Every team in the AFC West will likely have a new backup quarterback in 2012.
With the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs making their moves the past two days, the focus is now on the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders.
Friday night, the Chargers signed former No. 3 quarterback Charlie Whitehurst (the Chargers traded him to the Seattle Seahawks two years ago) and cut quarterback Billy Volek. Whitehurst will backup starter Philip Rivers. Saturday, Denver free agent Brady Quinn signed with Kansas City where he will back up Matt Cassel.
With Quinn gone, the Broncos will have a new backup regardless if Peyton Manning or Tim Tebow is the starter.
Oakland is expected to move on from Kyle Boller, who had a connection with former head coach Hue Jackson. Matt Leinart is a likely target. He played for new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in Houston and Leinart is close with Oakland starter Carson Palmer. Leinart was a backup to Palmer early in his career at USC.
Denver’s search for a backup quarterback will be more difficult to peg. In addition to Volek, Vince Young and David Garrard are also options.