Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets
Getty
Tyrod Taylor #2 of the New York Jets passes the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium.
The Buffalo Bills will need to find a new backup for quarterback Josh Allen, and could look to their past to find one.
Veteran quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who backed up Allen for the last two seasons, left in free agency to join the Tennessee Titans. The departure leaves the Bills in need of a steady hand behind Allen, with one analyst suggesting the team could bring back Tyrod Taylor to do the job.
Bills Urged to Bring Back Tyrod Taylor
Bills reporter Thad Brown suggested several potential targets for the Bills to fill the role of No. 2 quarterback, including the player who started for years before Allen joined the team.
“With Mitch Trubisky reportedly off to Tennessee, I’d put Marcus Mariota and Gardner Minshew at the top of the list for backup QB options available to the#Bills,” Brown wrote. “Maybe a Tyrod reunion also.”
Taylor, who started for the Bills from 2015 to 2017, helped the team break its 17-year playoff drought in his final season as starter.
He has bounced around the league since then, spending time with five other teams, including a two-year stint with the New York Jets before hitting free agency. He started four games last season, completing 59.7% of his passes for 779 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions.
Taylor could be a good fit behind Allen as he possesses a similar skill set, with some good mobility and a strong arm. This would allow the Bills to keep much of the playbook the same in case they were forced to turn to Taylor.
Bills Lose Trusted Quarterback
There had been indications that the Bills could be losing Trubisky, who first came to Buffalo as a backup in 2021 before returning in 2024. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported just before the opening of the legal tampering period of free agency that the Bills were not the only team interested in him.
“In backup QB news, Mitchell Trubisky has garnered interest as a quality No. 2. The Titans, Bills and Jets are among teams on the radar here,” Fowler reported.
Trubisky and Allen have been especially close, often spending time together in the offseason. Reporter Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News noted earlier this offseason that the team placed a high value on Trubisky for his ability to work closely with Allen.
“While his contributions on the field have been minimal, Trubisky is a trusted sounding board for Allen, both during the practice week and on the sideline during games,” Skurski reported. “After every offensive drive, Allen takes a seat on the bench directly next to Trubisky, and the two break down the previous possession.”
Trubisky also felt a connection to Western New York, Skurski added.
“Trubisky has come to love being in Buffalo,” Skurski reported. “His presence in the locker room is important to the fabric of the team, and the trust Allen has in him can’t be overstated.”
With his departure, the Bills could also take a different tactic in their quest for a backup for Allen. The Bills have used just one draft pick on a quarterback since landing Allen in 2018, but could try again this year in order to find a new backup on a cost-controlled deal.