McDermott to evaluate Taylor before deciding his fate
Amid widespread speculation that the Buffalo Bills won't be moving forward with Tyrod Taylor as their quarterback, new head coach Sean McDermott wants to do his own evaluation before cutting the cord.
McDermott, who was introduced by the Bills on Friday, confirmed that general manger Doug Whaley will have final roster control, though the two will work together to make decisions.
With Taylor's future in doubt due to his high salary next season, he insists the decisions surrounding his quarterback are too important to rush.
"When you look at quarterback play in this league, it's critical," McDermott said Friday, according to Nick Veronica of The Buffalo News. "Really at this point, whether it's Tyrod's situation or any other position, let's not get ahead of ourselves right now in terms of those positions.
"I'm going to go through and evaluate every position group, every player, the same way I do everything else: in methodic nature. With respect to specific players, Tyrod in this case, there will be a time for that. Right now, it's about this organization, and "we," and getting this thing looking the way it needs to look."
Taylor would be guaranteed more than $30 million from the Bills if he remains on the roster past the March 11 deadline. The quarterback, who had hernia surgery after the season, would also need to be deemed healthy by that point.
McDermott said it was "premature to expand any further" about Taylor's status, but did offer him some compliments.
"Fine young man," he said "I remember going against Tyrod a little bit in the preseason, I've watched him in crossover tape, so I know the skill set, I know what he brings to the table ...
"I'm going to go through and be diligent with this evaluation or the roster, along with Doug (Whaley), and doing this the right way."
If the Bills choose not to keep Taylor, they'll likely have a tough time finding a replacement, as there are no quality starters set to hit the free-agent market, and their draft pick is too low to guarantee a chance at selecting a top-end prospect.