Former USC quarterback Matt Barkley inks new NFL contract

Former USC Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley spent time with three different NFL organizations last season. But now, Barkley has returned to a familiar team in NFL free agency, signing a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.

“The #Bills have signed QB Matt Barkley to a one-year deal, bringing the veteran back into the fold,” PFF’s Ari Meirov tweeted. “Spent last season with three different teams but was with Buffalo from 2018-2020. Now returns.”

The Bills announced the signing via their Twitter account, confirming that Barkley is back on the team and has signed a one-year deal to return to Buffalo.

He’s back. 🙌

We’ve signed QB @MattBarkley to a one-year contract! #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/471hUxNhnA

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) March 21, 2022

This will be Barkley’s second stint with the Bills, as he was in Buffalo from 2018-2020. This past season, Barkley spent time on three NFL teams. He spent time on the active roster with the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons, and also sat on the Tennessee Titans practice squad.

Prior to his initial stint with the Bills, Barkley bounced around the NFL a bit. He began his NFL career when he was selected in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Barkley has also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and Cincinnati Bengals.

Barkley returns as Josh Allen’s backup with the Bills

In his NFL career, Barkley has appeared in 19 games with seven starts. His teams are 2-5 in those starts, and he has completed 58.4% of his passes for 2,699 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions. Barkley has spent the majority of his career as a backup quarterback, and that will be no different this season with the Bills.

The Bills lost last year’s backup quarterback, Mitch Trubisky, in free agency. Trubisky signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers and will compete for a starting job there. Buffalo has also brought in veteran quarterback Case Keenum behind Allen. Barkley will likely slot in as the Bills third quarterback, assuming Keenum stays on the roster.

Allen certainly isn’t going anywhere, but with injuries it is important to have depth on the roster, especially at quarterback. Barkley is familiar with the Buffalo offense, and his presence should provide some insurance down the stretch, just in case he is needed at some point in the season.