Four Potential Buffalo Bills' Draft Targets Who Can Replace QB Mitch Trubisky

With trusted backup Mitch Trubisky having left in free agency, the Buffalo Bills could be in the market for a Day 3 quarterback at next week's NFL Draft.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback in motion, with the player's body and the ball fragmented into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in the team's colors.The Bills' search for a new backup QB could lead them to a hidden gem in the late rounds of the NFL Draft.Monmouth Today

The Buffalo Bills are in need of a new backup quarterback after Mitch Trubisky left for the Tennessee Titans in free agency. The team has five picks on Day 3 of the upcoming NFL Draft and could target a lesser-hyped quarterback prospect with upside to develop behind star QB Josh Allen. Four potential late-round options include Jalon Daniels (Kansas), Derek Robertson (Monmouth), Drew Allar (Penn State), and Cole Payton (North Dakota State).

Why it matters

With Josh Allen firmly entrenched as the Bills' starting quarterback, the team will need to find a reliable backup to step in if needed. Drafting and developing a young QB on a rookie contract could be a cost-effective solution for Buffalo as they look to build depth at the position.

The details

The Bills signed Shane Buechele and Kyle Allen in free agency, but drafting a quarterback on Day 3 could be the most economical option. Potential targets include Jalon Daniels, a dual-threat QB from Kansas; Derek Robertson, the FCS passing leader from Monmouth; Drew Allar, a former five-star recruit from Penn State; and Cole Payton, a dangerous runner from North Dakota State.

  • The Bills kicked off Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on April 7, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for next week.

The players

Josh Allen

The Bills' star quarterback and five-time NFL MVP finalist.

Mitch Trubisky

The Bills' former backup quarterback who left in free agency to join the Tennessee Titans.

Shane Buechele

A quarterback signed by the Bills in free agency to potentially replace Trubisky.

Kyle Allen

Another quarterback signed by the Bills in free agency to potentially replace Trubisky.

Jake Fromm

A quarterback drafted by the Bills in the fifth round in 2020.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Bills will have five selections on Day 3 of the upcoming NFL Draft, which could allow them to target a quarterback prospect to develop behind Josh Allen.

The takeaway

The Bills have a strong starting quarterback in Josh Allen, but will need to find a reliable backup to replace the departed Mitch Trubisky. Drafting a quarterback on Day 3 of the NFL Draft could be a cost-effective solution for the team as they look to build depth at the position.