With the recent firing of head coach Rex Ryan, the Bills continue to switch things up in Orchard Park. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Bills do not plan to exercise quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s option which would guarantee him $30 million in 2017. Tyrod’s recent surgery has the organization a little nervous. If Taylor cannot pass a physical by March 11th, the Bills owe him $27.5 million. With all of the negative drama surrounding the Bills these past few weeks, I still don’t think we should throw in the towel on Taylor just yet.

Tyrod Taylor has been an interesting story for the Bills, to say the least. He came into camp as the third stringer behind backup E.J. Manuel and savvy veteran Matt Cassel. Taylor quickly won over many fans with his unique athletic ability. As the weeks went on, Tyrod continued to turn heads, ultimately earning him the starting quarterback spot. Like me, many fans were ecstatic to have such excitement for a quarterback since….E.J.?

The Bills offense was much improved in 2015 under offensive coordinator Greg Roman. The running game was clicking and the passing game looked half decent. Thanks to Tyrod’s running abilities, opposing teams were forced to spy in fear of Taylor breaking free. Tyrod racked up 568 yards rushing, breaking Doug Flutie’s franchise record of 476. In addition to being a threat to run the ball, Tyrod also built a scary connection with wide receiver Sammy Watkins throughout the season. After a solid year one from Tyrod, many thought he would receive a well-earned extension, which he did.

In year two, Tyrod was under a lot more pressure. He was on a “prove it” contract, as well as taking on the almost impossible task of bringing the Bills to the playoffs. After a horrendous first couple of weeks and the firing of Greg Roman, the Bills began to hit their stride. However, the Bills disappointed yet again by not making the playoffs. They finished with the #1 rushing attack in the league, showing major flashes of potential on offense at times.

For most of the season, Taylor was playing with a banged-up offense. Watkins missed 8 games, receiver Robert Woods was in and out of the lineup and tight end Charles Clay was nearly invisible. However, when they were together, the offense had flow and showed what they can be. I don’t think it is time to give up on Tyrod just yet.

He can’t throw up the middle of the field! He only looks to run! He’s not a franchise quarterback! People can say a million bad things about Tyrod, but you cannot ignore the fact that he has been the best Bills quarterback since, dare I say it, Jim Kelly.

I compared stats from the following Bills quarterbacks: Jim Kelly 1990, Ryan Fitzpatrick 2012, EJ Manuel 2013, and Tyrod Taylor 2016.

The results: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&y1=2016&player_id1=TaylTy00&y2=1990&player_id2=KellJi00&y3=2012&player_id3=FitzRy00&y5=2013&player_id5=ManuEJ00#totals::3

Tyrod is a very gifted player and has mightily improved the Bills offense in two years. He has a lot of talent around him and has the tools to make the plays and help this team succeed. I honestly think it would be a mistake for the Bills to let him go to only see him progress and get better.

Who do you guys think will end up starting next season? Comment below and let me know who you would like to see.