Detroit Lions: Solving the never-ending backup quarterback problem

The Detroit Lions haven’t been able to rely upon their backup quarterback to keep the team afloat for a few games in years. Lets fix the position for them.

The backup quarterback problem has been an issue that has plagued the Detroit Lions for years. The last quarterback that you can even argue was helpful was Dan Orlovsky all the way back in 2015.

Even then, Orlovsky was really only helpful to the Lions in the meeting room where he could assist starting quarterback Matthew Stafford in film study (Orlovsky is well-known for being a very bright football mind, similar to Josh McCown). Other backups that have been at least somewhat useful in Stafford’s career include Drew Stanton, Shaun Hill, and Kellen Moore (more for his mind like Orlovksy).

But who can remember the last time the Lions really had a backup that could keep the team going while the starter was injured the way the Philadelphia Eagles have with Nick Foles backing up Carson Wentz. The Lions need to get that position shored up so that should Stafford go down for a few games with an injury, the whole season doesn’t get turned upside down.

There are a few ways that Motown can get the backup position filled with a player that could give the fans and the team some confidence that the season isn’t over if Stafford goes down. The first would be to sign a higher profile free agent such as Teddy Bridgewater or Brock Osweiler. The other option is to use an earlier draft pick on day three and draft a young quarterback (or maybe even a combination of those two).

Lets explore how the Detroit Lions could solve their problem at the position using one or both of their options, who some potential targets might be, and the ideal scenario.