Tyrod Taylor says he knew what to expect from the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason after watching veteran quarterback Philip Rivers go in free agency.
“I thought the Chargers would take a quarterback” in the NFL draft, Taylor said Friday, speaking with a group of reporters for the first time since the end of the 2019 season. “But it didn’t. never necessarily changed my state of mind or my attack year round. “
With the No.6 overall pick, the Chargers drafted Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert to replace Rivers in the long run, though no time has been set for Herbert to start.
“I was drafted in the sixth round and even on the day I was drafted, I always had the mentality to prepare as a starter,” said Taylor, who is entering his 10th season in the NFL. “So whatever the circumstances, this is how I stay in it mentally and this is how I mentally prepare myself.”
Chargers coach Anthony Lynn has said throughout the offseason that Taylor, who served last season as a replacement for Rivers, was “in the driver’s seat” to win the starting position and confirmed earlier this week that Taylor remained in position to start.
“He hasn’t started for a few years and he’s going to have that opportunity this year,” Lynn said. “I think he will be fine.”
Taylor, who turned 31 this month, is entering the final season of a two-year, $ 11 million contract.
When asked on Friday if he felt a duty to help prepare young quarterbacks, especially Herbert, Taylor said his goal was “to come out and get me ready for a season.”
“At the same time, I’m not hiding any information,” Taylor said. “It’s an open conversation between all of us.”
Since the Baltimore Ravens selected Taylor in the sixth round of the 2011 draft, he has played for four teams, mostly serving as a substitute.
However, Taylor started three seasons for the Buffalo Bills, including two seasons that coincided with Lynn’s time as an assistant and offensive coordinator in 2016.
“He’s a pro and he’s an exciting quarterback,” Lynn said of Taylor, who led the Bills to a playoff appearance in 2017. “He understands the concept and philosophy of caring. football and not lose any games, so we’re excited to see what he can do. “
In three seasons with the Bills, Taylor completed 62.6% of his passes and threw 51 touchdowns, with 16 interceptions.
But after the 2017 season, in which Taylor was temporarily benched in favor of rookie Nathan Peterman, the Bills traded Taylor to the Cleveland Browns, where he faced a situation similar to that in which he was. been placed this season.
Following Taylor’s acquisition, the Browns selected quarterback Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 draft pick.
Taylor got the starting role outside of training camp but was sidelined in week three with a concussion. The Browns inserted Mayfield, who led the Browns to their first win since 2016, and the rookie supplanted Taylor as a starter.
As Taylor prepares to fend off a young quarterback again, he says he’s learned from his Cleveland experience.
“A lot of things that happened in Cleveland were beyond my control, but I never changed my attitude towards what I can do and towards the team,” Taylor said. “To move forward with this one, whether it’s considered the same circumstances, I’m focusing on what I can control, and it’s me who brings my ‘A’ game every day, being a leader and bringing great energy to the building. “
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