The Buffalo Bills reunited with a familiar face this offseason, signing veteran Mitch Trubisky to once again serve as Josh Allen’s backup quarterback. However, after some struggles in training camp and underwhelming performances in the team’s first two preseason games, there’s growing speculation among Bills reporters that the team may need to seek a new backup option.
Trubisky had a tough outing in the Bills’ 9-3 preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 17, completing 9-of-13 passes for just 86 yards, with no touchdowns and an unfortunate interception.
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WGR 550 reporter Joe DiBiase suggested that the Bills could consider bringing in former rival quarterback Ryan Tannehill as an upgrade. DiBiase noted on X, “If no starting job becomes available to him via injury, Ryan Tannehill would be a significant upgrade for the Bills at backup QB. This is a 3 win football team if Trubisky had to play.”
The pressure to find another quarterback could mount further after Trubisky exited Saturday’s game with a knee injury. The extent of the injury is not yet known.
Ryan Tannehill Drawing Significant Interest
The Bills have not indicated any intention of moving on from Trubisky, who was Allen’s backup in the 2021 season before spending the last two years with the Steelers. However, if they decide to seek a new backup, Ryan Tannehill could be a strong candidate.
The former Miami Dolphins quarterback is still a free agent after his four-year, $118-million contract with the Tennessee Titans expired. At 36, Tannehill isn’t rushing to sign with a new team, mentioning on the “Scoop City” podcast in July that he’s waiting for the right opportunity.
“Right now, I think it’s going to depend on the situation,” Tannehill said. “I’ve been blessed to play 12 years and be where I’m at, so I’m not just going to continue to add years for the sake of it. I want to be in a situation that I feel really good about. I’m not ruling anything out, but it’s going to have to be the right situation for me and my family.”
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay highlighted that Tannehill has emerged as a “training camp winner,” with his stock rising as backup quarterbacks across the league have underperformed.
“Due to these disappointing preseason showings, teams may be more willing to shell out some cash to land a steady hand like Tannehill,” Kay wrote. “His presence could strengthen a quarterback room before training camp ends and provide confidence that a team can stay competitive if a starting quarterback is sidelined.”
The Bills have already lost one quarterback.
The Bills have already been compelled to make an emergency addition to their quarterback lineup, bringing in former Dallas Cowboys QB Ben DiNucci after Shane Buechele sustained a neck injury. DiNucci took over in the second half of Saturday’s win over the Steelers but had a limited impact, completing just 3-of-5 passes for 20 yards.
Sal Maiorana of the Democrat & Chronicle suggested that the Bills might need to make yet another addition, depending on the outcome of Trubisky’s injury.
“There won’t be any update on the severity until at least Sunday, maybe Monday,” Maiorana noted. “But if he’s going to miss time, the Bills will be scrambling to find a backup because Ben DiNucci can’t be the No. 2.”
Bills Urged to Add Former $118 Million QB After Mitch Trubisky Struggles
