Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Nathan Peterman has found a new opportunity. This week, he joined the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad, quickly securing a new NFL role after his second stint with the Las Vegas Raiders ended.
Falcons beat writer Terrin Waack announced on X that the team released offensive lineman Julién Davenport to clear a spot for Peterman on the practice squad. Since joining the Bills in 2017 and departing the following year, Peterman has held various positions, playing in a total of seven games with two starts.
Peterman had an infamous tenure with the Bills, joining the team as a fifth-round draft pick in 2017 and earning a start that season when first-year head coach Sean McDermott benched a struggling Tyrod Taylor.
Peterman had a disastrous start, throwing five interceptions in the first half of a loss to the Chargers before Taylor was inserted back in after halftime. Peterman did start another game that season, throwing a touchdown in near-whiteout conditions in a blizzard game against the Indianapolis Colts. Though Peterman later had to leave the game with a head injury, the Bills went on to win and reached the playoffs that season for the first time in 17 years.
Nathan Peterman’s Forgettable Tenure in Buffalo
The #Falcons signed QB Nathan Peterman. pic.twitter.com/WDvGf9dL18
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 3, 2024
In his second season, Peterman won the starting job over rookie Josh Allen during training camp. However, his tenure was brief, lasting only slightly longer than his initial stint. He was benched at halftime of the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens when the Bills fell behind 40-0. Allen took over the starting role and maintained it, leading to Peterman’s release later in the season.
The veteran Peterman has continued to find work after he left Buffalo, spending time with five NFL teams including a stint with the New Orleans Saints earlier this offseason where he competed for the backup job behind Derek Carr.
Bills Face Question Marks at Quarterback
Though Allen has held onto the starting job ever since Peterman was first benched in 2018, the Bills do have some question marks at the No. 2 spot this season. The team brought back veteran Mitch Trubisky to back up Allen, but he struggled during training camp and the first preseason game before suffering a knee injury in the second preseason game.
The performance raised concerns about Mitch Trubisky’s role with the team, prompting WGR 550 reporter Joe DiBiase to suggest that the Bills might consider signing veteran free agent Ryan Tannehill. DiBiase mentioned on X, “If no starting job opens up for him due to injury, Ryan Tannehill would be a significant upgrade as the Bills’ backup QB. This team could be in trouble if Trubisky has to play.”
Before the season began, the Bills did bring in some competition for Trubisky. They initially signed veterans Ben DiNucci and Anthony Brown to play in the final preseason game but later released both. Instead, they signed former New York Jets starter Mike White to their practice squad.
