Should Buffalo cut all their backup QBs?

[hondo in seattle]

The 3 QBs who played combined for 12/28 and 103 yards.  All of 'em sucked.  

It makes me wonder if coaching is part of the problem?

 

Edited August 19 by hondo in seattle

[MJS]

10 hours ago, MiracleAtRich1393 said:

Tyson Bagent looks like he's better than any drought era QB we had besides maybe Fitz or Tyrod

So did Nathan Peterman. He was a preseason superstar.

9 hours ago, dave mcbride said:

Yup. As a second stringer, Trubisky is above average. When you look at other teams' backups, you see why. There really aren't even 32 starting-caliber QBs in the league as it is.

He isn't really above average as a backup. Maybe average at best. But that's fine.

[MiracleAtRich1393]

10 hours ago, MJS said:

So did Nathan Peterman. He was a preseason superstar.

Main difference being that he's mobile and has actual arm strength. Colloquially known as "tools"

Edited August 19 by MiracleAtRich1393

[MJS]

6 minutes ago, MiracleAtRich1393 said:

Main difference being that he's mobile and has actual arm strength. Colloquially known as "tools"

Actually, one of his pre draft concerns was his arm strength. But he does have a little athleticism.

 

And it still appears to be an issue: https://forum.chicitysports.com/threads/tyson-bagent’s-arm-strength-is-still-a-glaring-issue.102375/

Edited August 19 by MJS

[Captain Hindsight]

10 hours ago, MJS said:

 

He isn't really above average as a backup. Maybe average at best. But that's fine.

Who are the above average backups in the league? Honestly asking 

 

Off the top of my head:

Jake Browning

bunch of nobodies 

Edited August 19 by Captain Hindsight

[MJS]

3 minutes ago, Captain Hindsight said:

Who are the above average backups in the league? Honestly asking 

Kirk Cousins, Jimmy G, Daniel Jones, Jake Browning, Marcus Mariota, Andy Dalton, Jacoby Brisset, Gardner Minshew, Cooper Rush, Zach Wilson, etc. Russell Wilson at this point (even though he is technically starting, but he is basically a backup level QB now). Tyrod Taylor is still maybe above average as a backup.

 

I was actually really hoping the Bills would sign Zach Wilson as a backup. He is athletic and has a big arm. He is a good kid and would probably really benefit from being with a strong organization and Josh Allen. I think he would be a good backup.

[Captain Hindsight]

2 minutes ago, MJS said:

Kirk Cousins, Jimmy G, Daniel Jones, Jake Browning, Marcus Mariota, Andy Dalton, Jacoby Brisset, Gardner Minshew, Cooper Rush, Zach Wilson, etc. Russell Wilson at this point (even though he is technically starting, but he is basically a backup level QB now). Tyrod Taylor is still maybe above average as a backup.

 

I was actually really hoping the Bills would sign Zach Wilson as a backup. He is athletic and has a big arm. He is a good kid and would probably really benefit from being with a strong organization and Josh Allen. I think he would be a good backup.

All of those guys are basically the same as Trubisky in my eyes. Failed starters. Cousins and Jimmy G have been terrible as of late, Dalton is old as dirt. I like Wilson, but he has done very little in the league to be relied on

 

I just don't see a measurable difference in those guys vs Trubisky. JMO

 

 

[LABILLBACKER]

22 hours ago, BigAl2526 said:

Buffalo can't find a competent backup who is also a good support to Allen?

Who knows....someday Sam might be available. 

[The Jokeman]

If he gets cut I'd take a shot on Easton Stick of the Falcons. As remember he played well against us and at 29 might be good short term backup QB. 

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

2 hours ago, MJS said:

Kirk Cousins, Jimmy G, Daniel Jones, Jake Browning, Marcus Mariota, Andy Dalton, Jacoby Brisset, Gardner Minshew, Cooper Rush, Zach Wilson, etc. Russell Wilson at this point (even though he is technically starting, but he is basically a backup level QB now). Tyrod Taylor is still maybe above average as a backup.

 

I was actually really hoping the Bills would sign Zach Wilson as a backup. He is athletic and has a big arm. He is a good kid and would probably really benefit from being with a strong organization and Josh Allen. I think he would be a good backup.

