Backup quarterback became the Jets’ most discussed and analyzed position last season after Aaron Rodgers went down in Week 1.
The Jets are trying to avoid a repeat of this in 2024.
Of course, they want Rodgers to take every snap this season and have reserve players on the sideline.
But just in case, the team signed veteran Tyrod Taylor this year as a backup.
The 34-year-old gives the Jets a proven backup quarterback, which they lacked last year when Zach Wilson filled the No. 2 role.
Taylor joins the Jets for the second time in two years as a backup to Daniel Jones with the Giants.
He has been primarily a backup since 2018 and knows what it takes to play that pivotal role.
“It’s difficult,” Taylor said this week. “I think it takes a special person to learn without getting reps in this league. Last year, some scenarios worked out for some players and some didn’t work out for some players. But as a backup, it’s tough. There are a lot of factors involved, but I’ve always approached my work and my work as if I were a beginner. That’s me. I still train every day as if I’m training to perform at a high level on Sunday.”
Taylor said he is ready if needed.
“When I look back at my career, I think I’ve proven that I can play at a high level when the opportunity comes,” Taylor said.
Last season was the year for backup quarterbacks in the NFL.
Everywhere you looked, there were backups playing that position.
Some were successful, like Joe Flacco, while others were unsuccessful.
The Jets tried to revitalize the offense via Wilson, Tim Boyle, and Trevor Siemian.
Taylor said he likes the moves the Jets made this offseason and believes the offense has a chance to be strong.
“I think we have a chance to be explosive,” Taylor said. “I think a lot of the playmakers are on the offensive side of the ball. As a quarterback, you get really excited when you look at the roster and see a lot of potential for big plays.”
Taylor started five games for the Giants last year after Jones tore his ACL.
He played in 11 years.
“The Giants expressed interest in keeping me,” Taylor said. “It didn’t work out on the business side. But I just respect the organization and wish them the best.”
Taylor doesn’t have to move from where he stayed with the Giants.
All he has to do now is head west to Florham Park.
The Jets will be Taylor’s seventh team in the NFL.
He signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the team.
“I just considered the situation,” Taylor said, “and I thought the Jets were the best fit for me to come in and have a positive impact on the team.”
