When exactly Deshaun Watson will return to action remains unknown. What’s certain is that he will not be taking snaps in Week 1 of the 2021 NFL regular season for the Houston Texans. Instead, it will be veteran Tyrod Taylor who will try to steer the Texans’ offense against the Jacksonville Jaguars at home on Sunday.
Taylor was signed by the Texans to a 1-year deal that’s worth $5.5 million back in March. That’s comprised of a $2.5 million base salary and a $2.5 million signing bonus. Pretty sweet deal. But that’s not all. That contract is also laden with bonus triggers.
Take it away, Mr. Tom Pelissero.
#Texans QB Tyrod Taylor's one-year, $5.5 million deal is worth up to $12M with incentives — and the first $4M is reachable if he retains the starting job all season.
$1 million for 60% playtime
$1 million for 70% playtime
$1 million for 80% playtime
$1 million for 90% playtime— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 6, 2021
The rest of Taylor's $6.5M in incentives:
$1 million for 60% playtime + playoffs
$1 million for 70% playtime + playoffs
$500,000 for Pro Bowl— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 6, 2021
Watson’s situation is cloudy at the moment. Even the Texans might not have an idea how exactly things will shake out with regards to Watson, who is facing sexual assault allegations. Although the NFL has yet to put Watson on the commissioner’s exempt list, it could just be a matter of time before he lands there. It’s a complicated matter that has opened the door for Taylor to relish being a starter again, this time for the Texans.
Before inking a deal with the Texans, Taylor spent the previous two seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers where he made just one start in 10 total appearances.
The 32-year-old Taylor isn’t on the same level as Watson, but he brings dual-threat capabilities for the Texans. So far in his NFL career, Taylor has 9,770 passing yards, 54 passing touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. Moreover, he’s got 1,850 rushing yards and 16 rushing scores to go with an average of 5.4 yards per carry.