NEW YORK — For a three-week interval within the New York Jets’ offseason — from the Feb. 13 announcement that Aaron Rodgers could be launched to the beginning of free company in March — Tyrod Taylor was considered a fallback possibility for the beginning quarterback job.
Then got here the signing of Justin Fields, who was subsequently pronounced by crew officers as their beginning quarterback.
Taylor, commenting for the primary time because the quarterback shake-up, threw his full help behind Fields in an interview Tuesday evening. Taylor would not say whether or not he had anticipated an opportunity to compete for the beginning job — a possibility that by no means got here.
“Whether or not I did or whether or not I did not, my mindset and the way in which I situation myself to prepare for a season since my rookie 12 months has been [to] strategy every day as should you’re the starter,” stated Taylor, who was honored for his neighborhood work on the annual Gridiron Gala by the United Means of New York Metropolis. “As a quarterback, you are a possibility away, so that you need to be effectively ready for that chance.”
Taylor, who backed up Rodgers final season, stated he is aware of Fields “very effectively,” including that they educated collectively this offseason in Atlanta.
“We have been good pals all through his time within the league as effectively,” Taylor stated. “So I am right here to help and assist the crew win in any type or style, whether or not it is me on the sphere or whether or not it is me with the ability to shed some mild and expertise and coach guys by way of, whether or not it is within the quarterback room or every other place. Any information or expertise that I may provide to the youthful guys that helps the crew win, on the finish of the day, is what I am right here to do. I am trying ahead to doing that.”
Fields, 26, was the Jets’ No. 1 quarterback goal in free company. New York gave him a two-year, $40 million contract, together with a $30 million assure.
Had the Jets missed out on Fields and wound up with a cheaper quarterback, it is fairly potential that Taylor would’ve been given a possibility to compete for the beginning job. As soon as the Jets dedicated that a lot to Fields, the plan grew to become clear.
Taylor, who broke into the NFL in 2011, has a 28-28-1 report as a starter. He performed solely 36 snaps final season, in mop-up assignments, finishing 17 of twenty-two passes for 119 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions. Rodgers began each recreation.
Taylor, 35, is a well-liked participant, as evidenced by the turnout Tuesday evening. No fewer than 15 teammates, together with many of the offensive linemen, confirmed as much as help him. Not one of the gamers interviewed by ESPN ventured a guess on what Rodgers, their mercurial former teammate, plans to do along with his profession.
“I am unsure,” Taylor stated. “I’ve received nothing however love for Aaron. Realized so much from him final 12 months. Nothing however respect.”