 

Wilson has his own issues like Mitch though.  Namely, holding the ball and escaping backwards to his throwing side.  Teams know this - the second he pats the ball the plays over.  

 

If the young kids had it between the ears - they wouldn't be available.  It's not always coaching.  Jones, PIckett, Wilson etc. have put out a TON of bad film and formed a ton of bad habits.  Some of the options above are a bit better at other elements of the position, but their arms will let them down.  

[MJS]

26 minutes ago, Bleeding Bills Blue said:

 

Wilson has his own issues like Mitch though.  Namely, holding the ball and escaping backwards to his throwing side.  Teams know this - the second he pats the ball the plays over.  

 

If the young kids had it between the ears - they wouldn't be available.  It's not always coaching.  Jones, PIckett, Wilson etc. have put out a TON of bad film and formed a ton of bad habits.  Some of the options above are a bit better at other elements of the position, but their arms will let them down.  

Yep. They are backups for a reason.

[Brianmoorman4jesus]

No. Trubisky is good for an NFL backup. Hes fine. The other two are horrible. Go get a developmental young QB that can really run. And turn him into a passer. The 3rd QB should be one with a unique skill. At least 1 trait that is high level. Or else don’t bother.

[Dan]

I’m gonna say yes.  Cut the QBs, the safeties and Tre.    No need to field a full team if they’re all just gonna suck.  Oh yeah get rid of the coach too, we’ll just wing it from here.  Anyone is better than what we have, even if his name is nobody. 

Great ideas!   

 

😞

[ChronicAndKnuckles]

On 8/18/2025 at 4:21 PM, BigAl2526 said:

Not now, but when it is time to cut down.  It looks like a number of teams have been getting solid play out of third string QBs this preseason.  Buffalo has gotten too little out of any of their backups.  It's hard to imagine that they couldn't find someone better when teams make their cuts.  They would probably save some money on their cap too.  I'm only being a little facetious.

Absolutely. The odds of Josh getting injured the first few games are very slim. That would give whatever replacement time to learn the offense. 

[YattaOkasan]

I say yes cut em and take a flyer on graham mertz who was drafted by Houston who has established starter and back up.  Stat line looked decent and he seemed a bit of a gamer too. If he gets along with Josh that would be my move.  
 

Why didn’t they draft the kid? Other needs and they wanted to see the Mitch and Mike white battle. I believe they have wanted to move on from trubisky all offseason and might realize now that Mike white ain’t the answer. 
 

how this works for the season is a bit tricky but can be managed. Maybe the flyer ain’t ready to get you through two games. Have a vet on the PS (gonna want them in the room anyway) and then call them up twice. Could also start the flyer and if he doesn’t work out after a game or two then call up the vet. If Josh is out more than 5 games you might consider tanking the season anyway. 
 

that’s my thesis and suggestion for how to do it after you get him on cut down day. 

[RoscoeParrish]

On 8/19/2025 at 5:38 AM, BigAl2526 said:

Buffalo can't find a competent backup who is also a good support to Allen?

We couldn’t find a competent QB for 20 seasons. Now we need 2?

[Mike in Horseheads]

4 hours ago, Dan said:

I’m gonna say yes.  Cut the QBs, the safeties and Tre.    No need to field a full team if they’re all just gonna suck.  Oh yeah get rid of the coach too, we’ll just wing it from here.  Anyone is better than what we have, even if his name is nobody. 

Great ideas!   

 

😞

We'll put you down as undecided 

Edited August 20 by Mike in Horseheads

[Buffalo Junction]

The best backup QBs are usually on bad teams. They usually have two marginal starters during it out for the starting position or a top rookie QB prospect and an aging vet or gap starter. With JA17 clearly entrenched as the franchise $55MM man this team doesn’t have the opportunities or the money to attract one of those guys. As a result Trubisky is essentially as good as it gets unless they hit on a draft and develop player like Matt Hasselbeck, Kirk Cousins, etc. 

[nuklz2594]

Tommy devito..cutlets 

[buffaloaggie]

Sooner rather than later, Bills will need to draft a QB. In the meantime, Trubisky behind the #1 OL is fine as a backup. Always tough on him to play behind the #2s in preseason.