Buffalo Bills on verge to sign veteran quarterback Anderson

The Buffalo Bills are on the verge of signing veteran quarterback Derek Anderson to serve in a mentor role for rookie Josh Allen, ESPN reported Sunday.

The signing of Anderson is expected to occur Monday.

Buffalo has been operating without an experienced veteran in its quarterback room. The initial plan was to have offseason signing AJ McCarron serve in that role but he was injured during the preseason and later traded to the Oakland Raiders.

Second-year pro-Nathan Peterman started Buffalo's season opener before Allen took over as the starter.

The 35-year-old Anderson spent the past seven seasons with the Carolina Panthers, serving as the backup to Cam Newton.

Bills coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane previously worked in the Carolina organization and are highly familiar with Anderson.

Anderson started just four games over the past seven seasons, winning two starts in 2014 and losing both in 2016.

Anderson also spent four seasons with the Cleveland Browns (2006-09), earning Pro Bowl honours in 2007 when he established career highs of 3,787 yards and 29 touchdown passes. He played for the Arizona Cardinals in 2010.

Anderson has passed for 10,413 yards, 60 touchdowns and 60 interceptions in 76 career appearances (47 starts).

The Bills reportedly considered former Pittsburgh Steelers backup Landry Jones before opting for Anderson.

Buffalo is hosting the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies.)