It’s still early, and much can happen between now and roster cut-down time. But right now, it appears Cardale Jones is on the outs as the fourth quarterback for the Buffalo Bills.
New general manager Brandon Beane made it clear there will be open competitions everywhere on Buffalo’s roster, including at quarterback. While we expect Tyrod Taylor to win the starting job over T.J. Yates, it seems highly unlikely Jones is going to beat out Yates or rookie Nathan Peterman from Pitt.
This is especially true in light of news that Jones is No. 4 in the current rotation, as noted by ESPN’s Mike Rodak. Making matters worse, on Wednesday Jones got just one rep during a two-minute drill, a rep that ended with an interception.
“You kind of sit around all day, try to go in there. You wait on your opportunity all day,” Jones said. “Your number is called, and you kind of didn’t take advantage of it. I just checked it down to the running back a little too high. Just basically trying to get [the pass] over the D-line. I didn’t follow through on the throw all the way and it sailed over his head and right into the linebacker’s hands.”
Rodak also wrote it is “difficult to envision” Jones moving out of that No. 4 spot, with Yates and Peterman occupying No. 2 and No. 3, respectively at this time.
Drafted in the fourth round out of Ohio State last year, Jones was reportedly abysmal during training camp last year. And he wasn’t impressive in limited action during the season, either. It sure looks like he’ll be looking at the unemployment line heading into the 2017 season unless another team, desperate for young arms, takes a shot at him following Bills cuts.