The Alarming Truth: Mitchell Trubisky's Standing Among NFL Backup Quarterbacks

The Buffalo Bills have solidified their quarterback depth by re-signing Mitchell Trubisky to a two-year deal, positioning him as the primary backup to their superstar signal-caller, Josh Allen. While Trubisky’s presence offers veteran experience and familiarity with the system, a recent assessment by Pro Football Focus (PFF) has cast a glaring spotlight on his perceived on-field capabilities, ranking him surprisingly low among his peers.

PFF’s comprehensive evaluation placed Trubisky at a concerning 30th out of 32 "starting-caliber" backup quarterbacks in the league.

This ranking sends a clear message about the analytical community’s confidence, or lack thereof, in Trubisky’s ability to effectively take the reins should Allen, an undeniable MVP candidate, be sidelined for any length of time. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations like the Bills, the effectiveness of their contingency plan at the most critical position is paramount.

The ranking isn't just a number; it reflects a broader skepticism surrounding Trubisky's career trajectory.

Drafted second overall by the Chicago Bears in 2017, Trubisky’s tenure as a starter was marked by inconsistency and a struggle to live up to his draft status. After his stint in Chicago, he moved to the Buffalo Bills as a backup in 2021, then had a brief, unsuccessful run as the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 before returning to Buffalo.

His past performances have often shown flashes of talent marred by decision-making errors and an inability to consistently elevate his play.

When compared to other backups, Trubisky's ranking becomes even more stark. Quarterbacks like Gardner Minshew, Jacoby Brissett, and Sam Darnold, who have all demonstrated varying levels of competence as fill-in starters, were ranked significantly higher.

This disparity suggests that while Trubisky brings a locker room presence and familiarity with the Bills’ offensive scheme, his readiness to step into a high-pressure, game-managing role is a major question mark for analysts.

For the Bills, Josh Allen is undoubtedly the engine of their offense.

His unique blend of arm talent, mobility, and leadership makes him irreplaceable. However, the NFL is a game of attrition, and injuries are an unfortunate reality. A strong backup quarterback isn't just a luxury; it's a vital insurance policy. The PFF ranking serves as a potential red flag, reminding the Bills’ faithful and management alike that while Trubisky is part of the team, the depth behind Allen remains an area of notable vulnerability.

The hope, of course, is that Allen remains healthy, making Trubisky's on-field capabilities a hypothetical concern rather than a painful reality.