In a surprising move ahead of the NFL’s roster cutdown deadline, the Buffalo Bills have reportedly released veteran quarterback Mike White, solidifying their confidence in Mitch Trubisky as the primary backup to superstar Josh Allen. The decision, reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, ends White’s brief tenure with the team after just one season and signals Buffalo’s commitment to their current quarterback room as they gear up for the 2025 season.
A Competitive Preseason Battle
White, who joined the Bills as a practice squad player before the 2024 regular season, was signed to the active roster for the team’s final game. However, his performance in the Bills’ 23-16 loss to the New England Patriots on January 5 was lackluster, completing just 3 of 11 passes for 28 yards. This underwhelming outing likely factored into Buffalo’s decision-making process.
Throughout the preseason, White and Trubisky competed for the No. 2 quarterback spot behind Allen, a former NFL MVP. Trubisky, the incumbent backup and a former No. 2 overall draft pick, started the August 9 preseason opener against the New York Giants, while White got the nod on August 17 against the Chicago Bears. Both quarterbacks played the first halves of their respective starts and saw action in the third quarter of the other’s game. Neither played in the August 23 finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which featured Shane Buechele under center.
In his two preseason appearances, Trubisky outperformed White, completing 61.5% of his passes for an average of 7.4 yards per attempt. White, on the other hand, struggled with a 50.0% completion rate and 6.9 yards per attempt. While White showed flashes of his ability to stretch the field, his lack of NFL game experience—seven career starts compared to Trubisky’s 31-26 record as a starter—likely tipped the scales in Trubisky’s favor.
Why Trubisky Won the Job
Trubisky’s edge over White goes beyond stats. His playing style, while not as dynamic as Allen’s, aligns more closely with the Bills’ QB1, making him a better fit as the immediate backup. Additionally, Trubisky’s prior stint as Buffalo’s No. 2 quarterback in 2021, before a two-year run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, gave him valuable familiarity with the Bills’ system. This experience, combined with his proven track record as a starter, made him the safer choice for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
What’s Next for Mike White?
The Bills’ decision to release White leaves his future uncertain. While Buffalo could opt to bring him back to the practice squad, as they did in 2024, there’s no guarantee he’ll remain with the organization. Other NFL teams may show interest in the veteran quarterback, who has demonstrated potential despite his limited starts. Meanwhile, the Bills seem comfortable with Shane Buechele as an emergency option, suggesting they are content with their current depth chart.
Roster Deadline Looms
The Bills, like all NFL teams, must finalize their 53-man roster by August 26, 2025, at 4 p.m. ET. Releasing White is one of several moves Buffalo will make to trim their roster and prepare for the regular season. With Trubisky locked in as Allen’s backup and Buechele potentially serving as the third-string quarterback, the Bills are betting on continuity and experience in their quarterback room.
A Bold Bet on the Future
By parting ways with Mike White after just one season, the Buffalo Bills are making a clear statement: they believe in the strength of their current quarterback lineup. With Josh Allen leading the charge and Mitch Trubisky providing a reliable backup, Buffalo is all-in on their quest for a championship in 2025. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but for now, the Bills are moving forward with confidence in their chosen signal-callers.