Tyrod Taylor Is Staying With the Buffalo Bills on a Restructured Contract
The Buffalo Bills agreed to restructure their contract with Tyrod Taylor, ending their hottest offseason question.
After months of speculation, the Tyrod Taylor saga is finally over. The Buffalo Bills announced on Wednesday that they agreed to a restructured deal with their starting quarterback.
The decision to bring him back ended months of rumors that the team wouldn’t pick up his $30 million option for next season, which would’ve made him a free agent.
The restructured deal lasts five years, with a $7 million dollar signing bonus. Taylor’s 2017 salary cap hit goes down from $16 million to $10 million dollars. The first two seasons are guaranteed, but after that the contract is year-to-year.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott explained in a statement that he was “excited about the opportunity to keep Tyrod” and that “Doug [Whaley, Bills General Manager] and I are confident this was best move for the Bills at this time.”
More from BuffaLowDown
- Buffalo Bills were ready to trade back if they couldn’t get Dalton Kincaid
- Grading Buffalo Bills drafting Dalton Kincaid in 2023 NFL Draft
- How the Buffalo Bills can win Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft
- Buffalo Bills having conversations about trading for DeAndre Hopkins
- Buffalo Bills Draft Rumors: Bills linked to this shocking first round target
With Tyrod back, the team doesn’t plan to tank in 2017. Their run-heavy attack is helped by the threat of a mobile quarterback, and he’s shown to have a rapport with Sammy Watkins when the two are both on the field.
Originally a sixth-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens, Tyrod Taylor spent four years as Joe Flacco’s back-up, and was a part of their 2012 Super Bowl team. He signed with the Buffalo Bills as the third-string quarterback in 2015 and won the starting job in the preseason after beating out Matt Cassel and EJ Manuel.
His first year as a quarterback saw the Bills finish with an 8-8 record. His performance that season (20 touchdowns to six interceptions, plus 580 rushing yards) inspired optimism he would improve enough to end the Bills’ playoff drought in 2016.
Taylor’s statistics this year declined compared to his Pro Bowl season in 2015, and his performances were criticized by the Buffalo media. The Bills had a 7-9 record and failed to make the playoffs for the 17th straight year. However, he still was invited as an alternate for this year’s Pro Bowl, but declined due to injury.
MUST READ: 7 Best Free Agent Signings in Buffalo Bills’ Team History
After Buffalo’s week 16 loss to the Miami Dolphins, he was benched for the season finale. That started debate about his future with the team.
New offensive coordinator Rick Dennison was Tyrod Taylor‘s quarterback’s coach in Baltimore. His West Coast playbook should work with Tyrod’s strong arm and mobile feet. Restructuring the contract will free up the team’s wallet for next season. This means they will likely be more aggressive in free agency.
Next: Buffalo Bills Free Agency Update March 8th
Do you think the Buffalo Bills should’ve kept Tyrod Taylor or let him go? Leave your comments below!