AFC East backup quarterback panic meter

"Next man up." During the 2023 season, some NFL head coaches will need to heed that motto at quarterback, the most important position in the sport. If a team doesn't have an adequate backup when a starter goes down, a season can implode.

On a scale of one to five, with one being the highest level of panic, here's where AFC East teams stand at backup QB. 

Buffalo Bills

BACKUPS: Kyle Allen, Matt Barkley | While Buffalo has backups with experience starting games, any long-term injury to Josh Allen would effectively end its chances of winning Super Bowl LVIII. Barkley, once considered a future No. 1 overall draft pick during his time at USC, hasn’t thrown a pass since 2020 and will likely remain Buffalo's third-string quarterback, just as he was in 2022. 

After watching journeyman Case Keenum sign with Houston in free agency, Buffalo countered by bringing in Texans backup Kyle Allen on a one-year deal to serve as his replacement. Allen has made 19 starts in his career, including two last season with Houston, during which the Texans lost both games thanks to his separate one-touchdown and two-interception performances. Needless to say, Buffalo must do everything in its power to keep its starter healthy this season. (PANIC METER: 2)

Miami Dolphins 

BACKUPS: Mike White, Skylar Thompson, James Blackman | With starter Tua Tagovailoa's extensive injury history, Miami's backup quarterback position could have a significant impact on the team's success this season. Because of this, the Dolphins acquired a talented-but-streaky backup in White during free agency. The ex-Jet signed a two-year, $8 million deal after averaging 298 yards passing per game last season while leading New York to a 1-3 record as starter.

Although that investment might signal the No. 2 QB job is White's to lose, Thompson, a 2022 seventh-round pick, remains firmly in the picture. Thompson started three games last season, including Miami's playoff loss to Buffalo. Despite Thompson's poor performance against the Bills (40% completion rate, 220 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions), Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald recently reported he has been sharp to start training camp while White has played inconsistently. (PANIC METER: 3)

New England Patriots

BACKUPS: Bailey Zappe, Trace McSorley, Malik Cunningham | There might not be a more competent backup in the division than Zappe, a second-year QB who could take over the starting role if Mac Jones struggles. Zappe showed flashes of being an effective game manager last season, completing 74.5% of his passes for 497 yards, three touchdowns and one interception across two starts. 

McSorley has the odds stacked against him to make the team. He played in six games for Arizona last season, throwing for no touchdowns and five interceptions. 

If New England intends to carry a third quarterback, Cunningham, an undrafted free agent, would be an intriguing option. Cunningham is working as a receiver during camp, and given HC Bill Belichick's reputation for developing former college QBs into stellar wideouts, he may be worth a roster spot. (PANIC METER: 4)

New York Jets 

BACKUPS: Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, Chris Streveler | The good news is, if Aaron Rodgers misses time this season, the Jets have a young, strong-armed quarterback with 22 career starts under his belt who can step in. Unfortunately, that player is Wilson, the 2021 No. 2 overall pick whose inefficient play (8-14 record as a starter, 15 touchdowns and 18 interceptions) led to New York trading for Rodgers in the first place. 

Boyle, another former Packer who signed with New York this offseason, will battle for third-string duties with Streveler. In New York's Week 16 loss to Jacksonville last season, Streveler relieved an underperforming Wilson and provided a spark. Yet, since Boyle has more experience in new OC Nathaniel Hackett's system, he may have an edge in the competition.

Even so, should Rodgers miss an extended period of time, it would derail New York's Super Bowl ambitions this season. (PANIC METER: 2)