Free agency this year has again been a lot of what could've, or even should've, been for the Detroit Lions. There's been a notable exodus of talent and not a lot done to replace it. So when they had to replace No. 2 quarterback Kyle Allen, the signing of Teddy Bridgewater was unsurprising and lame all at once.
Ideally, Jared Goff continues to be durable. He has not missed a start since his first season with the Lions in 2021. But if the offensive line isn't better than it was last season, more times being hit will automatically equal more risk something bad happens.
And if Bridgewater, who has not started a game since 2022, has to play....Well, let's refer to an old quote from long-time NFL assistant coach Tom Moore, when then-"Monday Night Football" analyst Jon Gruden asked him why Peyton Manning didn't cede any practice snaps to his backups.
"If 18 (referring to Manning) goes down, we're f***ed. Around here, we don't practice f***ed."
The Lions still have options to upgrade from Teddy Bridgewater at QB2
While the list of remaining free agent options isn't lengthy, the Lions could still add someone who can usurp Bridgewater as Goff's backup. They probably have no inclination to do so, if we're being honest, but they could.
But free agency is not the only option to add another quarterback. A young signal caller could be brought in during the draft, likely on Day 3 if so, or there are some potential options on the trade front.
On his list of five under the radar players who could be traded during the draft later this month, Alex Kay of Bleacher Report offered two of those backup quarterback trade options.
First up is Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee, who has been the subject of trade speculation that was fueled further by them trading for Andy Dalton.
READ MORE: Clock now ticking on key free agency return decision for Lions this offseason
With McKee possibly having multiple suitors, and with cost in mind (a Day 2 pick is certainly in play), the second signal caller on Kay's list may land more comfortably on the radar of some teams who are eyeing an upgrade behind their starter.
"The New Orleans Saints and Spencer Rattler appear to be headed towards a breakup."
"With Tyler Shough securing the starting role and Zach Wilson recently joining the team to compete for a depth role, Rattler looks to be the odd man out in the Big Easy."
Rattler is just 1-13 as the Saints' starting quarterback since being a fifth-round pick by them in 2024. But as Kay noted, he performed solidly last season (67.7 percent completion rate; 1.9 percent interception rate) before Tyler Shough replaced him midseason. He also has some mobility, with 313 rushing yards in his career.
Rattler would add a notable dose of upside to any team's quarterback room, with two years left on his rookie contract. He has also played a notable amount recently, so for the Lions he has two distinct advantages over Bridgewater.
If they care to notice at all, of course.