The Buffalo Bills have decided to restructure Tyrod Taylor’s contract, meaning he will remain the starting quarterback for the franchise and there is one fewer quarterback on the market.
Two months ago our own Sam Monson wrote an in-depth article about how the Bills should build around Taylor. Just Tuesday, I called Taylor an early quarterback fantasy sleeper, regardless of his landing spot. And then today, the Bills announced the following:
We've agreed to terms with QB Tyrod Taylor on a restructured contract.
Welcome back, @TyrodTaylor! pic.twitter.com/TWSKLqHIlm
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) March 8, 2017
Over the last two seasons, Taylor has thrown 37 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. He’s also rushed for an additional 10 touchdowns and, last year, led all quarterbacks with 577 rushing yards. Last season Taylor posted a 73.2-percent accuracy rate even though not one wide receiver on the roster was able to play in more than 14 games on the season. More specifically, star wide receiver Sammy Watkins never overcame his foot injury and was only on the field for eight games all season. Watkins underwent a second foot surgery shortly after the season, and reportedly his rehab is going well.
As of today, the Bills can boast a top-tier running back (LeSean McCoy), a strong goal-line back (Mike Gillislee), and a No. 1 wideout with star potential (a hopefully healthy Watkins). According to PFF, the Bills’ offensive line ranked 11th overall in 2016. If the team can get a complementary receiver to draw defenses away from Watkins, this offense is a serious contender.
There were rumors that the Bills were interested in Brian Hoyer, but it seems the team has concluded that Taylor is worth keeping. This is an especially interesting move for fantasy players, because the Bills’ new offensive coordinator, Rick Dennison, worked with Taylor in Baltimore when he served as Joe Flacco’s backup. The two men know each other well and should build on that chemistry over an offseason in which Taylor is now, with all certainty, the Bills starting signal-caller.
Statement from #Bills HC Sean McDermott on Tyrod Taylor pic.twitter.com/oGVZqbMUKT
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) March 8, 2017