Before the NFL had crowned a Super Bowl champion for the 2015 season, there was already discussion going on in Buffalo about the possibility of a contract extension for quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
General Manager Doug Whaley said in early January that Taylor was on the way toward earning a new deal with the team after one year as a starter, although that didn’t stop the team from engaging in conversations about a contract that would presumably pay Taylor more than the $3 million he’s set to earn in 2016.
Nothing has come to fruition thus far, which could leave Taylor playing for the chance at a big payday next year. Taylor said over the weekend that it’s a chance he’s determined to make the most of on the field.
“The contract situation will play out. My mindset is to go out there and win games,” Taylor said, via James Walker of ESPN.com. “Do whatever it takes to win games, lead the guys, be the leader on the field, off the field and a commander. But I’m not necessarily focused on the contract. I can’t control that. ... I’ve always been one that focuses on the things I can control, and that’s going to be my preparation and how I go out there and play. I’ll let everything else take care of itself.”
There are several ways for things to play out to that aforementioned payday for Taylor in Buffalo, including an in-season extension, an extension early next year or a franchise tag from the Bills. There’s also the possibility he could leave as a free agent, although it’s hard to imagine he’ll play well enough to land a big deal and that the Bills would let him walk.
That brings us to the one common thread to all scenarios. Taylor has to continue to play well for those outcomes to become reality, which makes keeping the focus on the field the best decision Taylor could make in these circumstances.