3 potential options to help the Detroit Lions backup quarterback problem

The Detroit Lions may, and should, look to outside backup quarterback options and these three may fit.

After finishing up this preseason with a 19-9 loss at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Detroit Lions coaching staff and general manager Brad Holmes have some difficult decisions ahead of them.

Perhaps the most frustrating of them all is what to do about the No. 2 quarterback spot behind starter Jared Goff.

The two initial candidates, Tim Boyle and David Blough each had up and down preseasons. Going into the game against the Steelers, head coach Dan Campbell said he wanted one of the two to win the job outright (“take the reigns”) with a strong performance.

Instead of that, Boyle and Blough both underwhelmed. Blough was the better quarterback against Pittsburgh, going 17-for-32 for 160 yards a touchdown while Boyle went 5-for-15 for 64 yards and an ugly interception.

Despite Blough winning the internal backup battle heading toward final cutdown day, since Boyle was cut, the Lions would be wise to be looking at available options as other teams narrow their rosters.

Here’s are three possible backup quarterback option for the Lions.

3 potential backup quarterback options for the Detroit Lions

Brett Rypien, Denver Broncos

2022 Preseason Stats: 44-for-65, 67.7%, 441 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

The Denver Broncos have had an ongoing battle for the backup quarterback spot, much like Detroit. Unlike Detroit, however, the battle has been close in a good way with both Rypien and Josh Johnson playing fairly well. Johnson may get the nod.

Rypien showed interesting potential in college at Boise State, but has not been able to cement himself as the No. 2 quarterback in Denver. Detroit could present an open door to that chance.

If Denver may cut Rypien, but the Lions could consider parting with a conditional late-round pick to get him.