Finding a reliable backup quarterback is a perennial challenge in the NFL, and the Buffalo Bills are currently experiencing this reality firsthand. Following the departure of veteran Mitch Trubisky, who signed a more lucrative deal with the Tennessee Titans, Buffalo has found itself in an uncomfortable position. The team is currently holding an open audition between Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele to determine who will serve as the primary understudy to franchise quarterback Josh Allen. According to a detailed assessment by Sports Illustrated, the early returns from training camp have been far from reassuring.
The Void Left by Mitchell Trubisky
To understand the anxiety surrounding the current quarterback battle, one must look at what the Bills lost. Mitch Trubisky, a former second-overall draft pick with a winning record as an NFL starter, provided a proven safety net. While Josh Allen is arguably the most indispensable player on the Bills’ roster—and perhaps in the entire league—the coaching staff previously felt comfortable that Trubisky could manage the offense effectively for a short stretch of two or three games if needed. His departure stripped the roster of a high-caliber backup with extensive starting experience.
Neither Kyle Allen nor Shane Buechele possesses the same level of proven talent or starting pedigree. Kyle Allen has 19 career starts under his belt, but he has not started an NFL game since the 2022 season. Buechele, on the other hand, has primarily served as a developmental prospect and lacks meaningful regular-season game reps. This gap in experience has been highly visible during the initial weeks of training camp practices in Orchard Park.
Training Camp Struggles: A Detailed Look at the Auditions
Throughout the open training camp practices at St. John Fisher University, neither quarterback managed to establish a firm, reassuring grip on the backup job. Kyle Allen’s performance was particularly marred by frequent turnovers. Observers noted that he was intercepted on an almost daily basis. On the second day of camp, local linebacker Joe Andreessen picked off Allen, and just minutes later, fifth-round rookie safety Jason Kilgore broke up a deep pass from Allen. The struggles continued in subsequent sessions, with defensive back Jordan Hancock intercepting Allen in the end zone during one-on-one drills.
Shane Buechele’s camp got off to an equally rocky start, highlighted by an interception thrown to Kilgore on August 1. However, Buechele has shown signs of progress in recent sessions. During the highly anticipated “Return of the Blue & Red” practice, he connected with tight end Keleki Latu for a touchdown. He followed that up in the final practice at St. John Fisher University by throwing an impressive scoring strike to wide receiver Stephen Gosnell. This late-camp surge has given the coaching staff some hope that Buechele might be finding his rhythm.
Intangible Support vs. On-Field Production
Despite the visible struggles on the practice field, the Bills’ coaching staff and starting quarterback have publicly defended both candidates, emphasizing their off-field contributions. First-year head coach Joe Brady acknowledged the natural “ups and downs” of training camp but expressed confidence in their competitive nature. “They don’t blink. I feel comfortable being able to call a game with them,” Brady stated.
Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael highlighted the intellectual value both players bring to the quarterbacks’ room. Carmichael noted that their relationship with Josh Allen, their communication skills, and their ability to share what they see on the field provide immense value during game preparation. Josh Allen himself echoed these sentiments, calling both players close personal friends and noting that he frequently learns from their extensive knowledge of different offensive systems. However, while these intangible benefits are valuable in the meeting room, they do not mitigate the physical on-field errors that have characterized their camp performances.
The Preseason Proving Ground
With practice observations remaining mixed at best, the upcoming preseason games will serve as the ultimate deciding factor. Practice drills can only simulate so much, and both the coaching staff and the players understand that live-game reps are irreplaceable. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael pointed to these exhibition games as the true evaluation window, stating that seeing how the quarterbacks perform under real pressure will clarify the depth chart. For Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele, the preseason opener represents a critical opportunity to separate themselves and prove they can protect the football when the lights come on.