Josh Allen is a physical anomaly. He’s a linebacker playing quarterback, a guy who stiff-arms 300-pound defensive ends and leaps over cornerbacks like he’s in a track meet. But for the Buffalo Bills, that "superhero" playstyle comes with a terrifying reality: eventually, the human body needs a break. Or, more realistically, it takes a hit that makes 70,000 people in Highmark Stadium hold their breath.
When that happens, the season doesn't just stop. The keys to the $250 million Ferrari get handed to the buffalo bills backup quarterback.
Right now, that man is Mitchell Trubisky.
If you just winced, you aren't alone. Trubisky carries a lot of baggage from his days as a first-round "bust" in Chicago. But the Buffalo Bills aren't looking for a savior; they’re looking for a "caddy" who can keep the car on the road for a week or two. And honestly? Trubisky’s recent performance suggests he’s exactly what this specific roster needs.
Why Mitchell Trubisky is actually the right fit
Most fans still see Trubisky as the guy the Bears took before Patrick Mahomes. That’s a heavy shadow to live in. But in the Bills’ building, he’s viewed entirely differently. He’s the veteran who knows Joe Brady’s system inside and out. He’s the guy who just went "nuclear" in Week 18 against the New York Jets, putting up 259 yards and four touchdowns while Josh Allen rested for the playoffs.
That Week 18 performance wasn't just a fluke. It was a statement. Trubisky looked comfortable. He was decisive. He didn't try to be Josh Allen—because nobody can—but he distributed the ball to Dalton Kincaid and Keon Coleman with a rhythm we haven't seen from him in years.
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The Bills are currently paying him roughly $2.46 million in base salary for the 2025-2026 season. In the world of NFL backup quarterbacks, that’s a bargain for a guy with 57 career starts.
The "Allen Caddy" Philosophy
The relationship between a starter and a backup is weird. It’s part coach, part therapist, part rival. Trubisky has leaned into the "caddy" role. He’s not looking to steal the job; he’s looking to help Allen see the field better from the sidelines.
You’ve got to realize that the Bills’ offense is built on "Josh Allen Bullshit"—those plays where everything breaks down and he just makes something happen. A backup can’t do that. If Trubisky has to play, the offense shifts. It becomes more about timing, more about the run game with James Cook, and more about safe, high-percentage throws.
The Shane Buechele Factor
Behind Trubisky, the depth chart gets a bit more "musical chairs." Shane Buechele has been the "right-hand man" in that room for a while now. He’s a practice squad legend. Literally.
There was a minor panic in late December 2025 when the Kansas City Chiefs, desperate for arms after injuries to Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, poached Buechele off the Bills’ practice squad. He actually ended up playing the second half of a game for the Chiefs against the Raiders, throwing for 88 yards.
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But as soon as he was waived in January 2026, the Bills snatched him right back. He’s currently back on the practice squad as the team prepares for their divisional round matchup against the Denver Broncos. Why did they rush to get him back? Because he’s basically an assistant coach in a jersey. He knows the checks, the protections, and exactly how Allen likes his coffee.
What happened to Mike White?
If you're wondering about the other names that floated around during training camp, you’re likely thinking of Mike White. He was the "hot hand" backup for a minute, especially after a decent preseason showing where he threw two scores against the Giants. But when the 53-man roster cuts came down in August 2025, the Bills went with the veteran stability of Trubisky.
White was eventually cut loose, proving once again that in Buffalo, they value a backup who has seen real NFL fire, even if those flames burned him a bit in the past.
The Financial Reality of the QB2
NFL teams have to be stingy. You can't spend $40 million on a starter and $10 million on a backup. Not if you want to keep guys like Matt Milano or Dion Dawkins on the roster.
Trubisky’s contract is a masterclass in "good enough."
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- Total Value: $5.25 million over two years.
- Cap Hit: $3.25 million (about 1.2% of the total cap).
- Guarantees: $3.71 million.
For a team that is constantly dancing on the edge of the salary cap, having a backup who can win a "rest the starters" game for about 1% of the budget is a win. It’s insurance. You hope you never have to use it, but you’re glad it’s there when the check comes.
The Nightmare Scenario
Let’s be real: if Josh Allen goes down for the season, the Bills aren't winning a Super Bowl. That’s not a knock on Trubisky; it’s just the reality of the modern NFL. The backup's job isn't to win the Lombardi Trophy. It’s to keep the ship from sinking while the captain is in the medical tent.
The biggest misconception is that the backup needs to be a "mini-Josh." That’s impossible. There is no other Josh Allen. The backup needs to be the opposite—someone who plays boring, safe, "don't-turn-it-over" football. Trubisky, for all his flaws in Chicago, has matured into that role. His 4-TD performance against the Jets showed he can still rip it when the scheme is right, but his real value is his brain.
Actionable Insights for the Postseason
If you’re watching the Bills in the 2026 playoffs, keep an eye on the sideline. You’ll see Trubisky with the tablet, constantly talking to Allen. That’s the backup’s real job right now.
If Allen’s recent hand or shoulder tweaks (which have kept fans nervous all January) force him out for a series, don't expect the playbook to stay the same. Watch for:
- Increased James Cook carries: They will lean on the ground game to take the pressure off Trubisky.
- Quick-game targets: Expect Dalton Kincaid to become the primary read on almost every play.
- Conservative deep shots: Trubisky has a big arm, but Joe Brady will likely limit the "hero ball" throws that Allen is allowed to take.
The Bills are currently heading into a divisional road game against the Denver Broncos as slight favorites. Having a backup like Trubisky, who just proved he can handle a full game's workload without a meltdown, gives the coaching staff a cushion they didn't have a few years ago. It’s about peace of mind. And in the high-stakes world of the NFL playoffs, peace of mind is worth every penny of that $3.25 million cap hit.