One of the prime points of conversation in Lions land all summer was the backup QB position. The camp battle between David Blough and Tim Boyle was captivating–in part because neither has really done much to show they should have the job.
And it turns out, neither will. Boyle was cut after a brutal preseason finale. Blough made the initial 53-man roster but was released on Wednesday morning when the Lions opted to sign freshly cut 49ers backup Nate Sudfeld.
Lions GM Brad Holmes had brought back both Boyle and Blough as free agents this offseason. Holmes eschewed addressing the spot with a more proven veteran, a more promising youngster or a developmental draft pick.
In his press conference this week, Holmes was asked about the backup QB decisions he made.
“Yeah, I mean it’s never – it’s never totally ideal. Just like I was telling him, we had a plan in place for the backup quarterback position. It kind of took a detour that was unexpected, but you’ve got to be prepared for that,” Holmes stated. “And we just kind of made it work the best way we can, and we did what’s best for the organization at this time.”
Holmes acknowledged there were some different ways the Lions could have handled the backup QB situation. But he seems content with acquiring Nate Sudfeld and dumping both Blough and Boyle.
“I mean there’s a lot of different options you can go, but we did the best thing for the Detroit Lions and so, that’s how it goes. So, is there a little bit of risk? And is it foolproof? And absolutely no, well I have too much respect for the unknown to really not say that there’s a little bit of that. But I think we got the plan in place where Nate (Sudfeld) will get caught up to speed and we’ll be in good shape.”
Blough signed to the Vikings practice squad after being dumped by the Lions. Boyle remains a free agent and no interest from other teams has been reported anywhere.