Buffalo Bills Backup QB Options (2023)

God forbid something ever happens to Josh Allen. BUT, if something were to happen to him this year, the Buffalo Bills need somebody competent behind him to lead the offense. Currently, the only options behind Allen are Matt Barkley and new addition Kyle Allen. After Kyle Allen mishandled four snaps from Mitch Morse in the Blue and Red scrimmage, the Bills could look to bring in more competition late in camp. So let’s take a look at some backup QB options.

Carson Wentz

Yes, the red rocket himself: Carson Wentz. He was good at one point in his career. Now, he’s a shell of his former self. However, he still has a cannon for an arm and can likely run this offense better than Kyle Allen has in camp. Wentz is still training on his own (apparently in Colts, Commanders, and Eagles gear), hoping for an NFL return, as seen in his recent Instagram post. In May, Wentz’ camp said that he’s willing to take a backup role. And, seeing what the Bills have done in years past with Mitch Trubisky, the 30-year-old Wentz may benefit from sitting behind Josh for a year and get back on his feet.

Joe Flacco

Flacco built a nice career for himself as a backup after leaving the Baltimore Ravens. In three years making spot starts for the New York Jets, Flacco has thrown for 2,253 yards, 14 TDs, and six INTs. The 38-years-old may be willing to take a couple million to back up Josh Allen before hanging up the cleats. If he is, Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott can sleep well at night knowing they have a proven veteran QB backing up their perennial star.

Nick Foles

I’ll keep this G-rated and not use his nickname. But Foles, 34, recently suited up for the Indianapolis Colts, where he started two games and threw for 224 yards, zero TDs, and four INTs. It wasn’t the best statistical performance, but he was playing for a Jeff Saturday-led Colts team. Chances are he doesn’t see the field at all in 2023, and is just rostered as an emergency backup QB. Foles has contemplated retirement in the past. This may lead the Bills to go in another direction.

Bryce Perkins

Unlike Foles, Bryce Perkins threw a TD pass last season for the LA Rams. Perkins filled in for the injured Matthew Stafford, making starts in Weeks 10-12. He had a nice college career, throwing for 3,540 yards, 22 TDs, and 12 INTs at Virginia in 2019. Chances are, if the Buffalo Bills signed the 26-year-old Perkins, he would be stashed on the practice squad and possibly groomed as a future QB2.

Featured Image: Associated Press