2. QB Tim Boyle
After his dismal showing over three starts in place of Jared Goff last season, Boyle was ripe to be replaced and upgraded on as the Lions’ No. 2 quarterback this offseason. But alas, he was re-signed and thus easy to tab as the favorite to be Goff’s primary backup over fellow incumbent David Blough.
But Blough seems to have outdone Boyle during OTAs, for what that’s worth, and there will be a legit competition during camp. Based on raw talent level/upside, again for what that’s worth, Blough is probably the better player–he’ll just have to continue to show it in order to secure the No. 2 job.
In naming one veteran cut candidate for the Lions, ESPN beat writer Eric Woodyard went with Boyle.
"Boyle is pretty much on a one-year prove-it deal in Detroit and is facing tough competition against David Blough. Quarterback Jared Goff is the clear-cut starter, but Boyle must have a strong training camp if he wants that backup spot over Blough, who looked strong during the offseason. Coach Dan Campbell described the backup Lions quarterback competition during minicamp as something he respects. “Competition is a great thing. I respect what both of them did this spring,” Campbell said. “That’s what I love about both of them.”"
Cuts by other teams as camp and the preseason go along could open up solid opportunities for the Lions to add a quarterback. Boyle would be an easier cut then, but he’s clearly battling for a job that once seemed securely his.
If Blough beats him out, carrying Boyle as a no-upside No. 3 quarterback wouldn’t makes sense for the Lions.