Upon signing Justin Fields to a free-agent contract, the New York Jets immediately installed the former Chicago Bears first-round pick as their starter. There was no charade of a competition with veteran Tyrod Taylor.
Speaking earlier this week at the Gridiron Gala, Taylor sounded comfortable with the situation. The veteran backup will continue to be ready if called upon behind Fields.
"Whether I did or whether I didn't, my mindset and the way I condition myself to get ready for a season since my rookie year has been [to] approach each and every day as if you're the starter," Taylor told ESPN's Rich Cimini. "As a quarterback, you're an opportunity away, so you want to be well prepared for that opportunity."
Last offseason, the Jets inked Taylor to a two-year contract after shuffling through inconsistent backups in 2023. He appeared in two games but made no starts behind Aaron Rodgers last season.
Taylor said he's friends with Fields and prepared to help the 26-year-old, however necessary.
"We've been good friends throughout his time in the league as well," Taylor said. "So I'm here to support and help the team win in any form or fashion, whether it's me on the field or whether it's me being able to shed some light and experience and coach guys through, whether it's in the quarterback room or any other position. Any knowledge or experience that I could offer to the younger guys that helps the team win, at the end of the day, is what I'm here to do. I'm looking forward to doing that."
Turning 36 in August, Taylor has carved out a solid career after being selected in the sixth round by Baltimore in 2011. In 14 years, Taylor has started 58 games, including five in 2023 with the New York Giants. His ability to move an offense when needed, but not upset the apple cart as a backup, makes him an ideal veteran in the QB room.
During his three-year run with the Bears as the full-time starter, Fields never made it through a season without missing a game. So there is a decent shot that even though he's not the starter to open the season, Taylor could see the field at some point in 2025.
