Tyrod Taylor Open to Jets Return, But Will New York Bring Him Back?
Tyrod Taylor is set to hit free agency again this offseason, and the veteran quarterback isn’t hiding his interest in a reunion with the New York Jets. Speaking during Super Bowl week festivities on Radio Row, Taylor made it clear: he’d love to return to the Jets in 2026.
And honestly, the feeling might be mutual.
With the Jets holding the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and widely expected to select a quarterback, Taylor could once again be the bridge - the steady hand to guide a rookie through the early stages of NFL life. It’s a role he’s played before, and one he’s proven more than capable of handling.
Taylor, who turns 37 in August, saw action in six games for the Jets this past season. He threw for 779 yards, with five touchdowns and five interceptions, completing just under 60% of his passes.
His record as a starter? 1-3.
But those numbers don’t tell the full story.
He stepped in after Justin Fields struggled through nine starts and was eventually benched following a loss to the Patriots. Fields is expected to be released this offseason, clearing the way for a rookie to come in - and for the Jets to consider keeping Taylor as a mentor and insurance policy.
Taylor’s been around the block. Since entering the league in 2011, he’s suited up for seven different teams: Baltimore, Buffalo, Cleveland, the Chargers, Houston, the Giants, and now the Jets.
Across that journey, he's racked up over 13,000 passing yards and 73 touchdowns. He’s never been flashy, but he’s been reliable - the kind of quarterback who knows how to manage a game, command a locker room, and help a young signal-caller find his footing.
According to reports, the Jets are interested in bringing Taylor back in a similar capacity to last season - a veteran backup who can step in when needed and offer leadership behind the scenes. And he did that well in 2025. He started four games in the middle of the year, including a win over the Falcons, and nearly pulled off a comeback against Tampa Bay before being sidelined with an injury in December.
That kind of performance - steady, competent, and composed - is exactly what teams look for in a backup quarterback. And that’s why the Jets might not be the only ones calling.
While New York would like to keep Taylor, there’s a real chance they’ll have to outbid other teams to do it. After 15 seasons in the league, Taylor has built a reputation as one of the more dependable veteran backups around. That kind of experience doesn’t come cheap, especially for a team looking to develop a young QB.
So the question isn’t whether Taylor wants to return - he does. It’s whether the Jets are willing to pay enough to make it happen.
In a quarterback room that’s about to get younger, Taylor’s presence could be invaluable. But if the Jets hesitate, there’s a good chance someone else won’t.