EXIT STAGE LEFT
The situation with the Buffalo Bills has become a fascinating one. New ownership has begun to make changes to the organization and among their biggest yet was firing head coach Rex Ryan. He was considered the biggest supporter in the building of keeping Taylor as the starter. Soon after his dismissal, the young quarterback was benched in favor of E.J. Manuel.
Now it seems the team has found their next head coach. Most believe that unless it’s interim coach Anthony Lynn, another Taylor supporter, then odds are he’s done in Buffalo. Turns out that may end up being the case.
A good sign: #Panthers DC Sean McDermott will have a 2nd interview with the #Bills today, source said. Could wrap up soon if it goes well
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2017
Odds are the Bills don’t want to pay Taylor the $37 million in guaranteed money he’d be owed if he’s on the roster next season. Cutting him this spring would allow them to avoid that, and also put one of the most interesting free agents in years on the market. Taylor is 14-14 as a starter with over 7, 000 total yards from scrimmage, 47 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. He’s a legitimate dual-threat quarterback with an understated arm.
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THE ROAD BLOCK
So the question becomes if he’s cut loose, how do the Bears get him? They’ll certainly have a lot of competition for his services what with five other teams showing significant needs at the position. First and foremost it will cost money. Luckily Chicago is expected to have over $58 million in cap space this March. That’s not an issue.
Thus it becomes a matter of salesmanship. Can they convince Taylor coming to Chicago is in his best interests? John Fox is known for being good at such things, but even he would have a hard time convincing a player that joining a 3-13 team is a wise decision. That means they might have to get a little more creative. Thankfully there’s a sneaky way they could pull it off. (continue to next page from top)
