Kevin Kolb Signs With Buffalo Bills, Will Compete For Starting Spot

Kevin Kolb has signed with the Buffalo Bills, giving the team a candidate for starting quarterback.

The Bills had released Ryan Fitzpatrick earlier in the month, leaving Tavaris Jackson as the only quarterback on its roster. Jackson came to the Bills late in the 2012 preseason and was slower in picking up the offense. As a result, he was not active in any games this season, sitting behind Tyler Thigpen on the depth chart.

Jackson did re-sign a one-year contract this offseason, and new Bills coach Doug Marone said there will be an open competition at quarterback.

That team will likely have a rookie quarterback to compete with Kevin Kolb. Bills GM Buddy Nix has said that the team will be seeking a quarterback in this year’s NFL draft, and could be targeting Geno Smith. The Bills had Smith go through a private workout, though they may have to trade up from the No. 8 spot in order to get him.

If the Bills choose to fill another need in the first round — they could also use a wide receiver, linebacker, or offensive lineman — they could opt for a quarterback like Ryan Nassib in the second round.

Kolb was once a hot prospect in the NFL after flashes of strong play behind Michael Vick in Philadelphia, but struggled in his time with Arizona. The 2007 second-round draft pick threw for 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in two seasons.

Kevin Kolb signs with the Bills less than a month after being released by the Arizona Cardinals after the two sides failed to agree on a restructured contract. Kolb was plagued by injuries and inconsistent play in 2012, appearing in six games and throwing for 1,169 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions.

With Kevin Kolb signing with the Buffalo Bills, the Cardinals are reportedly interested in acquiring Carson Palmer from the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders have been rumored to be trading for Seahawks backup Matt Flynn.