Tyrod Taylor’s Journey to being the Chargers starter in 2020

Tyrod Taylor was the backup QB for Philip Rivers. With Rivers moving to the Colts, Taylor looks to slide in as the starter for the 2020 season. Let’s take a look at his journey from unknown backup to Chargers starter.

Tyrod Taylor was a relative unknown as he was a sixth-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2011 draft. During that time, Taylor was the backup QB to Joe Flacco. He played sparingly from 2011-2014. Finally, he would receive his chance in 2015 to being a starter for the Buffalo Bills.

Taylor was relatively healthy throughout the time he played for the Bills as he played in a possible 44 of 48 games. His stats left a bit to be desired as he threw for only 3,000+ yards the first two seasons and only 2,799 in his last year as the starter. Though, he did rush for over 400+ yards in each of his three seasons there as well.

Additionally, Taylor did lead his team to the playoffs in the 2017 season against the Jaguars, but in his only playoff appearance there, he left with a concussion as they lost 10-3 and were eliminated.

After that season, Taylor came to the Cleveland Browns in 2018 hoping to start a fresh new slate with the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunately for him, that would be short-lived as he got hurt in the third week of the season and was replaced by first-round pick Baker Mayfield for the rest of the season.

After the short stint with the Browns, the Chargers needed a backup QB for long time starter Philip Rivers. With no starting jobs available, Taylor agreed to join them on a flexible 2 year, $11 million dollar deal during the 2019 offseason.

Taylor played sparingly during the season as Philip Rivers has been a very durable quarterback throughout his career. However, when the Chargers missed the playoffs, there were real questions about Rivers’ tenure extending into 2020 with the Chargers.

After the organization told Rivers they would be moving on from him, they were thought to maybe make a move for Tom Brady. However, Brady has pretty much committed to the Bucs at this point.

The Chargers seem to be inclined to have Tyrod Taylor start as their QB barring any trade surprise. Taylor is a proven commodity as a dual-threat game manager for a team who looks to contend for a playoff spot this year.

If anything, he will look to prove himself once again in hopes of scoring another contract for the 2021 season.