Jets were ‘best fit’ for Tyrod
The 2023 season was the year of the backup quarterback around the NFL.
Over half of the teams in the league started quarterbacks who weren’t their starters in Week 1.
The Jets were among those teams who went through a quarterback carousel. Last season, Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles four plays into the Jets season opener and was lost for the season. Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, and Trevor Siemian all started games following Rodgers’ injury but proved ineffective.
After their backup quarterback struggles last season, the Jets signed veteran Tyrod Taylor, 34, to a twoyear deal worth up to $18 million to be Rodgers’ backup.
“Just weighing out the situation, I thought that the Jets were the best fit to be able to come in and positively affect the team,” Taylor said on Thursday.
“I had the chance to go against the Jets three times in the last few years. I always had a lot of respect for the team and for the defense for sure because they create a lot of problems. On offense, they’re just as explosive and have playmakers across the board. They have a lot of guys that can affect games in a big way. I’m looking forward to get on the field with those guys and create plays.”
Because of Rodgers, 40, injury and age, the Jets prioritized finding a veteran quarterback who could start games just in case the worst-case scenario happened again. After trading for Rodgers last April, the Jets decided to make Wilson their backup quarterback despite his lack of success early in his career.
That decision ultimately came back to haunt them.
With Wilson, Boyle, and Siemian under center, the Jets offense finished 31st in yards (268.6) and 29th in points per game (15.8). Meanwhile, the defense continued to play at a high level. The Jets were third in yards (292.3) and 12th in points allowed (20.9).
Because of their offensive deficiencies, the Jets finished 7-10 for the second consecutive year.
“I’m looking forward to getting around the guys and learning different players I’ve been fans of and supporting Aaron,” Taylor said. “At the same time, staying ready for when the opportunity is called if it is called.”