According to WGR 550 radio in Buffalo, newly acquired Brad Smith will be listed as a quarterback with the Buffalo Bills.
Smith will play quarterback for the Buffalo Bills in a special wildcat package.
Smith played quarterback for the Missouri Tigers when in college, but changed positions to a wide receiver for the New York Jets. Although he was listed as a wide receiver, the Jets used Smith in a special package (their version of the wildcat).
Occasionally he would pass the ball, but he was mainly used a rusher. Last year Smith only notched four receptions for 44 yards, but he did also had 38 rush attempts for about 300 yards. The Jets also used Smith as their kick returner. Smith finished 5th in the league in kick return yards with 1,432.
Here’s what head coach Chan Gailey had to say about his teams’ newest acquisition.
“I see him being used in a similar role as I used Kordell Stewart in Pittsburgh. He can play some receiver and quarterback. He gives you a lot of versatility. He can play special teams, cover kicks and return kicks.”
Smith’s fantasy impact will be minimal, but just from a football perspective this is an interesting move. The Bills also signed Tyler Thigpen earlier this week, and Ryan Fitzpatrick of course was already on the roster. All three quarterbacks have mobility, and Gailey didn’t do that by accident.
“That is something Buddy and I talk about. The more similar you can keep quarterbacks; you don’t have to have different game plans for different people. That is a real advantage for us as an offense. Maybe this year, more so than any other year, that’s an advantage.”
Can’t deny that logic. Have quarterbacks with similar playing style as backups. I expect Gailey to get creative on offense this year with the Bills. Should be fun to watch.