Who will the Buffalo Bills take into 2019 as their quarterbacks, and how many will there be on the roster?
After years of churning through incapable quarterbacks, finding a solid one in Tyrod Taylor, then drafting one in the top ten, the Buffalo Bills’ depth chart at the position looks solidified. Heading into 2019, the quarterback room should look something like this:
(1) Josh Allen (2) Matt Barkley (3) Tyree Jackson
The first, Josh Allen, is the unquestioned starter and presumed franchise savior. A Wyoming product with a booming arm and legs to take him places, last year’s rookie showed promise of what he could be in the NFL — something unlike we’ve seen before. Many have given him Patrick Mahomes comparisons largely due to his plus arm-strength; which is a compliment, but he’s known as a far better runner.
Allen’s rookie year was off-and-on, as he was thrown into the fire after a putrid start to the season via Nathan Peterman. Many warned the Bills that he’d fail mightily if they did so — as he’s tabbed to be a developmental project. Though he had his moments, and sustained an elbow injury, you’d be hard-pressed not to see his immense potential as a gamer, deep-ball ace, and athlete.
The 6-foot-5 finished the season with 12 games under his belt (11 starts) a 5-6 record as a starter and a few broken records. As a passer, he recorded 2,074 yards and a 10-11 TD-INT ratio on a 52.8% completion rate. Not fantastic, but context paints a clear picture; he had little help from his team. He broke records as a runner, leading the Bills with 631 yards and eight touchdowns — he’s the first Bills quarterback to lead the team in rushing and passing.
Allen is on break-out watch heading into his sophomore campaign. He showed growth throughout his rookie year, but in order to flourish, he’ll need to show more. If Allen can improve his accuracy and hone in on his deep-ball, he may be the franchise quarterback. Considering the Bills’ bolstered offense and consistency concerning the coaching staff, he has the opportunity to do so.
The backup, Matt Barkley, is now entering his second year as a Bill. Midway through the 2018 season, the Bills found themselves with a bevy of injured signal-callers and signed the USC product in an attempt to scrape by until Allen came back from injury. In his lone performance and start, he impressed.
Barkley shined against the Jets in their week 10 matchup. He won the game 41-10 and threw for an efficient 232 yards and two touchdowns on a 60% completion rate.
Barkley’s impressive one-game performance earned him a re-up on his contract after the season ended. The 28-year-old signed a two-year extension for $4 million deal with the Bills. After former backup — and mid-season signee — Derek Anderson retired in the off-season, most figure Barkley to be their answer at backup quarterback.
One can argue that the Bills won’t carry three quarterbacks heading into 2019, but Tyree Jackson, a former Buffalo Bull, is an intriguing depth option worth a roster spot. In three seasons of college play, Jackson compiled 6,692 passing yards, 49 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions on a 55.7% completion rate. Yet, it wasn’t enough to get drafted, as he signed with the Bills as a free agent post-draft.
Like Allen, Jackson checks the size box off emphatically; he measured in at 6-foot-7 and 249-pounds at the combine. The Buffalo product’s athleticism (4.59 second 40-yard-dash), strong-arm, and need for progression via professional coaching continues to appear eerily similar to Allen. As of now, he’s a “just in case” option that can — somewhat — mimic the starter’s playstyle if need be.
And that’s all for the quarterback room. The Bills will enter 2019 with a starter oozing potential, a competent backup, and University of Buffalo’s own.