Generally, the quarterback position is the spot that generates the most discussion in the NFL. For the Buffalo Bills, though, discussing the quarterback position is a pretty dull prospect. Unless we’re extolling the virtues of watching a legitimate all-timer in Josh Allen, there isn’t much drama as it relates to the most important position on the field.
Buffalo’s starting quarterback situation is the envy of the league. Their backup situation is, for all intents and purposes, clear and obvious, as
well. Barring injury, we can be pretty confident that we know exactly who Buffalo’s quarterback’s will be come September.
In today’s installment of “91 players in 91 days,” we discuss the third quarterback, one who is fighting for a spot on the practice squad or auditioning for a chance on someone else’s 53-man roster.
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Name: Shane Buechele
Number: 6
Position: QB
Height/Weight: 6’ 210 lbs.
Age: 28 (29 on 1/8/2027)
Experience/Draft: 4; signed with the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2021 NFL Draft
College: SMU
Acquired: Signed with Bills’ practice squad on 1/7/2026
Financial situation (per Spotrac): Buechele signed a reserve/futures deal at the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season, a one-year pact worth $1.15 million. That’s also his cap hit if he makes the 53-man roster this fall. If he’s released, Buffalo will carry a dead cap charge of $50,000, which is the equivalent of Buechele’s signing bonus.
2025 Recap: The 2025 season had some movement for the veteran backup, as Buechele once again began the season with Buffalo. He appeared in three preseason games for the Bills, completing 36-of-46 passes for 380 yards and a touchdown during exhibition play. He had six rushing attempts for 20 yards, as well. As was expected, Buechele was released at the end of the summer and signed to the Bills’ practice squad thereafter. He remained on the practice squad until December, when he was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs’ active roster. Injuries to Patrick Mahomes and Gardiner Minshew led the Chiefs to make a move for a familiar face. Buechele made his official NFL debut on January 4, completing 7-of-14 passes for 88 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders in the final game of the season. He was released the next day, which allowed him to re-sign with Buffalo’s practice squad on January 7. He did not appear in a playoff game for the Bills, nor was he elevated to the active roster for either postseason contest.
Positional outlook: Buechele is the only non-Allen at quarterback, as Josh Allen and Kyle Allen are the other passers in camp.
2026 Offseason: Buechele is healthy and has participated in offseason workouts to date.
2026 Season outlook: Josh Allen is the starting quarterback. Unless Kyle Allen is injured—or terrible—this preseason, he’s the backup quarterback. There is almost no scenario where Buechele makes the 53-man roster, as he has not shown himself to be an NFL-caliber passer in his preseason opportunities. He’s obviously good enough to continue earning chances as a camp body/practice squad player, but he’s not someone who is going to be on a 53-man roster consistently.
I’d go as far as to say that Buffalo would likely look outside of the organization for a backup quarterback if Kyle Allen were unable to fill that role before they kept Buechele on the 53-man roster. Perhaps that’s harsh, but this Buffalo team is too close to risk having Buechele be a play away from taking meaningful snaps. He’ll play plenty in the preseason before he’s released and likely signed to the practice squad at the end of August.
