Where Does Tyrod Taylor Rank Among NFL Backup Quarterbacks?
It's often been said that the most popular player on an NFL roster is the backup quarterback.
Fortunately for the New York Giants, they have a solid backup in Tyrod Taylor, who is entering his 13th NFL season and owner of a 26-25-1 won-loss record as a starter. This record, in part, earned him a two-year, $11 million deal last offseason.
While some might believe that the Giants overspent on Taylor, it needs to be remembered that the Giants have had their fair share of incapable backup quarterbacks over the years, such as Mike Glennon, Jake Fromm, and Alex Tanney. Having Taylor, a seasoned veteran who knows the game's ins and outs, is a valuable asset for a Giants team looking to build off their success in 2022.
This is why, in part, SI's Gilbert Manzano, in his ranking of the league's backup quarterbacks, has Taylor slotted as No. 14. Manzano writes:
Taylor has lost starting jobs to Josh Allen, Mayfield, and Justin Herbert; plus, he was once benched for Nathan Peterman, who then went on to throw five interceptions in one half vs. the Chargers. Taylor has had bad luck and bad timing throughout his 12-year career, but he’s been a serviceable starting quarterback. Taylor completes the routine throws (61.4 career completion percentage) and protects the football (60 touchdowns, 26 interceptions).
This seems like a fair ranking for Taylor, whose nearest neighbors in the rankings include Marcus Mariota, Mike White, Tyler Huntley, Sam Darnold, Taylor Heinicke, and Andy Dalton.
While he may not be the top backup quarterback in the league, the Giants can do worse. Taylor has been a starter in this league for many years and knows his way around. He can also serve as a sounding board for starter Daniel Jones in the classroom.
Although Taylor will turn 34 before the regular season, that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to be a mobile quarterback and being able to extend plays. He's also a solid character to have in a team's locker room--his teammates having raved about Taylor.
Nicknamed "T-Mobile," Taylor appeared in just three games for the Giants last season, completing six of eight passes for 58 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed five times for 70 yards, with two fumbles. His experience and ability to step in at any given time have certainly reassured the Giants if Jones is unavailable to play.
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