In the last two weeks of the NFL season, teams always have something to play for. For teams with winning records, they're fighting for playoff spots and seeds. For those with losing records, they're playing for pride, and in some cases, their jobs.
These two seemingly meaningless weeks are the time for unproven players to get new contracts or get on the radar of other teams desperate for help in that position. For quarterbacks, a good showing in a backup role could be the key to them earning a starting job in the NFL. We're seeing Brock Osweiler taking his tryout with the Broncos right now, and if the team decides not to keep him, someone will probably swoop in and give him a chance. For these three quarterbacks, their teams should let them try the same. Either they will succeed, giving the team a chance to trade him for a higher price than they would get now should they not want to keep them, or they will fail and the team will know that it is safe to free up a roster spot for next year.
David Fales, Chicago Bears
Fales came out of San Jose State University in 2014. The Bears drafted him, but kept him on their practice squad for much of the past two seasons. Earlier this year, however, multiple teams were reportedly interested in signing Fales off of the Bears' practice squad, and the team promoted him, releasing Jimmy Clausen, to avoid losing him for nothing. Jay Cutler has proven this season that he can lead this team and this offense, shining in his first season with John Fox and Adam Gase. But the team won't have him forever. They should look at Fales the next two weeks. If he struggles, get rid of him and draft a new backup that can learn under Cutler for the time being. If he succeeds, you can trade him to a team that needs a stroke of luck at the quarterback position.
Garrett Grayson, New Orleans Saints
Grayson is a rookie out of Colorado State. The former Ram put up good numbers in college, and the Saints took a waiver on him. Luke McCown proved his ineptitude earlier this season, and Drew Brees is hurt. The team can't make the playoffs, and Brees is on his last leg, with age and injuries piling up. Grayson could be a star in this league. He has the build and makeup. Or he could be another bust. The Saints need to see what he can bring to the table these last two weeks. There is no point to playing Brees, and Grayson might be good enough to push Brees out in the coming years. If so, it would alleviate some salary cap troubles and begin the team's rebuild around a potential franchise quarterback
EJ Manuel, Buffalo Bills
Manuel needs to get out of Buffalo. The team has no faith in him, and surprisingly, Tyrod Taylor might be the answer for the team moving forward. After being the top QB selected in 2014, he is looking at the label of bust already unless he can play well the next two weeks and get traded to another team. Looking around the league, some teams would love a player of Manuel's prowess, despite it not being great. The Texans, Browns and 49ers all need quarterbacks, and Manuel might be able to thrive in those places. He needs to play now that Buffalo is eliminated, solely so he can leave.
