New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) looks for an open teammate, Sunday, January 7, 2024.

Reports: Jets add Tyrod Taylor as backup QB

The New York Jets, set to move on from Zach Wilson as their backup quarterback, agreed to a contract with free agent QB Tyrod Taylor, multiple media outlets reported late Monday night.

According to NFL.com, Taylor’s deal is for two years and up to $18 million.

Taylor, 34, began his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, and he subsequently has started games for the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans and New York Giants. He has a career 28-28-1 record as a starter, and he was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 2015 season.

In 92 career games, Taylor has thrown for 12,135 yards and 65 touchdowns with 29 interceptions. He has a 61.7 percent completion rate.

Last season for the Giants, he appeared in 11 games and went 2-3 as a starter. Taylor connected on 64.4 percent of his passes for 1,341 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions.

Aaron Rodgers is expected to return as the Jets’ starting quarterback after his first season with the team ended with a torn left Achilles tendon in the opener.

Wilson wound up leading the Jets to an upset win over the Buffalo Bills on the night when Rodgers got hurt, and he went 4-7 as a starter last season before losing the job. The team used two other quarterbacks late in the campaign, with Trevor Siemian going 2-1 as a starter and Tim Boyle going 0-2.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas announced last month that the team gave Wilson permission to seek a trade.

According to ESPN, the Jets also agreed to free-agent deals with ex-Baltimore Ravens guard John Simpson and ex-San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.

Simpson, 26, started all 17 games last season, his lone campaign with Baltimore. He spent the previous three seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, making 35 appearances and 21 starts.

Kinlaw, 26, appeared in every game for the 49ers last season — including the postseason and the Super Bowl — and started six times. He had a career-high 3.5 sacks and added 25 tackles and three passes defensed.

–Field Level Media

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) rolls out the pocket during the third quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Giants QB Tyrod Taylor to start vs. Rams

New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor will be under center to start Sunday’s game against the visiting Los Angeles Rams, coach Brian Daboll announced Wednesday.

Taylor replaced undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito in the second half of New York’s 33-25 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday.

The Giants (5-10), eliminated from postseason contention, have lost two in a row heading into the game with the Rams (8-7) in East Rutherford, N.J.

DeVito completed 9 of 16 passes for 55 yards, while Taylor finished 7 of 16 for 133 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Eagles. Taylor connected on a 69-yard touchdown pass to Darius Slayton in the fourth quarter.

“I thought Ty did some good things in the second half of Philly so he earned the right to start this game,” Daboll said. “Let’s get ready for the Rams, really have nothing else to add on it. That’s where we’re at.”

Taylor, 34, has completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 725 yards with three touchdowns and one pick in nine games (three starts) this season.

DeVito, 25, has completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 1,087 yards with eight TDs and three interceptions in eight games (six starts) this season.

The Giants lost starting quarterback Daniel Jones to a torn right ACL in their Week 9 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

–Field Level Media

Dec 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Giants coach mum on starting quarterback vs. Rams

New York Giants coach Brian Daboll isn’t ready to name his starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the visiting Los Angeles Rams.

“We’ll talk about that here this week,” Daboll said after the Giants (5-10) dropped a 33-25 road decision to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday.

New York’s QB carousel took another turn after Daboll attempted to “spark the team” by benching undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito in favor of Tyrod Taylor. DeVito completed 9 of 16 passes for 55 yards, while Taylor finished 7-for-16 for 133 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Eagles.

“It’s tough. It’s just a constant reminder that it’s a business,” DeVito said. “They’re always going to try to find someone to replace you, wherever it is. …We’re going to work, watch the film, and do all that. At the end of the day, it’s not me or Tyrod’s decision, it’s the coaches’ (decision).”

DeVito, 25, has completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 1,087 yards with eight TDs and three interceptions in eight games (six starts) this season.

Taylor, 34, has completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 725 yards with three touchdowns and one pick in nine games (three starts) this season.

The Giants lost starting quarterback Daniel Jones to a torn right ACL in their Week 9 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) is shown after he won the first game he started in the NFL, 10-7, against the New England Patriots, Sunday, November 26, 2023.

Giants to start Tommy DeVito despite Tyrod Taylor return

Despite quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s return to practice, rookie Tommy DeVito will start at quarterback for the New York Giants on Monday night against the Green Bay Packers.

