This week, rumors of the Detroit Lions upgrading their backup quarterback depth have been spreading.
According to Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, a former NFL general manager has told him the Lions could possibly trade for Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Rudolph is currently in a quarterback competition against Mitch Trubisky and first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett. This competition comes following the retirement of longtime Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger last season.
Although all three have performed well in training camp and preseason action, it appears that Rudolph may be on the outside looking in. The Steelers’ contract offer to Trubisky, coupled with their high draft capital expenditure on Pickett suggests that Rudolph will not be given a large role.
The fifth-year veteran has started 10 games in his career, and has a 5-4-1 record.
Tim Boyle and David Blough are the current backup quarterbacks for the Lions. How well Blough and Boyle perform for the remainder of the preseason will greatly impact the outcome of this possible trade. However, their previous starting performances have been lackluster.
Blough was named the started in 2019 for five games following injuries to starting quarterback Mathew Stafford and backup quarterback Jeff Driskel. The Lions lost all five games under Blough.
Doyle also has a similar track record as a starting quarterback. Doyle started three games last season replacing Jared Goff, who was out due to injury and COVID-19. Doyle was 0-3 during that time.
The success of the Lions’ season immensely depends on the play of Jared Goff, and if he can become more comfortable with his new team. Should Goff get injured, Mason Rudolph would be much more capable of keeping the Lions’ head above water. Rudolph has proven that he can win football games, something that Blough and Boyle have not been able to accomplish.
The Lions should pursue this trade as soon as possible, and sure up the backup quarterback position.
