For those of us in Wisconsin, the time discussing the
current backup quarterback battle going on in Packers camp between DeShone
Kizer and Tim Boyle have taken up all the airspace. However, there are plenty
of other backup and third-string quarterback battles going on across the
league. Let’s highlight some of them.
Vikings: This is an
organization that has never been to keen on handing the backup quarterback
position to a player who has never taken an NFL snap but that is what they are
currently considering. Sean Mannion was chosen to be the backup, but Kyle Sloter, the former undrafted free agent, has been nothing but impressive. In his
first couple of seasons with the Vikings, during the preseason and practice,
Sloter has looked confident and poised. The Vikings could very well hand him
the backup quarterback position and cut Mannion. That would probably mean that Jake
Browning would head to the practice squad.
Saints: Teddy Bridgewater, the former Vikings first-round
draft choice who was signed last year to be the backup, is losing his grip on
the role to Taysom Hill. This former undrafted free agent has gotten better and
better with each passing day. The Saints could very well elect to trade
Bridgewater at the end of camp to a backup quarterback-needy team, recouping a
draft choice, and signing somebody they like off of somebody else’s scrap heap
to be on their practice squad.
Steelers: This could very well be Big Ben’s final season. If
that is the case, the Steelers need to find his replacement. Neither Joshua
Dobbs or Mason Rudolph are really the future. They are, however, in a heated
battle to be the backup quarterback. Joshua Dobbs’ interception this week
didn’t help his cause. This one is really tight.
Chargers: The Chargers backup quarterback battle is between
Cardale Jones and the veteran Tyrod Taylor. They are going to have to cut one
at some point, as rookie Easton Stick is going to require being kept on the
53-man roster. Right now, the advantage goes to Jones.
Raiders: It should be noted that Jon Gruden has said that
Nathan Peterman is growing on him. However, Mike Glennon has been better. In
fact, he threw two touchdown passes this week in a very impressive performance
that all but solidified his back up job.
Buccaneers: This is a battle between a pair of veterans with
some serious game experience. Ryan Griffin is in his sixth season, and in
extended play this week he went 14 for 21 for 201 yards and a touchdown pass.
Blaine Gabbert meanwhile did not look good, completing 5 of 12 passes, for just
42 yards.
