Might Tyrod Taylor’s signing by the New York Giants signal how the organization feels about Daniel Jones, and his future?
The New York Giants agreed to terms with Tyrod Taylor, in a move that on the surface solidifies the team’s backup quarterback position but could have significant implications on Daniel Jones’ future.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Taylor’s deal is a two-year pact worth $11 million that could reach $17 million if the 32-year-old reaches incentives.
It’s a 2-year deal worth $11M, source said — $5.5M per year. There are incentives he’d have to hit to bring it to $17M. https://t.co/59S5EYkjbJ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2022
While it is easy to wonder how significant an impact Taylor might have made last season when Jones was shut down in September due to a season-ending neck injury, the price tag seems to indicate that new general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll have bigger plans for the newest addition to the Giants‘ quarterback room.
Tyrod Taylor may mean Daniel Jones’ days as New York Giants starter are numbered
Schoen and Daboll have no ties to Jones. Nether drafted Jones, nor should either be beholden to Jones trajectory in his upcoming fourth NFL season, but both the new general manager and head coach’s future are tied to showing significant improvement as quickly as possible.
Taylor, meanwhile, crossed paths with Schoen in Buffalo in 2017.
During his three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Taylor passed for 8,857 yards with 51 touchdowns to just 16 interceptions.
If Schoen and Daboll have any reservations about Jones’ upside, it would behoove them to at least open a competition for the starting quarterback job this summer.
Taylor passed for 968 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions in six games in the midst of a tumultuous season with the Houston Texans in 2021.
But, Jones enters a pivotal 2022 campaign owning a meager 12-25 record as a starter with 45 career touchdowns to 65 turnovers.
It is worth noting that Daboll has said that he plans to build an offense around Jones and the plays he’s most comfortable with, which would be a smart way to shepherd a young quarterback’s development.
At a minimum, Taylor is a steady veteran backup. Someone Jones can learn from.
However, it is difficult to envision Taylor choosing the New York Giants in free agency if he wasn’t at least offered an opportunity to compete for the starting job. And the Giants’ brass would be wise to give him that chance.