:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1447397/GYI0062466676.jpg)
In 2008, while the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, Chan Gailey coaxed 2,608 passing yards and 18 touchdowns (as well as 386 rushing yards and three more scores) out of quarterback Tyler Thigpen. Ever since Gailey took over as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, Thigpen has been mentioned as a candidate to join Buffalo's roster in some capacity.
That trend continues to this day. In fact, earlier this week, Evan Silva (Rotoworld, Pro Football Talk) predicted that Thigpen will end up with the Bills prior to the start of the 2011 season.
Thigpen is a free agent; whether he ends up restricted or unrestricted depends on the resolution of the league's labor issues. Should he be restricted, it would require a second-round pick to acquire him, so in that event, it'd require the Miami Dolphins to release him - or to work out some sort of trade - to get Thigpen to Buffalo. Should he be unrestricted, he'll of course be free to sign wherever he chooses. Miami could bring him back, however, if they can't find better competition for penciled-in starter Chad Henne.
As Silva points out, Gailey still runs a lot of spread concepts, and Thigpen has a similar playing style to starter Ryan Fitzpatrick. There is obviously logic to this talk, so here's our question for you: would anyone be upset with bringing in Thigpen as a backup to Fitzpatrick?