Lions sign Nate Sudfeld as new backup quarterback, waive David Blough

The Detroit Lions have reset their quarterback depth chart behind Jared Goff, signing Nate Sudfeld and waiving David Blough.

The Detroit Lions released Tim Boyle on Monday, in the first step to reshaping their quarterback depth chart behind Jared Goff. On Wednesday they completed the reset.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Lions are set to sign former 49er Nate Sudfeld. In a corresponding move, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, David Blough will be waived.

Per Rapoport, the Lions had discussion about trading for Sudfeld.

After both had lackluster showings in the preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Boyle worse than Blough, parting way with both backups was a solid possibility for the Lions. Blough survived to the initial 53-man roster, but a little over 12 hours later now he’s gone.

Detroit Lions’ new backup quarterback: Who is Nate Sudfeld?

Sudfeld was originally a sixth-round pick of the then-Washington Redskins in the 2016 draft out of Indiana. He spent one year there, then spent four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed with San Francisco last year.

All with the Eagles from 2017-2019, over four games, Sudfeld has completed 25 of 37 passes for 188 yards with a touchdown and an interception in regular season action. He overlapped with Lions assistant head coach/running backs coach Duce Staley in Philadelphia.

Before being released by the 49ers, Sudfeld went 26-for-38 for 254 yards with two touchdowns and an interception this preseason. Any chance he had to stick around as Trey Lance’s primary backup ended with the contract restructure to keep Jimmy Garoppolo. Rookie Brock Purdy won the No. 3 spot on the depth chart for San Francisco.

Sudfeld has size (6-foot-6, 235 pounds) and arm strength that made him a sort of interesting draft prospect after a good career at Indiana. He just hasn’t gotten much of a chance to play, but such is life when he’s been more of a No. 3 quarterback than a No. 2 thus far.

Blough may land back with the Lions on the practice squad after clearing waivers. But now, at least for now barring any further move, Sudfeld will be the No. 2 quarterback heading into the season.