New Jets backup Tyrod Taylor ready for ‘tough’ role behind Aaron Rodgers

Backup quarterback became the most discussed and dissected position on the Jets last season after Aaron Rodgers went down in Week 1.

The Jets are trying to avoid a repeat of that in 2024.

They, of course, hope that Rodgers takes every snap this season and the backup can stand on the sideline.

But, just in case, the team went out and signed veteran Tyrod Taylor to be the backup this year.

The 34-year-old gives the Jets a proven backup quarterback, something they lacked last year when they had Zach Wilson in the No. 2 role.

Taylor comes to the Jets after two years as Daniel Jones’ backup with the Giants.

He has primarily been a backup since 2018 and knows what it takes to fill that pivotal role.

“It’s challenging,” Taylor said this week. “I think it takes a special person to be able to learn in this league without getting the reps. I think last year some scenarios played out for some guys and some didn’t. It’s just tough as a backup. Many factors go into it but I’ve always approached my job and the way I go out my way of work as if I’m the starter. I think that keeps me in it mentally as well as physically. I still train each and every day as if I’m training to be able to go out and perform at a high level on Sundays.”

Taylor said he will be ready if needed.

“I think over my career that I’ve shown that when the opportunity presented itself that I’ve been able to go out and play at a high level,” Taylor said.

Last season was the year of the backup quarterback in the NFL.

Everywhere you looked, there were backups playing the position.

Some thrived, like Joe Flacco, while others flopped.

The Jets went through Wilson, Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian as they tried to get their offense going.

Taylor said he likes the moves the Jets have made this offseason and believes the offense has a chance to be a strong one.

“I think we have a chance to be explosive,” Taylor said. “I think a lot of playmakers are on the offensive side of the ball. As a quarterback, you get super excited when you look at a roster and see so many potential big plays.”

Taylor started five games for the Giants last year after Jones tore his ACL.

He played in 11.

“The Giants did show interest in retaining me,” Taylor said. “It just didn’t work out on the business side. But just nothing but respect for that organization and wish them the best.”

Taylor won’t have to move from where he was staying while with the Giants.

He’ll just head West to Florham Park now.

The Jets will be Taylor’s seventh team in the NFL.

He signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the team.

“Just weighing out the situation,” Taylor said, “I thought that the Jets were the best fit to be able to come in and positively affect the team.”