The New York Jets are starting over yet again at the quarterback position. This isn’t the only position they will have to replace or have replaced. Starting fresh with new head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey, the Jets will be looking to end the longest playoff drought in the NFL which they haven’t made since 2010.
Legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers was supposed to end the drought. However, things didn’t pan out well for Rodgers in New York, and the new regime decided to move on from him after two seasons in green and white. The backup last year was journeyman Tyrod Taylor, who will be in contention for the starting job barring any major additions, and he’s reportedly got people behind him in the building.
Could Tyrod Taylor Get Another Chance in New York?
Taylor could finally get another chance to be a full-time starter in the NFL. At 35 years old, he could get a fair opportunity in a starting role. Some members of the Jets’ brass reportedly have their support behind him and trust that he could be the guy to lead them to success next season.
“One thing I have gathered in my various conversations is that Tyrod Taylor has multiple supporters in the building. Not only are there people who hold Taylor in a higher regard than one might think for a player who only played in two games in the green and white last season, but certain individuals in that building are complimentary of his ability to pass and run an offense,” said NFL reporter Josina Anderson.
Taylor only appeared in two games last season and accumulated 119 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. While it was in garbage time, it was encouraging to see his performance in his limited action. The new brass is seemingly impressed with Taylor’s abilities as Anderson reports.
While Taylor is aging, he’s always been a threat with his legs. This could be intriguing for the staff as this would add a new dimension that Rodgers wasn’t able to contribute to the offense.
Taylor’s return is a feel-good story, especially if he can turn in a great season similar to Ryan Fitzpatrick back in 2015 and give Jets fans something to root for.
Taylor’s Journey as an NFL Starter and Backup
Taylor spent three seasons as a starter with the Buffalo Bills (43 starts in three years), his best chance as a QB1 in the NFL over his 14-year career. He has been a model professional, which has earned him countless roster spots. He has had stops with the Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Chargers before landing the backup job with the Jets.
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Outside of his stint with the Bills, his other opportunity to start was with the Chargers. After one game, in a routine treatment, his lung was punctured by the doctor. He never got the chance back as star QB Justin Herbert took the job for good.
Over his career, he has thrown for 12,254 yards and 68 touchdowns. His dual-threat ability has always made him an attractive option. He accumulated 2,281 yards on the ground and 19 rushing touchdowns over his 14 years in the league. He has waited his turn, and his time might be now.
The Jets’ quarterback situation will be something to watch. They aren’t in a prime position to get a top quarterback in the draft, and the free agent class isn’t the strongest. Taylor might finally be getting the shot he has waited years for with the Jets. He’s got support within the organization, and only time will tell how far that support and trust will take the Jets.
