If the Houston Texans do eventually decide to trade quarterback Deshaun Watson (and don't net a QB in return), they are sure to have a starting-caliber QB under center to take over.
On Tuesday, Houston signed veteran Tyrod Taylor to a one-year deal worth up to $12.5 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Tyrod Taylor provides some valuable insurance in the event anything happens to unfold with Houston's QB situation…. https://t.co/tpDMAxaSmQ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2021
As NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported, Taylor's incentive-based contract has a base value of less than $6 million.
It’s a 1-year deal for less than $6M for Tyrod Taylor to the #Texans. A very solid deal for a backup. https://t.co/rdQXV285Lw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2021
Prior to Taylor's signing, Watson had been the only QB on the Texans' roster.
The wall-traveled Taylor is a logical fit in Houston, with or without Watson. If the Texans reverse course and deal the Pro Bowler, Taylor could easily step in as a stop-gap QB until a younger option is ready to take over.
Houston continues to avoid conversations with teams in regards to trading Deshaun Watson per sources. They are refusing to trade their franchise QB.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) February 25, 2021
If Watson reverses his course and agrees to continue his career with the Texans, Taylor would become one of the best backups in football — a role he has unexpectedly played for the past three seasons.
The 10-year veteran opened the 2020 season as QB1 for the Los Angeles Chargers, only to unluckily lose the gig when a team doctor punctured his lung, thrusting Justin Herbert into action by Week 3. Herbert never relented the job, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Taylor, 32, has started just four games since 2018. He was a three-season starter for the Buffalo Bills prior to a stint with the Cleveland Browns, where he was ultimately replaced by no. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield.
Taylor is a dual-threat QB and has always been an understated and beloved locker room presence, and his risk-averse approach on the field is ideal for a no. 2 option or spot starter.
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