“I just thought Tommy earned it,” Giants coach Brian Daboll said Tuesday. “Went back, watched all the tape, thought he played two good games. Obviously there are things we can all work on. Thought he earned the right to play.”

The Giants (4-8) are returning from a bye week that followed back-to-back wins with DeVito, 25, at the helm.

DeVito has completed 62.9 percent of his passes (66 of 105) for 697 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions in five appearances this season. He entered back-to-back games after injuries to Daniel Jones and Taylor, then made his first start against the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 12, a 49-17 road loss. In his three starts, he has six touchdowns and one interception against the Cowboys, New England Patriots and Washington Commanders.

A native of New Jersey who brought a state championship to powerhouse Don Bosco Prep High School, DeVito has become a fan favorite.

“I think Tommy has done a good job,” Daboll said. “He’s improved in each of the games he’s played. I thought he played well the last two games. Made good decisions, was accurate with the football and earned the right to play.”

Veteran Taylor, 34, was placed on injured reserve with a rib injury on Nov. 4. Monday was the earliest he was eligible to return to the 53-man roster based on IR rules. The move opened a 21-day window for Taylor to be activated from injured reserve, and he returned to practice on Monday.

Assuming Taylor remains healthy throughout the week, he’s reportedly expected to dress as the backup to DeVito on Monday night.

Taylor started three games while Jones was out with a neck issue. Jones landed on injured reserve with a knee injury, which pushed the undrafted DeVito into the QB1 role.

Taylor completed 57 of 87 passes for 579 yards and two touchdowns before he was placed on IR.

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) catches a touchdown pass during the first half in front of Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis (52) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Giants put TE Darren Waller, QB Tyrod Taylor on IR

The New York Giants will be without tight end Darren Waller and backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor for at least four games after both were placed on injured reserve Saturday.

The earliest that Waller (hamstring) and Taylor (rib) can return is Dec. 11 against the Green Bay Packers.

Waller, 30, left last Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets. The former Pro Bowl selection is the Giants’ leading receiver with 36 catches for 384 yards and a touchdown.

With Waller out, Daniel Bellinger will start at tight end Sunday. Lawrence Cager will be the backup after he was signed to the active roster Saturday.

Taylor, 34, had started the last three games while Daniel Jones — who will start Sunday — was out with a neck issue. Taylor has completed 57 of 87 passes for 579 yards and two touchdowns.

Undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito will back up Jones after throwing for minu-1 yards in two-plus quarters and overtime against the Jets.

Along with Waller and Taylor, kicker Graham Gano went on IR this week and will need surgery on his left knee. With Gano likely out for the rest of the season, Randy Bullock and Cade York competed this week to replace him. Bullock was elevated from the practice squad Saturday.

The Giants also elevated outside linebacker Justin Hollins from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) catches the ball during the first half Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Giants TE Darren Waller out vs. Raiders; IR a possibility

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller will not play against his former team this weekend due to his hamstring injury.

Giants coach Brian Daboll announced that news Thursday and said Waller could wind up on injured reserve, which would sideline the former Pro Bowl selection for a minimum of four games.

Daboll also said quarterback Tyrod Taylor (ribs) won’t play in Sunday’s game against the host Las Vegas Raiders (3-5). Tommy DeVito will serve as the backup quarterback to starter Daniel Jones for New York (2-6).

Waller, 31, who missed eight games last season due to a hamstring injury, left Sunday’s 13-10 loss to the New York Jets after injuring his hamstring on his lone catch of the game.

Waller leads the Giants in catches (36) and receiving yards (384). He also has one touchdown.

Waller entered the season opener with a minor left hamstring issue, then injured the tendon that attaches to his knee on Oct. 22 against the Commanders.

He hasn’t played a full season since his 2020 Pro Bowl campaign.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, right, sits with quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) in the second half. The Seahawks defeat the Giants, 24-3, at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford.

Giants QBs: No limitations for Daniel Jones; Tyrod Taylor to visit docs

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones will have no limitations in practice this week as he prepares to return from a neck injury.

Left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring) and right tackle Evan Neal (ankle) were expected to be limited participants in Wednesday’s session but both have a chance to play Sunday in Las Vegas, head coach Brian Daboll confirmed.

Tight end Darren Waller (hamstring), a former Raider, and wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (knee maintenance) did not practice on Wednesday.

