, who led the team to an 11-5 record in 2008, and Jimmy Garoppolo, who was later traded for value.
Graham wrote, “The ideal scenario is drafting a quarterback who can serve as a quality backup for several years and eventually be traded or leave in free agency, helping earn a compensatory pick.”
Potential QB Prospects for Buffalo
Graham’s colleague, Joe Buscaglia, also recommended the Bills take a quarterback in this year’s draft. One name mentioned is Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, who is recovering from a knee injury and could be a late-round developmental project.
Another intriguing option is former top recruit Quinn Ewers from Texas. Once considered a high draft pick, Ewers has dropped to a projected Day 2 selection. With two picks in the second round, along with multiple fourth- and fifth-rounders, the Bills have enough draft capital to take a swing at Ewers or move up the board if needed.