Tyrod Taylor, a free-agent quarterback, has reached an agreement to join the New York Jets, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. According to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, Taylor’s contract with the Jets spans two years.
Taylor, a standout from Virginia Tech, has been a fixture in the NFL since 2011, initially drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round. Following a four-year stint as Joe Flacco’s understudy, he transitioned to the Buffalo Bills as a free agent in 2015.
During his tenure in Buffalo, Taylor showcased his skills as a starter over three seasons, tallying 51 touchdowns and a mere 16 interceptions across 44 games. He demonstrated his versatility by amassing 1,575 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns during this period.
Notably, Taylor steered the Bills to their first playoff appearance in 18 years during the 2017 season.
However, Taylor’s time as a full-time starter concluded with his Buffalo tenure. Subsequently, he traversed through several NFL teams, including the Cleveland Browns (2018), Los Angeles Chargers (2019 and 2020), and Houston Texans (2021), before landing with the New York Giants as Daniel Jones’ backup in 2022 on a two-year contract.
In 2023, Taylor saw increased playing time due to Jones’ injuries, notably a neck ailment followed by a torn ACL. Despite missing some games due to injuries, Taylor showcased his abilities by completing 64.3 percent of his passes, throwing for five touchdowns and 1,341 yards in 11 games, five of which he started. Additionally, he rushed for 197 yards on 38 carries.
Taylor faced setbacks, including four broken ribs sustained during a game against the Jets on October 29. Upon his return, he found himself behind Tommy DeVito on the Giants’ depth chart but reclaimed his starting role when head coach Brian Daboll opted for a change.
He concluded the season on a high note, orchestrating notable performances against playoff-bound teams like the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles.
In essence, Taylor emerges as a top-tier backup quarterback in the NFL, showcasing his ability to deliver when called upon. With his dual-threat prowess and knack for minimizing turnovers—only 1.7 percent of his pass attempts resulted in interceptions—Taylor significantly bolsters the Jets’ quarterback depth chart.
