Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills: Narrowing Down the 2017 Quarterback Decision

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:21 p.m. ET

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Dec 24, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) before a game against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

It seems like every Buffalo Bills’ offseason starts with the same question: Who will be the team’s starting quarterback this season?

That is the $27.5 million question the Buffalo Bills will have to answer by March 11th, which is the start of the NFL New Year.

The Bills have been busy with hiring the new coaching staff. They have most of the staff in place and are now putting the finishing touches on positional coaches. Coach McDermott and company have been associated with being hard-working grinders and they will need to put those traits to work quickly.

The Bills will be dealing with new schemes on both sides of the ball.

On the offensive side they need to figure out which direction to go at quarterback as well as implement a new scheme. New offensive coordinator Rick Dennison has worked with Tyrod Taylor in Baltimore and was rumored to be interested in bringing Taylor to Denver before he ended up in Buffalo.

Could Dennison’s offense be better suited to Taylor? Could hiring Dennison suggest the Buffalo Bills would bring Taylor back? Would the Bills adjust their offensive scheme to their quarterback or would they look for a quarterback that fits their system?

Will the Bills approach this season under a rebuild philosophy? Will they try to make a run at the playoffs and finally get the 17 year playoff drought off their backs?

These are all tough questions and what makes them even tougher is they have to be answered quickly. Starting with the quarterback situation.

The Bills have a little over a month to decide if they want to pick up Tyrod Taylor‘s option, try to renegotiate his contract or move on from him. Since late last season, there has been rumors flying regarding Taylor’s fate.

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The reality is the Buffalo Bills backed themselves into this corner by rushing to get a new contract for Taylor done before the start of the 2016 season. Prior to the new deal, Taylor stated that he was prepared to play out the season on his old contract.

Here is a breakdown of Taylor’s new deal if the Bills decide to pick up the option — via buffalorumblings.com.

If the Buffalo Bills decide to pick up the option, they would be on the hook for $27.5 million, with almost $16 million going against the cap for 2017. As shown in the link above, there is also cap implications in the following years.

Over Taylor’s career, he has averaged 145 passing yards per game. In today’s NFL, there needs to be more production out of the passing attack to win consistently. In his defense, the Bills were a run-first team and led the NFL in rushing during Tyrod Taylor‘s time in Buffalo. Taylor had a significant role in that rushing offense with over 500 yards of rushing in 2015 and 2016.

The offense also averaged just under 25 points per game in 2016 at 24.9, ranking them 10th in the NFL. The offense totaled 354 yards per game, 16th in the NFL. The Bills averaged just under 190 passing yards per game, ranking them 30th in the NFL.

There are plenty of arguments both for and against Tyrod Taylor staying in Buffalo. It will ultimately come down to the amount of money involved.

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The Bills have 24 free agents to decide on as well with about $26 million in cap space. With that in mind, the Bills have to ask themselves: Is the production they have gotten out of Taylor worth the investment?

If they decide to keep Taylor, could Rick Dennison’s offensive scheme get more production out of Taylor? Do they look to free agency, explore trades or look in the draft?

The market for quarterback seems to be at an all-time high. Teams are more willing to take a chance and shell out some cash if they see potential, even if that potential can cost up to $25 million per year.

In the event the Buffalo Bills move on from Taylor, what are some options we can explore through the free agency?

Aug 31, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) throws the ball against the Washington Redskins during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Here is a list of potential free agent quarterbacks this off season:

Kirk Cousins looks to be the best available on the list, but I doubt Washington would let him leave — especially given Daniel Snyder’s generosity over the years.

After Cousins there is a pretty significant drop off in production. Could the Bills take a chance on a veteran free agent while saving some money? There are some interesting options, like Mike Glennon and Matt McGloin. There could be free agents out there that can have similar passing production to Tyrod Taylor and have shown game managing potential.

Losing Taylor would negatively affect the running game and some big-play potential with his mobility. Plus, losing the chemistry that has been built in the last two seasons would also hurt.

