Buffalo Bills: Is Reported Interest in Trevor Siemian a Realistic Option?
By Paul Taylor
The Buffalo Bills are apparently interested in acquiring Trevor Siemian, if Tony Romo ends up joining the Broncos in Denver.
Hold onto your hats – there’s been another development in the ongoing Tyrod Taylor saga. As reported by WKBW Buffalo’s Joe Buscaglia, the Buffalo Bills are apparently interested in Trevor Siemian.
It’s been just a couple of days since we shared news that seemed to indicate Taylor will remain in Western New York next season. However, regardless of if this happens or not, the Bills are still considering other options to strengthen the quarterback position.
Along those lines, would acquiring Siemian take care of this? Certainly, he’s not exactly what you would refer to as a “glamour” option to be the field general on your team.
In the interest of objectivity though, let’s at least consider what the 25-year old theoretically offers. Selected in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL draft, he only took one snap during his rookie season, as the Broncos went on to capture Super Bowl 50.
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However, with the subsequent retirement of Peyton Manning, Siemian got his chance to compete for the starting position heading into the 2016 campaign. He ended up beating out Mark Sanchez and Paxton Lynch for the job.
The highlight of the Windermere, Florida native’s season arguably came early on, in a 29-17 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 300 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in his first career road start.
By the end of the season, Siemian had thrown for 3,401 yards, 18 scores and just 10 picks, while compiling a 8-6 record. For what it’s worth, his statistics at least were significantly better than what Manning and Brock Osweiler combined for the previous season.
Another reason the 2017 Pro Bowl alternate could be an appealing prospect, is his very reasonable contract. He is due to make $615K in 2017 and $705K in 2018, before becoming a free agent.
Even taking all of this into account, there are two factors which will play a part in how serious the Bills’ interest is. The first being that, as originally reported by Denver-based journalist Benjamin Allbright, the Bills would only make a move for Siemian, if Tony Romo ends up in Denver.
However, even if that does happen, the second factor to consider, is the health of the Northwestern grad. It turns out the shoulder operation he had on his non-throwing arm in January, was more serious than initially expected.
As reported by Mike Klis of NBC Denver, it was believed Siemian had a Grade 3 AC Joint separation. However, the surgeon found torn ligaments in the areas where the clavicle, scapula and AC joint connect.
As a result, the two-time All-Big Ten academic has been given a four-to-six month timeline to recover. He claims he will be ready for OTAs, but this can be considered somewhat optimistic.
Overall, I maintain the stance that Taylor is the Bills’ best option, and should be given more time to show what he can do as the starting quarterback. However, pending what the Broncos would want — along with his health status — Siemian would at least provide an excellent backup option in Buffalo.
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Where do you stand on the possibility of Siemian coming to Buffalo? Do you see him as a viable option for the Bills, or is even considering him a waste of time? Share your thoughts in the comments section.