J.P. Losman Wants Out, Buffalo Bills Quarterback Seeks Trade From Team

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL

Buffalo Bills QB J.P. Losman wants out of Buffalo. He can see the handwriting on the wall and would rather pursue his football career in another city rather than play a backup role to Trent Edwards for the remaining year of his contract. As someone who covered the Bills on-location this season in Buffalo, I have to commend J.P. for the supportive way he handled this past season’s “quarterback controversy.” He remained a team-first player and never ruffled any feathers other than saying he wished he could remain in the starting role. His devotion to the team was obvious. He’s a class guy. And a team captain. It’s pretty obvious he has his teammates’ respect.

But while J.P. wants to resume his career elsewhere, I’m not sure what team would want him in anything more than a backup role. He’s too inconsistent. I’ve seen him play some great football — 24 of 34 for 295 against Cincinnati. I’ve also seen him play some terrible football — 12 of 23 for 157 against Miami. Those games were in back-to-back weeks and it’s a perfect example of why so many Bills fans were frustrated with his play. He takes too many chances with the football and while that “gunslinger” mentality pays off sometimes, it more often than not backfires. You simply can’t have turnovers at the quarterback position and expect to win many games. J.P. had 14 INTs last season and six this year in limited play. Was he handcuffed by an offensive game plan that didn’t allow him the freedom to play his game? Perhaps. But, there’s a lot to be said for playing within one’s own ability, taking what the defense gives you, and living to see another down. That philosophy may be boring, but it wins football games in the NFL and until J.P. can work within that framework, he’ll have a hard time finding a job.

I don’t think Buffalo wants an unhappy backup quarterback. They’ll deal J.P. if they can or simply release him at some point. I do think another team will give him a chance. His natural ability as a QB and athlete are obvious. But he’ll need to adapt to a system and earn his way into a starting role.