More Seattle Seahawks Backup QB Options

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis (9) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Johnson – Cincinatti Bengals

Johnson has certainly been around.  He’s changed uniforms 6 times over the last 7 years, making two stops each with the 49ers and Bengals.  At one point he was an intriguing young talent after being groomed by Jim Harbaugh at San Diego State, but now he’s just a guy who has seemingly never lived up to his potential.  He’s 29, 6’3”, athletic and experienced in a number of different systems.  The Bengals have Tyrelle Pryor and former Alabama QB A.J. McCarron on the roster, and it’s McCarron who stands to gain the most with a solid camp season.  If he looks good, Johnson could once again be available.

Chandler Harnish – Arizona Cardinals

The former Northern Illinois star, Harnish bounced around the Colts and Vikings before landing most recently on the Cards roster. In college he accumulated over 11,000 in total offense running a zone-read spread attack.  Gym rat attitude. Intriguing talent.

Austin Davis – St. Louis Rams

Davis has the look of a great fit to me.  Had some success as a starter last year before the league adjusted to him and he threw a bundle of picks.  Good runner who led a zone-read spread offense while breaking all Brett Favre’s passing records at Southern Mississippi.  Rams traded for Nick Foles, Case Keenum and drafted Sean Mannion so there’s simply no room on the roster for him.  He would probably have to be an early cut for the Hawks to grab him, however, as I doubt St. Louis would be willing to deal him to a division rival.

Matt Barkley/G.J. Kinne – Philadelphia Eagles

Unless the Eagle elect to keep 3 QB’s, rare these days, there are a couple talented players who will end up being available.  Sam Bradford was acquired to be the starter (at least after they failed to trade him), and Mark Sanchez is entrenched as the backup.  Tim Tebow was signed, but……….. c’mon.

Barkley is a guy I used to love, but his physical limitations (average arm, small hands) have capped his potential.  Still, he’s smart, dedicated, accurate in short areas, and obviously has a significant history with Pete Carroll.  He could be had now for a 7^th rounder, or released later.

Former Tulsa signal-caller Kinne has always intrigued me.  Also a compact-squatty type like Barkley (6-2, 240), he has a lightning quick release, quick feet, and a bulldog mentality.  He will likely be an early camp cut and would be interesting to take a look at, but may not be ready to assume the role of primary backup.

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