Tyrod Taylor could have signed to start for the Miami Dolphins, but instead he’s headed to the Los Angeles Chargers to become Philip Rivers’ backup.
Niner Noise
As options dwindled for both sides Tyrod Taylor was tied to the Miami Dolphins, where he would have stepped right in as the starter. But instead, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Taylor will sign with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Taylor spent last season with the Cleveland Browns, starting three games before a concussion opened the door for Baker Mayfield during that third game and the rest is history. Prior to that he started 43 games for the Buffalo Bills from 2015-2017, including a brief benching in favor of Nathan Peterman during the 2017 campaign.
Over those three seasons as the Bills’ starter, Taylor had 51 touchdown passes with a 1.3 percent interception rate (16 in 1,236 attempts) while adding value with his legs (525 rushing yards per season, 14 rushing scores).
Contract Details
Rapoport reported Taylor has signed a two-year deal with the Chargers.
National Reaction
Dianna Russini of ESPN reminds us Chargers’ head coach Anthony Lynn was in Buffalo as an assistant when Taylor was there, most notably as offensive coordinator in 2016.
Remember Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn was in Buffalo with Tyrod Taylor. Makes tons of sense. #Chargers
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 13, 2019
Love this move. Tyrod Taylor reuniting with Anthony Lynn. Gives the Chargers one of the best backup QBs in the league. https://t.co/uhTKpLOWHq
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) March 13, 2019
It’s unclear if the Dolphins had any contract negotiations with Taylor, but at least one fan has a new idea for a quarterback to lead what is looking to be a bad season.
now that tyrod taylor signed with the chargers, there’s only one man that can lead the tank in 2019. pic.twitter.com/eZYScB4FtG
— josh houtz (@houtz) March 13, 2019
Chargers writer and podcaster Garrett Sisti likes the move, with Taylor as a more viable backup and the ability to postpone drafting a quarterback to succeed Philip Rivers.
Best move of FA for the Chargers thus far because it means they won't be drafting a QB & that's a big win! https://t.co/UbNlqUG9sg
— Garrett Sisti (@GarrettSisti) March 13, 2019
The Chargers buy themselves some time drafting a QB, they can start looking in 2020 at the earliest and they can also use Tyrod Taylor as trade bait next offseason if they choose to go that route
— Garrett Sisti (@GarrettSisti) March 13, 2019
Since taking over as the Chargers’ starter in 2006, Rivers has not missed a start. That’s 219 total games, counting the playoffs, and he has rarely even come off the field. Being a concrete-footed pocket passer has surely helped him stay healthy as he approaches 40 years old (37, 38 in early December), but Rivers falls under the radar as one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the NFL.
If all goes as planned Taylor will not see the field very much, if at all, for the Chargers. But the decision to sign there as a backup, rather than sign with the Dolphins to be the presumed starter, says it all about the state of those two organizations. And the Chargers finally have a backup that can play a little bit if needed, and people will be able to name easily.