The Buffalo Bills were an improved team in 2015, but not enough to make it to the playoffs. However, the team is building confidence believing that they have the right pieces in place to get to the next level next year. One of those pieces is quarterback Tyrod Taylor who was the unexpected starter and unexpected success of 2015. Playing on a cheap contract, the Bills like the idea of keeping Taylor around.
According to general manager Doug Whaley via the Buffalo News, the Bills are beginning talks to extend Taylor's contract. The quarterback has one year and $1 million left on his deal which is certainly a bargain and the Bills have no plans on altering that this offseason. With other moves needing to be made, the Bills intend to keep Taylor on his remaining contract and will then discuss a new deal should he repeat the numbers of this season. Taylor put up 3,035 yards and 20 touchdowns this season while rushing for another 568 yards and four touchdowns.
"He's warranted enough for us to continue down the road to see if he can be the franchise guy of the future," Whaley said, via the Buffalo News. "I mean if you think about it, if I told you a former sixth-round pick in his first year starting went 8-6, and with his stats and his quarterback rating and what he's brought to the team, I think it warrants him a chance to prove it. Absolutely. And the thing that we like the most about him is the locker room believes in him, we believe in him, and hopefully the fans believe in him."
The Bills can return in 2016 with almost the same cast of characters. The biggest question mark on offense might be the status of Percy Harvin who barely played this season and ended on injured reserve while rumors of retirement floated around. The receiver signed a three-year deal with the Bills in the offseason. He has played a total of 19 games in the past four years which means the Bills could easily give up on the injured-riddled receiver and move on. According to head coach Rex Ryan, Harvin does intend to play next year.
"I've talked to him a couple of times, but just texts back and forth," Ryan said, via the team website. "I think I've talked to him once and I've texted him a few times. More about a personal variety than about where he is on the injury front. I get the sense he wants to play. He had the surgery because he wants to play."
If Harvin is out, the Bills must draft someone to replace him. Sammy Watkins is a star and Robert Woods is a sizable option, but the team needs a talent No.2. That would likely come in the draft as the Bills will spend their money elsewhere to help re-tool the defense and offensive line.