Buffalo Bills 2019 Roster Outlook: The quarterbacks
![MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 02: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after a throwing a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 02: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after a throwing a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/180a5e99c6e41a92c42e0f3fa5c00a8a22dd0eb0ff12c8ac916244e964548f59.jpg)
Matt Barkley
When I first came up with the idea for this piece, one of my big talking points was going to be how the Bills should re-sign Matt Barkley in the offseason and what a great backup quarterback he would make for Josh Allen.
It appears they beat me to the punch.
We’ve signed QB @MattBarkley to a two-year contract extension through 2020. #GoBills pic.twitter.com/twKpQZlJ0I
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 21, 2018
Barkley signed a two-year extension on Friday, making him Allen’s backup for the foreseeable future. He has been everything and more the team has needed as a backup quarterback and mentor for Allen. His enthusiasm, experience and professionalism all go a long way for a young player like Josh.
Coming in off the streets and starting less than two weeks later, Barkley had one extremely impressive start against the New York Jets. He went 15/25 for 232 yards and two touchdowns in the 41-10 victory. In just a short amount of time, it is great to see that Barkley already has a firm grasp on the offense. If Allen was to go down with another injury, Barkley would be a worthy replacement and a known commodity.
In his six-year career, Barkley has seen the field for three different teams – with the Bills being one of them. Coming out of USC in 2013, the 6-foot-2, 227-pound quarterback was one in the running for the number one pick.
He was in a very forgettable quarterback class that saw the Bills draft EJ Manuel in the first round. Had he come out in 2012, there is a very good chance he would have been the No.1 overall pick. Instead he went in the fourth round to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The journey from potential No. 1 pick to being picked apart is something that Allen can relate to. Plus Barkley played in a pro-style offense throughout his four-year collegiate career at one of the biggest football programs in the nation before he even began his six-year career in the league.
Overall, extending Barkley is a win-win for both parties. Buffalo gets a quarterback that isn’t a threat to take snaps away from the franchise quarterback, but one that is also able to support him and can step in and do an admirable job.
I love the re-signing and am pleased with the quarterback room moving forward.