Dec 24, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Field. Miami beats Buffalo 34 to 31 in overtime. Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor restructured his contract and will take what amounts to a $10 million pay cut to stay in western New York, ESPN reported Tuesday.
Taylor signed the restricted deal last week, according to documents obtained by ESPN.
In the restructured contract, Taylor will earn $30.5 million in 2017 and 2018 combined. His contract then will be automatically voided following the 2019 Super Bowl.
Under his previous deal, Taylor would have earned $40.5 million in the 2017 and 2018 seasons combined if the Bills exercised a contract option to keep him under the team’s control through 2021.
The restructured deal avoids paying Taylor the $30.75 million that would have become guaranteed March 11. Instead, Taylor will be fully guaranteed only $15.5 million.
The Bills were expected to release Taylor if he had not agreed to the restructured deal.
It suggests Taylor thought his options were limited with other teams, especially in terms of getting a deal better than the restructured contract he signed with the Bills.
Taylor’s 2017 cap number will drop from $15.9 million to $9.7 million.
Taylor started 15 games for the Bills last season and completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 3,023 yards, 17 touchdowns and six interceptions. He was benched at the end of the campaign.
