DONE DEAL: Bills Add Former $118 Million QB After Mitch Trubisky Struggles
The Buffalo Bills re-signed veteran Mitch Trubisky to serve as Josh Allen’s backup this offseason, bringing back a familiar face to their quarterback room. However, after some struggles in training camp and the first two preseason games, there is speculation among Bills reporters that the team might need to seek additional backup options. Trubisky had a tough outing in the Bills’ 9-3 preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 17, completing 9-of-13 passes for just 86 yards, with no touchdowns and one poor interception. WGR 550 reporter Joe DiBiase suggested that the Bills could consider bringing in former rival quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Mitch Trubisky with a DIME to the opposite team.
Already in mid-season form 😭😭😭
— PickensBurgh🫡 (Tino) (@PickensBurgh) August 17, 2024
The pressure on the Bills to find another quarterback may intensify after Trubisky was forced to exit Saturday’s game with a knee injury. The extent of the injury is still unclear.
Ryan Tannehill Getting Plenty of Attention
The Bills haven’t indicated any plans to move on from Trubisky, who previously served as Josh Allen’s backup in 2021 before spending the last two seasons with the Steelers. However, if they decide to pursue a new backup, Ryan Tannehill could emerge as a strong candidate.
Tannehill, the former Miami Dolphins quarterback, is currently a free agent after his four-year, $118 million contract with the Tennessee Titans expired. At 36 years old, Tannehill appears in no rush to sign with a new team, stating in a July appearance on the “Scoop City” podcast that he’s waiting for the right opportunity.
“Right now, I think it’s going to depend on situation,” Tannehill said. “At this point, 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 to add years. 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 been a “training camp winner,” with his stock rising as poor performances from backup quarterbacks across the league have made him a more appealing option.
“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 bolster a quarterback room before training camp concludes and help a squad feel more comfortable about its chances to remain afloat if a starting passer goes down.”
Bills Already Lost One Quarterback
The Bills have already made one emergency addition to their quarterback room, signing former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci after Shane Buechele suffered a neck injury. DiNucci took over in the second half of Saturday’s win over the Steelers, though he played a limited role, completing 3-of-5 passes for just 20 yards.
Sal Maiorana of the *Democrat & Chronicle* suggested that the Bills might need to make another move, depending on the outcome of Trubisky’s injury.
“There won’t be any update on the severity until at least Sunday, maybe Monday,” Maiorana wrote. “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.”