Daboll said Tyrod Taylor, who started the last three games in Jones’ absence, will meet with doctors after leaving Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets with a rib injury.

Taylor spent Sunday night at Hackensack University Medical Center for observation and was released on Monday.

Jones, 26, last played in the Oct. 8 loss at Miami. He has passed for 884 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions in five starts and has been sacked 28 times.

The Giants (2-6) have dropped five of their last six games heading into the meeting with the Raiders (3-5), who parted ways this week with head coach Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi and general manager Dave Ziegler.

–Field Level Media

October 29, 2023; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) is shown early in the first quarter.

Giants QB Tyrod Taylor, TE Darren Waller injured vs. Jets

New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor suffered a rib injury Sunday and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

Rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito replaced Taylor during the second quarter against the New York Jets in East Rutherford, N.J.

Taylor was attempting to pass, but the ball slipped out and he caught it before running and being sacked near the right sideline. He was taken to the locker room.

Taylor, who has started three games in place of Daniel Jones (inactive because of a neck injury), was 4 of 7 for 8 passing yards and rushed five times for 33 yards.

Should DeVito need to leave the game in the second half, the Giants’ emergency plan is to use running back Saquon Barkley out of the wildcat formation, according to the CBS broadcast.

Earlier Sunday, Giants tight end Darren Waller was ruled out for the remainder of the game due to a hamstring injury.

Waller was listed as questionable due to the hamstring issue entering the weekend but was active to start the game. It was unclear when he aggravated the hamstring amid wet weather conditions.

He had one catch for 4 yards before exiting the game, with the Giants ruling him out shortly after.

Waller, 31, is in his first season with the Giants and caught his first touchdown for the team in last week’s win over the Washington Commanders. The 2020 Pro Bowler entered Sunday with 35 catches for 380 yards in seven games.

For the Jets, defensive lineman Al Woods hurt his calf and was dubbed doubtful to return. Center Connor McGovern suffered an apparent knee injury and had to be helped off the field.

Wes Schweitzer, who made his first start of the season for the Jets at right guard, shifted over to center to replace McGovern. But Schweitzer suffered a calf injury later in the second quarter and was ruled doubtful to return.

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (left) talks with quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) before the game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Giants QB Daniel Jones out vs. Jets; Tyrod Taylor to start

New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor will start his third straight game Sunday in place of the injured Daniel Jones, coach Brian Daboll announced Friday.

Taylor is 1-1 in his previous two starts while subbing for Jones, who will miss the game against the Jets due to a neck injury sustained in the Oct. 8 loss at Miami.

Jones, 26, has yet to be cleared for contact. He has completed 68.9 percent of his passes for 884 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions through five starts this season.

Taylor, 34, has completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 571 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He owns a 27-26-1 record over a 13-year career with six teams.

–Field Level Media

East Rutherford, NJ     October 22, 2023 -- Daniel Jones of the Giants on the sidelines in the second half. The NY Giants host the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on October 22, 2023.

Daniel Jones (neck) still not cleared for contact

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll went down the checklist of Daniel Jones talking points on Wednesday — still not cleared for contact, still not taking team reps, but still the starting quarterback once the first two are resolved.

“He’s our starter,” Daboll said Wednesday of Jones. “I’ve said it, I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked, but I’ve said it a bunch. …

“When he’s cleared, you guys will be the first to know.”

However, it’s looking like backup QB Tyrod Taylor will draw a third straight start this week when the Giants play the crosstown rival Jets.

Jones is “same as he was last week,” Daboll said.

Jones was at practice Wednesday, working out on the side. He was officially listed as limited.

Jones was injured during a 31-16 loss at the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 8 and has missed the past two games.

Taylor is 1-1 in the two starts. He’s completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 571 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.

“Obviously, if (Jones) is healthy, he’s a captain on our team, captain of our team, a leader on the offense,” Taylor said Sunday, “and I am here to support in any way that I can.”

A host of other Giants joined Jones on Wednesday’s injury report. RB Saquon Barkley (elbow), K Graham Gano (left knee), DB Adoree’ Jackson (neck), OL Evan Neal (ankle), OL John Michael Schmitz (shoulder), LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee), OL Andrew Thomas (hamstring) and TE Darren Waller (hamstring) were all also limited. RB Gary Brightwell (hamstring) did not practice.

–Field Level Media