About this time last year, Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills announced that there would be a heated competition for the team’s starting quarterback job.
To nobody’s real surprise, EJ Manuel found himself in the backup role behind Tyrod Taylor. This looks to be where Manuel will be spending the 2016 season.
According to a report by Jerry Sullivan of The Buffalo News, Bills general manager Doug Whaley is “very comfortable” with Manuel as a No. 2 behind Taylor.
Whaley also argues that Manuel is a “top NFL backup.”
Though that comfort level apparently only goes so far because the Bills opted not to pick up Manuel’s fifth-year option, an option that would have paid him $11.4 million for the 2017 season.
That was an obvious decision for Buffalo, especially after it drafted former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones in the fourth round of last week’s draft.
With only 16 career starts under his belt, Manuel has posted 19 touchdowns compared to 15 interceptions while boasting a 6-10 record. To some, it is mind-boggling that the former first-round pick is still on the team.
If Taylor remains healthy all season, the Bills won’t have to put Whaley’s comments to the test. Last year, Manuel was called to start for the team twice with both games resulting in losses.
As the months play out, it will be interesting to see if Manuel retains his No. 2 slot and whether he remains on the team.