Bills would make mistake releasing Tyrod Taylor

The Buffalo Bills have to make a decision before the new league year in March. Buffalo has a $27 million option on quarterback Tyrod Taylor, something that if declined, would make the 27-year-old a free agent.

Taylor has never been one of the best quarterbacks in the league. In fact, his numbers have been rather mediocre. Last year, Taylor completed 63.7 percent of his throws while hitting on 20 touchdowns and amassing 3,035 passing yards. In 2016, Taylor actually regressed somewhat with a 61.7 completion rate, 17 touchdowns and 3,023 passing yards.

Yet, the Bills would be making a big mistake if they release him. When making a football decision, a front office needs to think about all of the ramifications. With a foray into free agency, Taylor would immediately be available to sign anywhere, including in the AFC East with the New York Jets. It says something about his ability that if available, Taylor would likely get multiple offers of length from teams both in rebuild mode and contenders such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals.

Here’s another factor for Buffalo to ponder; if Taylor leaves, then what? The Bills have not made the playoffs since 1999 and would almost certainly miss them in 2017 without their starting quarterback of the past two years. Taylor is still young and is yet to be in an offense that supports him with more than a hobbled Sammy Watkins and LeSean McCoy.

There is a realistic thought that Taylor could become one of the top dozen quarterbacks in the league if coached properly and surrounded with some decent weapons. If he goes elsewhere, Taylor would be wise to find a team with an offensive-minded head coach and some playmakers on the outside. In this vein, Kansas City seems like a fit almost too good to be true.

Buffalo has the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and could nab one of the top projected quarterbacks on the board in DeShone Kizer, Deshaun Watson or Mitch Trubisky. Some fans believe this is enough of a reason to move on from Taylor, but there should be a word of caution. Twice, the Bills thought they landed a franchise guy in the first round over the past 15 years. One was named J.P. Losman. The other was named EJ Manuel.

If general manager Doug Whaley is wise, he picks up the hefty option on Taylor and brings in a mid-round pick to compete with him. If Patrick Mahomes remains available in the second or third round, he would be a nice option. Let the two compete, and if Taylor loses out, he can be dealt at a later date. If not, you have the best quarterback in your current situation.