3 credible free agent backup quarterbacks the Detroit Lions could sign

3. Blaine Gabbert

2022 Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

For however many days Tom Brady was retired last offseason, it has become easy to forget the exact number of days it was, Gabbert was atop the depth chart in Tampa Bay. But he instead went back to being the G.O.A.T’s backup for a third straight season, with six completions and eight pass attempts in one appearance last season.

Over the last three seasons as Brady’s backup in Tampa, Gabbert has attempted a total of 35 passes with 22 completions and three touchdons. The last time he played a notable amount was 2018 with the Tennessee Titans, when he played in eight games and made three starts. Over three seasons before that, he started a total of 18 games for the San Francisco 49ers (2015 and 2016) and the Arizona Cardinals (2017).

Of course Gabbert is best-remembered as a first-round draft bust, with a 5-22 record as the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback after being selected 10th overall by them in 2011.

For all of the turned-up noses the mere mention of his name inspires, Gabbert has stuck around as a backup for years longer than he probably should have. From a pure experience standpoint, the Lions should probably have him on their radar now.