NFL

NFL Rumors: Bills could target former first-round QB as backup to Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills have some questions to answer ahead of the 2023 NFL season, including who will backup starting quarterback Josh Allen.

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The Buffalo Bills have another long offseason ahead of them. Since Josh Allen and companyonce again failed to reach the Super Bowl, the team has plenty of things to take care of ahead of the 2023 NFL season.

Even though the Billshave reasons to believe, their latest failure against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals suggests theystill lack something to finally succeed. Sean McDermott knows that and his coaching staff already looks different.

Now it’s time to figure out how to improve this roster, though it won’t be an easy task. But the Bills will also have to keep an eye on the quarterback room, as they may have to look for a new backup to Allen.

NFL Rumors: Sam Darnold among potentialbackup QBs for Bills

With Case Keenum entering the free agency, the Bills could have to search for a new backup signal-caller. According to Katherine Fitzgerald of the Buffalo News, Sam Darnold could be an option:

“If Keenum doesn’t work out for whatever reason, the market for veteran backup quarterbacks is a little tricky. There aren’t a ton of options who meet the sweet spot of: 1. Financially attainable; 2. Have desirable experience (but not so much that they’ll land a starting job); and 3. Aren’t even older than Keenum, who turned 35 last week. Andy Dalton and Joe Flacco are both older. While also older, I think Chad Henne would have vibed well with Allen, but he’s retiring on top. Sam Darnold passes the “he is friends with Josh” test, and Taylor Heinicke basically quadrupled his experience the last two seasons.”

Darnold, a third-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, would certainly be an interesting insurance. After failing to be the answer tothe New York Jets‘ problems, his chances of being a starter look practicallyover following his stint with the Panthers.

Heinicke would also make sense, since he will also be exploring the open market after the Commanders chose Sam Howell as QB1. However, his idea is to find a place where he can start. In the end, all of this may depend on whether Keenum comes back. Additionally, the Bills could also keepveteran QB Matt Barkley.

Martín O’donnell

Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of soccer, NFL, and NBA, with a specialty in real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Editor, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis.