Camp battles: Who will emerge as the Lions' backup quarterback?

Had there been an actual competition for the Detroit Lions' backup quarterback job last year, chances are Kellen Moore would have won it. He seemingly had a better preseason than Dan Orlovsky, but Orlovsky was ultimately named the backup. Neither player actually appeared in a single game in the regular season or playoffs, but Moore wasn't even active once all year.

This year, the Lions seem open to having a legitimate battle for the backup quarterback job. Orlovsky and Moore split second-team reps this offseason, indicating that the Lions are at least going to give Moore an opportunity to show what he can do in the backup role.

The candidates

The Lions have three quarterbacks other than starter Matthew Stafford on their roster, but Garrett Gilbert is not in this competition; either Orlovsky or Moore will be the backup quarterback. Orlovsky held that role last year after returning to the Lions for his second stint in Detroit. As mentioned, he didn't see any playing time in the regular season, but he was at least active on game day. Moore hasn't even dressed for a single regular-season game since arriving in Detroit back in 2012.

Who has the edge right now?

The Lions may have split the second-team reps this offseason, but Orlovsky is still the favorite to be the backup in my view. Despite their performances last summer, Orlovsky held on to the backup role, and the Lions seem to value the simple fact that he has actually played in regular-season games before. It wouldn't be shocking if Moore finishes the summer as the backup, but my thinking is he's one more year away from taking over that role. Moore re-signed for two more seasons this offseason, while Orlovsky only re-signed through the 2015 season. It feels like the Lions are getting Moore ready to eventually be the backup, but I'm betting they keep Orlovsky in that role this year.