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Should Buffalo Ink Tyrod Taylor Mid-Season?

By Joe Sarro

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass under pressure by New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22-17. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass under pressure by New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22-17. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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When will the Buffalo Bills get a deal done with Tyrod Taylor?

Should a pay day come sooner rather than later for Tyrod Taylor?

Discussions have come about when it comes to the Bills current quarterback situation. Tyrod Taylor is entering the final year of his current contract. Quarterbacks are certainly not cheap in today’s NFL and the Bills front office is aware of this from past offseasons.

Some recent deals for quarterbacks consist of the Houston Texans signing of Brock Osweiler for $72 million total with $37 million guaranteed, the Washington Redskins’ applied franchise tag of $19 million to Kirk Cousins and Philadelphia Eagles’ $35 million dollar contract to potential back up Sam Bradford with $22 million of it guaranteed.

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WGR’s Sal Capaccio  has reported the contract negotiations between the Buffalo Bills and the agency representing pending free agent quarterback Tyrod Taylor are continuing negotiations, and that “both sides are open to an in-season contract extension.” Keeping Taylor will most likely mean giving him more than $37 million guaranteed.

Signing a franchise quarterback mid-season seems to be a bit of a risk, especially in Buffalo. Downfall has happened in the past when the Bills were in this type of situation. They secured Ryan Fitzpatrick to a $59 million dollar extension three weeks after a 21-point comeback against the Patriots and an extremely hot start from the rest of the team. The Bills finished 2-8 after the contract was signed and finished the season 6-10.

I’m not saying that situation will definitely happen again, but the team needs to be sure Taylor is the guy before handing him the keys to the castle.

Taylor does fill in all the boxes when it comes to being a franchise guy with the arm strength, pocket presence, ability to run and interviewing skills at the podium, but the Bills need more out of their starter. He needs to be successful late in the season (meaning, play well in the snow) and an improvement on the stat sheet. While Taylor’s turnover differential was outstanding, Taylor tallied only 20 passing TDs, well enough for 21st in the league.

Watching Taylor for the entire season will give the front office a good grasp on the direction the Bills will head with Tyrod as the leader of their offense. This is why the Bills should strongly consider waiting until at least midseason if not until the end of the year to reward Tyrod with a contract.

Next: What’s in Store for Rookie QB Cardale Jones?

The Bills hold all the cards because they can still franchise tag him at the end of the year if a deal is not worked out. There is no reason to rush into a contract before the season or even in the first half of it. A deal will get done and both sides will be happy, but that deal won’t come anytime soon because there is no incentive for Buffalo to get it done.

Is bringing back Taylor in the middle of the season a good idea? Give us your thoughts.

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