The Houston Texans are firm with their decision to let Deshaun Watson stay on the sidelines while remaining on the active roster.
That move paved the way for Tyrod Taylor to start in their season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Davis Mills is their other option at quarterback, but the Texans will go with the more experienced play caller.
However, Taylor’s NFL journey, so far, is a roller coaster ride.
He started his career as a backup for Joe Flacco with the Baltimore Ravens and earned a ring in Super Bowl XLVII.
Posting this pic since Tyrod Taylor is trending. Really wish him success for the Texans. He was so gracious to my boy. pic.twitter.com/w5efmgBZTM
— Matthew Kolken (@mkolken) September 6, 2021
The Buffalo Bills signed him to a three-year contract even if he played sparingly throughout 14 games.
He finally got an opportunity to show his talent when he beat EJ Manuel and Matt Cassell for the starting quarterback role.
Taylor didn’t waste time proving that he belonged and finished the season with 3,035 yards and 20 touchdowns.
That performance relayed to the first and only Pro Bowl selection in his career.
As a result, the Bills rewarded him with a six-year, $92 million contract extension.
In Tyrod Taylor's three years in Buffalo, his best career stretch, the #Bills rankings in rushing, total defense and turnover margin:
2015: 1st (152), 14th and 6th (+6).
2016: 1st (164), 14th and 7th (+6).
2017: 6th (126.1), 7th and 7th (+9).
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) September 10, 2021
He finished the 2016 season with 3,603 total yards and 23 touchdowns from scrimmage.
Taylor got an invite to another Pro Bowl after that season but declined due to injury.
The former Virginia Tech standout had another strong year in 2017 before getting traded to the Cleveland Browns.
Buffalo eventually drafted Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL draft and became the team’s starter after a brief stint by Nathan Peterman.
Meanwhile, Taylor started the Browns’ first three games of the 2018 season before Hue Jackson switched to Baker Mayfield.
His stint in Cleveland lasted for one season, and he joined the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019.
However, an accident ended what could be his resurgence.
Taylor’s Unfortunate Fate In Los Angeles
Tyrod Taylor was the heir apparent to Philip Rivers when the latter left for the Indianapolis Colts in 2020.
However, a rib injury rendered him out of action, which gave Justin Herbert the starting role.
It would be easier to accept if the injury happened in-game.
Unfortunately, the team physician accidentally punctured Taylor’s lung while giving painkillers.
I can think of no bigger tease than pulling a Silver Tyrod Taylor Prizm auto in a break… pic.twitter.com/jIGJGTPjzX
— Stretch Breaks (@Stretch_Breaks) September 11, 2021
Herbert played magnificently throughout the season, earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Sadly, Herbert’s emergence meant that the Chargers did not need Taylor.
In total, Taylor played ten games and threw one touchdown for the Chargers.
Relaunching In Houston
The 32-year-old quarterback is in a one-year deal with the Houston Texans.
Therefore, he would like to prove that he can still command a team to victory.
He wants to go out on his terms if Houston is the last stop in his NFL journey.
Taylor was one of the league’s top quarterbacks for a brief moment, and he wants to show that the talent is still there.
Tyrod Taylor when he was named starting QB for the Texans pic.twitter.com/vpR65xIAq3
— CleWest (@erjmanlasvegas) September 6, 2021
He is raring to show that he is still a potent dual-threat.
It’s no surprise that the Texans’ fall from grace is steep.
They went from being division champions in 2019 to a four-win team the year after.
But leading the team to a respectable record will compel the Texans to give Taylor a contract extension.
He’ll be at peace to find a new NFL home when that happens.
NEXT: Houston Texans Provide More Obvious Details About Deshaun Watson