Tyrod Taylor: Decision Day Fast Approaching for Buffalo Bills
By Paul Taylor
With the Buffalo Bills’ front office and coaching staff reportedly split on Tyrod Taylor, time is running out to decide what to do with the 2015 Pro Bowler.
They often say there’s no smoke without fire. If that’s true, the Buffalo Bills appear to be struggling with what to do about Tyrod Taylor.
Recently, we wrote about how all indications pointed towards the Bills bringing Taylor back next season. However, WGRZ Buffalo have since reported the sense from the combine is that the team will move on from the quarterback.
In truth, these contrasting storylines have been playing out since the end of last season, albeit with more regularity as we approach the March 11th deadline to make a decision. It leads you to believe the Bills genuinely have no idea what to do with the 2015 Pro Bowler.
This line of thinking is reinforced by a separate report from Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. According to La Canfora, the uncertainty emanates from a split between the Bills’ front office and new coaching staff.
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General Manager Doug Whaley and the rest of the front office would prefer to start over at quarterback. La Canfora writes that they are interested in veteran options such as Tony Romo and Brian Hoyer.
The thinking is the $30.75 million Taylor would be guaranteed in 2017 and 2018 for picking up his option, is too much. However, keep in mind it was Whaley and company who agreed this contract in the first place.
On the flip side, new head coach Sean McDermott and his staff would prefer to keep the 27-year old, with no concern for the financial ramifications. Apart from being intrigued by Taylor’s talent, they are unconvinced the Bills will find an upgrade at the position.
As a result, this has led to a standoff, with neither side being prepared to budge on their stance. The situation hasn’t been helped by Taylor’s apparent refusal to renegotiate his contract.
We’ve written previously about how we believe the 2011 sixth round draft pick deserves more time to prove himself. Regardless of his faults, there are bigger issues on defense. (There were five occasions last season when he led the offense to 24 or more points and still lost.)
Overall, it will be intriguing to see how this whole storyline plays out. Do the front office risk going against their new head coach so soon into his regime, and potential lose some of his trust?
Next: Is Trevor Siemian a Realistic Option for Bills?
Where do you stand on the Taylor debate at this point? Do you want him back next season, or are you ready to move on to another option at quarterback? Share your thoughts in the comments section.