This is very much a crossroads season for Ravens backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
According to BaltimoreRavens.com, head coach John Harbaugh told reporters the club would be seeking to bring in another backup quarterback to supplement — or supplant — Taylor, who is entering the final year of his deal.
Via the team website, Harbaugh also indicated the club, while confident in Taylor’s upside, was looking for better play from the fourth-year quarterback from Virginia Tech.
“We’ve been very happy with Tyrod, and we feel like he has a great future, but we have been a little disappointed how he’s played in games certainly,” Harbaugh said, according to BaltimoreRavens.com. “We feel like he’s a lot better than he’s showed. I know he feels that way too. We feel like Tyrod’s best football is by far definitely in front of him, but he’s only got one year left with us, so we need to add a quarterback into the mix, whether it be offseason or in the draft.”
Since entering the NFL in 2011, Taylor has completed 19-of-35 passes for 199 yards and two interceptions in regular season play. He turns 25 in August.
With Joe Flacco secure as the Ravens’ starter, Taylor’s play in the coming season will go a long way toward determining whether he can earn a bigger role elsewhere or whether he can clearly establish himself as a strong backup. In either case, he will have improved his earning potential. On the other hand, if he is replaced as the Ravens’ top reserve, it could be a material career setback.