Bills Sign Tyrod Taylor to Contract Extension

(photo credit: baltimoreravens.com)

The Buffalo Bills have rewarded quarterback Tyrod Taylor for his strong play last season, as the Bills have decided to give Taylor a contract extension. Taylor is signing a six-year deal worth $90 million, sources told ESPN. Taylor could earn up to $20 million more in incentives that are considered difficult to reach. Buffalo has a $10 million buyout option after the first year, and there is also a buyout option after the second year of the deal. 

“I’m definitely thankful for the Pegulas, for the Bills organization, and for Rex Ryan for giving me an opportunity, first and foremost,” Taylor said. “Them offering me a contract for this many years definitely shows that they’re all in, which is what our phrase is for this year. As far as a mindset going into a game, having financial stability or not having it, I’m a competitor from day one.” Taylor was entering the final year of his contract, and he was going to make $2 million this year, but instead he will now make $9.5 million for the upcoming season. Buffalo announced the deal on Friday, which is a day before their first preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. 

There are multiple team options included in the deal, which means the Bills don’t have to keep Taylor for all six years if he doesn’t work out. “Every year you have something to prove,” Taylor stated. “This is a competition-driven league. It’s not like the NBA where everything is guaranteed. You can get cut at any given time. Every time you step on that field, you have something to prove, and that’s been my mindset every time I step on the practice field. There’s something for me to prove, and I’m going to continue to keep showing that every time.” 

Taylor, 27, is being rewarded for having a career year last season. Taylor showed that he has the potential to be one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in all of the NFL. Taylor missed two games with a knee injury, but in the 14 games he started, he led the Bills to an 8-6 record.

Taylor completed 242 of his 380 attempts for 3,035 yards and 20 touchdowns, which earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl. He also rushed for 586 yards and four touchdowns, which set franchise records for quarterbacks. The Bills have had 12 quarterbacks since 1996, and he seems like he could be the Bills quarterback that sticks around for a long time.