Whatever the team does at backup QB, I hope we focus on a young developmental project with upside- NOT an expensive vet that eats cap space and (hopefully) never plays. I’ve believed for a long time that it’s not wise use of cap revenue to pay big bucks for a backup unless you have a very young QB you are developing to be a starter soon. Like Tua in Miami or whoever backs up rookies like Lawrence or Wilson this year.
Of the guys we have, Gilbert and DiNucci are worth continuing to look at, although I think Gilbert is vastly overrated by our fans. He did have a decent game against Pitt last year for sure, but he’s 30 and there’s a reason he’s never stayed anywhere. And once D-coordinators get a chance to study him, they will know how to defend him. Could he be a decent backup? Probably, but there’s not much upside and trade value with a guy who’s 31 soon and has never shown a lot.
The Nooch has some weird gunslinger vibe that is intriguing but if doesn’t show any major growth in training camp, he may be the next Mike White.
One thing for sure in my book- I’ve seen enough of Cooper Rush to believe he’s worth letting go.
Maybe there’s a developmental guy available on Day 2 or 3 of the draft that might be worth a look if McClay has them high on his board. That’s going to depend on a lot of things. But I’m always for drafting a QB if not every year, every other year. You never know if you find a diamond that can either be a future star, or great trade material.