In the NFL, the role of backup quarterbacks often flies under the radar unless a team faces a crisis. However, a recent ranking by Sports Illustrated has stirred controversy by placing Mitch Trubisky, the Buffalo Bills’ backup quarterback, at 29th out of 32 NFL teams, only ahead of three others: Davis Mills (Houston Texans), Tyson Bagent (Chicago Bears), and Kyle Trask (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). This raises the question: Is Mitch Trubisky truly one of the league’s worst backup QBs, or is this ranking merely a subjective take?
Mitch Trubisky’s Journey: From Star to Backup
Mitch Trubisky was once a phenomenon, selected as the second overall pick by the Chicago Bears in the 2017 NFL Draft. He led the Bears to the playoffs in 2018 and earned a Pro Bowl nod, boasting a 31-26 record as a starting QB. However, Trubisky’s career has lacked consistency. After stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and a return to the Buffalo Bills as a backup to Josh Allen, he seems to have lost his former spark.
In the 2024 season, Trubisky has mostly appeared in “victory formation” situations (kneeling to end games) for the Bills, with 12 kneels and only five pass attempts. These stats partly explain why Sports Illustrated ranked him so low. But do these numbers truly reflect his ability?
Sports Illustrated’s Ranking: A Subjective View?
Sports Illustrated’s backup QB ranking, compiled by reporter Gilberto Manzano, placed Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons) at the top, followed by Jimmy Garoppolo (Los Angeles Rams) and Daniel Jones (Indianapolis Colts). Meanwhile, Trubisky languished near the bottom, only above three lesser-regarded names. Notably, no backup QB from the AFC East made the top 10, with the Miami Dolphins (Zach Wilson, 15th), New York Jets (Tyrod Taylor, 18th), and New England Patriots (Joshua Dobbs, 24th) all ranking above Trubisky.
However, this ranking may not be entirely fair to Trubisky. In Week 17 of the 2024 season, with the Bills leading the New York Jets 33-0, Trubisky entered the game and threw a 69-yard touchdown pass. This brief moment showed he’s still capable of impactful plays. Additionally, during his first stint with the Bills in 2021, Trubisky reportedly showed significant improvement, a factor the ranking seems to overlook.
Is Trubisky Truly the Standard for Mediocrity?
Ranking Trubisky 29th may spark debate, especially given his past as a starter with a respectable record. With 73 touchdown passes and 48 interceptions in his career, alongside a 31-26 win-loss record, Trubisky is far from a mediocre QB. However, the backup role demands reliability and readiness to step in at any moment, and this may be where Trubisky falls short. He rarely sees the field in meaningful situations, with most appearances limited to managing victories for Josh Allen.
Compared to other AFC East backups like Zach Wilson or Tyrod Taylor, Trubisky may not stand out in terms of recent experience or versatility. Still, placing him just above three others feels harsh, especially since he plays for a powerhouse like the Bills, where his role is primarily to support and maintain game tempo.
A Way Forward for Trubisky and the Bills
With Trubisky’s contract nearing its end, the Buffalo Bills are reportedly considering younger backup QB options to develop behind Josh Allen. Analysts suggest the Bills may target prospects like Kurtis Rourke or Quinn Ewers in the 2025 NFL Draft. This raises questions about Trubisky’s future in Buffalo and whether he’ll get a chance to prove his worth elsewhere.
Despite his low ranking, Trubisky has shown flashes of potential, suggesting he’s not entirely a symbol of mediocrity. The ranking may serve as a wake-up call, but it’s also an opportunity for him to prove he deserves a higher spot. For the Bills, retaining a reliable backup QB is crucial, especially with Josh Allen as the team’s cornerstone.
Conclusion
Sports Illustrated’s backup QB ranking has sparked debate, with Mitch Trubisky’s placement as a focal point. Though ranked near the bottom, Trubisky is not entirely the epitome of mediocrity. With his experience and potential, he could still play a significant role in the right system. The question remains: Can Trubisky seize the opportunity to change the narrative, or will he forever be labeled as “near the bottom” in such rankings? Only time will tell.