It's shaping up to be the New York Jets' most underrated move of the offseason.
Seemingly determined to install a reliable backup for future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Jets agreed to terms with a veteran who has seen it all during his 14 NFL seasons. Tyrod Taylor has experienced everything from winning a Super Bowl as a rookie backup to Joe Flacco to the Buffalo Bills ending a 17-year postseason drought to being injured by his own team doctor.
"Tyrod is a fantastic human being. I've always been a fan of his and like over the years, I've always enjoyed talking with him when he's on other teams. I think he's had some real unfortunate luck in some situations," said Rodgers when asked about the 35-year-old Taylor on Tuesday.
Over the last few seasons, the quarterback backing up Rodgers was on a rookie contract. In 2023, it was Zach Wilson with the Jets. His last year in Green Bay was spent with the young Jordan Love. Now, Rodgers has a grizzled veteran alongside him in the Jets' quarterbacks room.
"He's got a lot of great stories, a lot of mutual friends, a lot of shared experiences over the years. It's been a lot of fun having a backup who's in his mid-30s," said Rodgers.
The 40-year-old Rodgers and the 35-year-old Taylor account for the NFL's oldest active quarterback tandem, and the former claims that the relationship has been mutually beneficial thus far.
"It helps having a guy who has played so much because he can see things through a different lens because he's been around for so long. He has no obligation to do that for me. He's just a great teammate. We both help each other out," said Rodgers. "If he says something to me, I take it as gospel because he knows what he's talking about and he knows same for me."
With Rodgers being held out for precautionary reasons, Taylor executed QB1 duties during last week's joint practice against the Washington Commanders as well as in the subsequent preseason game.
More New York Jets News:
• Rodgers provides sound advice for Jets' holdout Haason Reddick
• Saleh addresses limited status for Jets WR Mike Williams
• Jets' fan-favorite tight end not practicing, 'dealing with a few things'
• Aging kicker produces 'Play of Day' in Jets' preseason win over Washington
• Jets' first-round pick earns preseason start in hopefully quiet rookie campaign
