Could Bills Cut QBs Matt Barkley & Kyle Allen?
With the preseason near its end, the Buffalo Bills will soon have a decision to make for who will be the team's backup quarterback.
Quarterbacks Matt Barkley and Kyle Allen have each had their ups and downs through the Bills' first two preseason games. But is there a way that neither player ends up on Buffalo's roster?
NFL.com broke down potential trade and cut candidates around the NFL and had both Allen and Barkley on his list of players who could be released.
"It's been clear for a few weeks now that the Bills don't appear too comfy with their QB options behind Josh Allen," NFL.com writes " ... I could see Buffalo moving on from both, but that would be contingent on another veteran quarterback becoming available -- perhaps someone they've worked with before (last year's backup, Case Keenum, by chance?). After all, Josh Allen does need a backup."
After Buffalo's first preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 12, Barkley seemingly gained the upper hand after completing 14 of 15 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns in relief of Kyle. Kyle was 8 of 15 for 122 yards and threw an interception that was run back for a touchdown in Buffalo's 23-19 win.
The script flipped this past Saturday in the Bills' 27-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Barkley was 7 of 12 for 93 yards, three interceptions and a fumble lost, which led to an arm injury that's kept him out of practice this week. Kyle completed 12 of 15 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers.
Even after a whole training camp and two preseason games, Buffalo doesn't appear to be any closer to resolving its backup quarterback situation. If that's viewed as an indictment against the veteran quarterbacks, moving on from both isn't too far-fetched if there's a viable replacement for Buffalo.
If someone who has familiarity with the Bills' offense like Keenum is available, letting Barkley and Kyle go could make sense. But if there isn't a clear upgrade, rolling with Barkley because of his experience with Buffalo, or Kyle because of his age and upside as he becomes more familiar with the offense makes the most sense.
The Bills will be back in action on Saturday when they head to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears at 1 p.m. ET.
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