You can get a lot from stats and numbers, but the best way to measure a winner is by wins and losses. Tyrod Taylor is 14-14 as a starter. This was his 6th season in the NFL, but only his 2nd season as a starter. Could Taylor show more progression and further grow as a quarterback?

He turns 28 this year and it’s possible he has reached his ceiling. Key things that stand out to me are his play in key situations and against the better teams.

The Buffalo Bills beat just one team with a winning record in 2016 — the Patriots under 3rd-string QB Jacoby Brissett. When the Bills needed a scoring drive to take the lead in several games (2 against the Dolphins, Seahawks, Jets) Tyrod Taylor was unable to deliver.

In back to back games against the Raiders and Steelers, the offense stalled when it was needed most. The Bills were ahead 24-9 in the 3rd quarter before three straight 3-and-outs and an interception thrown by Taylor.

The Buffalo Bills lost 38-24.

What about the draft?

Sep 1, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Cardale Jones (7) warms up before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills could start the NFL new year with one quarterback on the roster, Cardale Jones, and add competition through the draft.

Cardale Jones has all the physical attributes needed, but the Buffalo Bills have stated several times he is a development project. Could that change under a new staff?

Jones is similar to Tyrod Taylor, but he has the size that has plagued Taylor in the pocket. Jones did see some action in the 2016 season finale against the Jets, but he showed the need for development going 6 for 11, 96 yards and one interception.

With the 10th overall pick in the draft, the Bills could look for their future franchise quarterback. After once being suggested as a weak draft class for quarterbacks, latest mock drafts have up to 3 quarterbacks being taken in the top ten.

Lately, finding a franchise quarterback in the draft seems like hitting the lottery. If they pick the right one, there could be a quick turnaround for the Buffalo Bills becoming a contender. If it turns out to be the wrong pick, it could set the franchise back several years.

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Here are the top-ten quarterback prospects in this year’s draft:

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There is also the possibility of 5 teams (Browns, 49ers, Bears, Jets, Chargers) looking for a quarterback that pick before the Bills.

Chad Kelly is another quarterback the Bills have expressed some interest in and he could be available in the later rounds. Kelly has a couple red flags in the past for off the field issues, but maybe strong family support and a new discipline oriented coaching staff could keep him on the right path.

Kelly had great seasons in 2015 and 2016 until suffering a torn ACL and lateral meniscus. Some mock drafts have Kelly going as low as the 7th round. If he gets healthy and puts his past mistakes behind him, Kelly could be a steal in this year’s draft.

The Buffalo Bills could also explore trade options. Let’s take a look at some of those options.

Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) sits on the bench while watching game action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

There are a couple of options for the Buffalo Bills if they decide to grab a quarterback through trade.

Some reports have said the Buffalo Bills are interested in Tony Romo.

How much would they have to give up to get Romo? Could they afford to take on his salary?  Is Romo able to stay healthy for a full season?

He has only played in 5 games in the last 2 seasons and he is 36 years old. I’m not sure how reliable he will be next season.

Another potential option could be Jimmy Garoppolo.

The Bills might have to give up multiple draft picks if they wanted to explore trade options and they only have 6 picks in this year’s draft. Taking the current roster and cap number into consideration, the Bills might not want to part with draft picks.

On the other hand, Doug Whaley has shown he isn’t afraid to take risks to acquire players he likes.

There are some quarterbacks who could be released this off season as well. Those names include, Jay Cutler, Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III and Nick Foles. Could any of those quarterbacks resurrect their career in Buffalo? They all had success earlier in their careers, but have had their share of struggles lately.

As another question-filled offseason begins at One Bills Drive, the $27 million dollar question will have to be answered first.

I’m actually excited to see how things unfold under coach McDermott and his staff. A staff stocked full of experience, work ethic and discipline. I hope management and fans can give them the patience and time to try and build a long term competitor in Buffalo.

They need a fresh slate because that kind of turn around may not happen overnight.

Which quarterback do you hope the Buffalo Bills start next season? Leave your comments below!

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